Global Issues 1789-1795

The French Revolution https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEZqarUnVpo Thomas Jefferson: U.S. minister to France supported the Revolution Many Americans supported the Revolution and celebrated French independence Some Americans were not as pleased. They were disturbed by the beheading of King Louis XVI and Queen Marie-Antoinette.

U.S. Neutrality Following the French Revolution, France and Great Britain went to war. Americans were split, some siding with France and others with the British. Congress was also divided Washington: Issued the Neutrality Proclamation. Stating that the United States would not take sides with countries at war in Europe. What was Washington thinking? This was the safest and most reasonable plan.

Citizen Genet Edmond Genet: France’s new representative to the United States Came to America seeking supporters for France. He found 4 sea captains who agreed to command privateers – private ships allowed by a country to attack its enemies. George Washington: warned Genet that recruiting privateers on American soil hurt U.S. neutrality and was sent back home. Thomas Jefferson: wanted Genet sent back home, but wanted to support France. Believed that pro-British Hamilton was influencing the president’s foreign policy. Eventually, Jefferson decided to leave Washington’s cabinet.

Jay’s Treaty In 1793, the British began seizing all ships carrying food to the French West Indies. British encouraged American Indian uprisings on the western frontier. Could this lead to another war against the British? In 1794, both sides reach an agreement. Jay’s Treaty was a compromise. Great Britain: agreed to pay damages for seized American ships and abandon their forts United States: would pay the pre-Revolutionary debts it owed to British merchants

Jay’s Treaty Many Congressional leaders: argued that the treaty was unsuccessful Why? Ignored important issues. Did not prevent Britain from capturing large American ships or supporting American Indians on the frontier. Washington: disliked the treaty, but felt that it was the best the United States could do. The Senate approved the treaty.

Pinckney’s Treaty Dispute about the border between the United States and Florida with Spain. Spain closed the port of New Orleans to U.S. trade in 1784. After negotiating, the Spanish minister Manuel de Godoy agreed to Pinckney’s Treaty. Spain agreed to change the Florida border Spain reopened the port at New Orleans to American ships Washington and most other Americans considered Pinckney’s Treaty a success.