1. BR: 4/11/17
What do you think might be most challenging as president of the U.S.? Would YOU want the job? Explain?

2. U.S. History
Ch. 8.2 Early Challenges

3. Struggles in the New Country
Taxes are never popular. In the Western part of the U.S., many people used Whiskey as money for payments, and so they were very upset when whiskey was taxed to pay off the national debts that the U.S. had after the Revolutionary War. This was called the Whiskey Rebellion of 1794 VID.
This firmly established the federal government as the ones in charge, still the case today. However, the U.S. had other problems. France, Spain, and Britain still didn’t exactly respect the U.S. as their equals.
And, the Native Americans in the Northwest Territory didn’t either. Encouraged by the British, the natives demanded Americans leave the area. Several battles were fought to decide who got to control the area. The Natives defeated the Americans badly at Wabash River (1791), but the tables turned in 1794 at the Battle of Fallen Timbers, leading to the Treaty of Greenville. VID
Federal Government

4. Problems W/ Europe
Meanwhile, in 1789 the French Revolution began in France. Many Americans supported it at first, believing it embodied the ideals of the American Revolution.
However, by 1793, the revolution was getting out of hand. Many thousands had been executed by the revolutionaries, as had the king and queen. The French had gone too far in many peoples’ opinions, and support was divided for the French. This was made possible by the guillotine VID
Also, some Americans preferred we keep the peace with Britain. Washington’s own cabinet was split: Hamilton, Adams, and others were on the British side, while Jefferson and others were pro-French. Then France and Britain declared war on each other in 1793.
To keep the peace, Pres. Washington soon issued the Proclamation of Neutrality, saying we wouldn’t side with either country. VID

5. More European Problems
Meanwhile, the British didn’t like that the U.S. was still trading with both sides…especially with the French. They began imprisoning American ships and sailors, and forcing them to serve the British navy. This was known as impressment. It REALLY ticked off Americans.
If you were Washington, what would YOU do?
Turn and share your thoughts with a partner:
Washington sued for peace. He sent John Jay to meet with the British, and they agreed. The British would pay some damages for ships seized, and allow American trade to continue, and settled debts from before
Many Americans disagreed, believing we were acting as Britain’s servant in the matter, and not satisfied that Britain was truly sorry for what they did. The treaty, Jay’s Treaty, was sent to the Senate for ratification: VID
Meanwhile, Spain worried that Britain and the U.S. might team up against it, and so Thomas Pinckney was sent to work out the 1795 Pinckney’s Treaty, aka the Treaty of San Lorenzo: VID

6. Washington Bids Farewell
After 8 long years as president, Washington was ready for that retirement he had long been considering. He announced in Sept that he would not be seeking a third term. This precedent would be followed by nearly every U.S. president ever since.
In his farewell address, Washington does some important things:
Sets the precedent/tradition of a two term presidency
Suggests we stay away from “entangling”/permanent alliances
Suggests we stay out of European politics / affairs
Speaks out against political parties.

7. HW: Due Next Time
So, imagine that you are George Washington, and as president, you are trying to deal with the efforts of France and Britain trying to get you involved in their conflict. Would you be neutral, like he did, and sue for peace with both France and Britain, as well as Spain? Or would you take sides?
That is your task: create a proclamation (or perhaps an executive order), where you as president take an official stance on these issues. Congress would still have to agree to anything, but you’re the president, so that part is your call. See the assignment for more info.