George Washington American President The French Problem The Whiskey Rebellion Washington’s Farewell Address

Washington and The Presidency Unanimously elected president by electoral college He brings dignity, strength, and a sense of purpose to the office Knows that he will set precedents concerning the office and how government operates

Those Crazy French! In 1789 the French Revolution occurs. The United States supports it until the bourgeoisie are being executed at the guillotine. The French Revolution is responsible for a war that involves many nations from Europe who are tied up in numerous alliances.

The Guillotine

Washington on Alliances Washington does not want the United States dragged into the war in Europe caused by the French revolution. To avoid warfare, the Neutrality Act of 1793 barred ships of nations fighting from American ports. American merchants will trade with both the British and the French. The economy booms!

The “Citizen”Genêt Affair French diplomat Edmond Genêt visits in 1793 the United States to raise money and recruit privateers to fight the British. He publicly challenges Congress to debate the Neutrality Act. He hopes that Congress will side with the French and declare war with the British. Washington will send Genêt back to France.

George Washington vs. “Citizen” Edmond Genêt

Jay’s Treaty 1794 British have seized 250 American ships and have impressed thousands of American sailors. The treaty demands that the United States pay British debts from the war and that British ships can seize French goods on American ships. American sailors captured by a British warship.

Jay’s Treaty 1794 John Jay is sent to negotiate peace with England England agrees to the treaty because America is indebt to them and agrees to remove their forts from America But they refuse to call the seas neutral for others

Pinckney’s Treaty, 1795 Fearing and alliance between America and England the Spanish offers free navigation of the Mississippi and the right to land in New Orleans Both sides promised no to entice Indian attacks on each other The treaty also settled the boundary disputes over Florida

The Ohio Question Desire to move West continues to plague the government English forts still on American soil Indians are attacking American settlers in Ohio Valley Americans in West feel government is ignoring them

The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 A Whiskey Tax was placed to collect money on whiskey. Poor farmers complain that they are already taxed because they use corn to produce the Whiskey! They will rebel against local sheriffs who enforce tax Washington reviewing troops.

The Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 The farmers threaten to burn Pittsburgh Washington leads a large federal force to confront farmers, at the sight of Washington’s army they flee People will now respect the federal government

Washington’s Farewell Address Washington warned of the “baneful effects of the spirit of party”. That the United States should actively pursue “extending commercial relations”. And avoid “as little political connection as possible with” foreign nations. “Peace and prosperity.”