Post on 17-Dec-2015
Challenges of the 1790sChapter 6, Section 2
France in 1790Overthrow of the
French monarchy◦Monarchy – a type of
government where there is a sovereign ruler (king, queen, emperor)
The French are fighting against the British and want us on their side mainly because they need our ships
America’s NeutralityWashington wants to remain
neutral◦Although, he does agree to recognize
the new government in FranceWashington believes that
neutrality is the key to future growth and prosperity
April 1793 – Washington issues Neutrality Proclamation◦Sticks to this for the rest of his
presidency
Trouble with BritainBritish start taking
American ships◦Said the ships were
carrying French goods◦Threw American sailors into
prisonBritish were causing
trouble with Native Americans in the Northwest Territory (which Americans owned)
Jay’s TreatyWashington and John Jay
negotiate with Britain◦British agree to pay for damages to
American ships◦Agree to leave the forts in the
Northwest◦US agrees to pay debts owed to the
British◦Jay’s Treaty was unpopular in the US
Pinckney’s TreatyBecause of Jay’s
Treaty, Spain was worried the US and British would unite against Spain
Pinckney’s Treaty settled border and trade disputes with Spain
Conflicts in the Northwest TerritoryLittle Turtle (a Miami chief) and his
tribe did not like white settlement in the Northwest
Americans and Native Americans fought for the territory
Resulted in the Battle of Fallen Timbers where Americans beat the Natives
Sign the Treaty of Greenville – Natives give up lands in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan
Washington ResignsServes a second term even
though his health is declining and he doesn’t want to
Refuses to run for a third termSays a farewell address to the
country◦Warns against getting involved in
party politics◦Warns against getting involved in
foreign affairs
Election of 1796Thomas
Jefferson was the Democratic Republican candidate
John Adams was the Federalist candidate
Election of 1796Adams wins
◦Does not have full support because of sectionalism (loyalty to one’s region)
◦Adams is a New Englander, South doesn’t like him
Jefferson comes in second and is Vice President◦Adam’s greatest political rival
XYZ AffairFrench ships seize US
merchant shipsAdams sends 3 diplomats
to settle issues◦Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and
John MarshallThe French send 3 minor
diplomats who demand bribes and a loan
“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”
XYZ AffairXYZ Affair brings support for
FederalistsDemocratic-Republicans are pro-
French◦After the XYZ Affair Americans are
skeptical of the French and of foreigners in general
◦Congress is able to pass laws that would protect America against foreign enemies and domestic dissent
Alien and Sedition ActsThree alien laws were aimed at
French and Irish refugees who supported France◦Increased period of residency to
become a citizen from 5 years to 14 years
◦Required foreigners to register with the government
◦Allowed the president to jail or expel any foreigner thought to be “dangerous to the peace and safety” of the country
Alien and Sedition ActsSedition Act
◦Outlawed any opposition to government policies by actions or by “false, scandalous, or malicious writing”
◦Contradiction to the first amendment rights of free speech and free press
Virginia and Kentucky ResolutionsDrafted by Thomas Jefferson and
James Madison◦Argued that the Alien and Sedition
Acts were unconstitutional◦Called for state legislatures to nullify
the laws (make them void)◦Only Virginia and Kentucky passed
the resolution