FOREIGN POLICY AND THE EARLY REPUBLIC Between Scylla and Carybdis

FOCUS QUESTION: What criteria are typically used to judge a nation’s foreign policy? Explain which of these criteria do you believe is the most important.

The Tightrope Britain and France had long been rivals Since the French Revolution, matters grew worse  Britain took the lead in wars against Revolutionary France  Sponsored European rivals of the French  Harried French shipping

U.S. had to maintain balance U.S. had a treaty of alliance with France U.S. did most of its business with Britain  Collected most government revenue through the tariff Jeffersonians supported France Federalists supported Britain

Foreign Policy Actions Washington and Neutrality  Recognized weakness of the national government  Military and economic  Cancelled the treaty of alliance with France  Angered France, but preserved peace  Citizen Genêt Affair  Negotiations with European Powers  Jay’s Treaty with Britain  Pinkney’s Treaty with Spain (Treaty of San Lorenzo)

Foreign Policy Actions (II) Adams and the Quasi War with France  Fought to end French predations on American shipping  Saw the use of American frigates against the French Led to the Convention of 1800

Things Grew Worse Under This Man

General War Developed Britain and France formally at war from most of the period from 1793 to 1815 What was the U.S. to do?