The Limitations of Jefferson’s Foreign Policy Advice

Something Old, Something New Washington faced three major foreign problems during his administration: 1)Continued British challenges (old) 2)Continued Spanish disrespect (old) 3)French Revolution (new) As the Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson was the most responsible for advising Washington on these problems.

French Revolution... In 1789, the French people overthrew their King and set out to create a democratic government. This was partly inspired by the ideals and success of the American Revolution and the massive amount of French debt left by helping us defeat Great Britain. Many Americans, including Thomas Jefferson, were very supportive of the Revolution at the beginning.... Reign of Terror By 1793, radicals had taken over in France and the revolution had turned very violent. Many Americans, including Jefferson, were upset and alarmed by these events.

France asks for help By 1793, the French Revolution spilled over into separate conflicts between France and other European countries, including Great Britain. France asks for the Americans to honor the Franco- American Treaty of 1778 which pledged an “indefinite defensive alliance” between both countries. Jefferson believes Washington needs to honor the treaty. Hamilton warns Washington of the economic effects of fighting Great Britain, our largest trading partner. On April 22, 1793, Washington announces his Proclamation of Neutrality. Stating that the US will not help either Great Britain or France.

Problems with Neutrality France was angry! They saw neutrality as a violation of the 1778 treaty. They began the seizure of American merchants ships and the impressment of American sailors. Great Britain saw American attempts to trade with France as helping their enemy, so they also began to seize ships and impress sailors. Jefferson saw Hamilton’s interference and Washington’s actions as a violation of his advice and role as Secretary of State. He resigned his office on Dec. 31, 1793.

British Problems The British were still: -Occupying Western Forts -Arming Western Indian tribes -Seizing neutral US ships in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Against the wishes of the still Republican controlled State Department, Washington sent a Federalist John Jay to negotiate a peaceful resolution to these problems in This agreement was called Jay’s Treaty.

Spanish Problems The Spanish were still: -Occupying disputed land in the South. -Arming Indian tribes -Refusing the “right of deposit” in New Orleans to US ships. Washington sends the ambassador, Thomas Pinckney (another Federalist), to negotiate a peaceful resolution to these problems in This agreement was called Pinckney’s Treaty.