NAP TIME N: #34 Washington’s Legacy A: Test on Monday!! P: Paper and Pencil

Storming the Bastille

The French Revolution While Americans are ratifying their Constitution, unrest is threatening to rip open revolution in France. July 14, 1789 – An angry mob destroys the Bastille, a prison in Paris, France. This event was one of many that lit the flame of revolution in France only a few years after Americans had won their independence from Britain. Like the Americans, the French fought for liberty and equality. But as the French Revolution grew more violent, American politicians began to feel uneasy. Would America join the fight? Or will she stay neutral?

The French Revolution

Rebellion Against King Louis XVI The French were upset with their King: The Poor and Middle Class would pay heavy taxes while the wealthy nobility paid none. The people wanted to limit the power of the King. The people wanted rights!

Reign of Terror In the 1790s, the French Revolution turns violent. A radical group gains power and beheads King Louis XVI and his wife Queen Marie Antoinette. Thousands of French citizens would be killed in what would be known as the “reign of terror.”

American Opinion Divided Thomas Jefferson, who spent many years in France, was happy that the French were in the throws of revolution. He did, however, condemn the execution of the king and queen. Still, Jefferson felt that the French people had a right to use violence to gain their freedom.

Alexander Hamilton and John Adams disagreed with Jefferson. They felt that the French Revolution would fail. They thought that the French could not achieve democracy through violence.

Europe Turns to War Fearing that the French Revolution would spur the people in their countries to start their own revolutions, monarchies throughout Europe send armies to France. Britain, Spain, Prussia, Austria, and the Netherlands sent troops to stop the revolution. Europe would be at war for 20 years.

The U.S. Stays Neutral President Washington is faced with a difficult decision. He must form a foreign policy for the United States. Foreign policy – the actions and stands a nation takes in relation to other nations. One small problem: The U.S. and France had an old treaty allowing French ships to use U.S. ports. The French wanted to continue to use these ports to supply their ships and launch attacks on British ships.

“It is the sincere wish of United America to have nothing to do with…the squabbles of European nations.” - President Washington

The Cabinet Divided Alexander Hamilton points out to the French that the treaty allowing the use of U.S. ports was an agreement made with King Louis XVI. Since he was now dead, the treaty was not longer in effect. Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton. He also was very suspicious of Hamilton’s apparent friendly relations with Britain. Jefferson urged Washington to support France in their Revolution.

Neutrality Proclamation President Washington makes a decision; neutrality. The United States issued the Neutrality Proclamation in April It stated that the U.S. would NOT get involved in any conflict between Britain and France. Americans were not to help either side. Jefferson, due in part to this decision and his consistent disagreements and conflicts with Alexander Hamilton decides to resign from Washington’s Cabinet.

Washington Retires 1797 – Washington publishes his Farewell Address. In it he announced that he would retire. He sets a precedent by serving only two terms. He urges the United States to remain neutral in foreign affairs. Avoid alliances with European nations or run the risk of being dragged into war.

Review Questions

How did the Revolution in France divide Americans? While they supported the French people’s desire to gain their liberty, many Americans turned against it after it turned violent. Still, others, like Thomas Jefferson, felt that the French had a right to use violence to gain freedom.

What advice did Washington give in his Farewell Address? Washington advised Americans to avoid getting involved foreign affairs.

What does foreign policy mean? Foreign Policy: the actions and stands that a nation takes in relation to other nations.

Hug it out, Bro. It’s over.