Foreign Policy and Washington’s Farewell

Focus Question: How did foreign policy challenges affect political debate and shape American government?

Million $$$ Question: Should US support the French vs. Britain?

French Revolution (1789) Reaction• Democratic-Republicans supported France• Federalists- support Britain – the French are

crazy!• Washington: uphold treaty with France? This

risks going to war with Britain & hurting the US economy

• George Washington issues Proclamation of neutrality - the country is too new to get involved in a war

NEUTRAL: The US does not

support either side

Fighting with Native Americans

• There are British forts in American territory (west)

• The British trade fur with Native Americans ($$)

• They encourage Indians to resist American expansion west - give Indians guns!

• Miami Confederacy (Indians) led by Little Turtle defeated US forces in two battles (1790-1791)

• Little Turtle is a great Indian leader who is able to unite many tribes against the US

Battle of Fallen Timbers The Miami Confederacy force of 2,000 warriors was defeated in 40 minutes by US forces on August 20, 1794.

*Treaty of Greenville signed: Native American leaders give Ohio to U.S.

- The Northwest Territory is open for settlement!

Battles with Native Americans

"Charge of the Dragoons at Fallen Timbers," painted by R.T. Zogbaum, ca. 1895.

Treaty of GreenvilleOhio territory sold for$20,000 + annual payment of $10,000

Jay’s Treaty• John Jay negotiates this treaty with Britain• Britain will give control of the NW Territory to the US BUT Britain will be allowed to continue the fur trade

so don’t have to leave

**Many Americans aren’t happy About this treaty, but it avoids warWith Britain

Pinckney’s Treaty, 1795

• Treaty with Spain• Gave all land east of the Mississippi River

(except Florida) to the US• US citizens were allowed to use the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans• Great for trade!!!

Modern day New Orleans port area

Why is this important for the US?

George Washington warned of the harmful effect of political parties during his 1796 Farewell Address:

“It agitates the community with ill-founded jealousies and false alarms; kindles the animosity of one part against another; foments [incites] occasionally riot and insurrection. It opens the door to foreign influence and corruption…”

George Washington’s Farewell Address Advice

1. Avoid political divisions into parties2. Avoid alliances with other countries3. Do not get involved in European affairs.

RECAP: Washington’s Achievements

1. Defeating the Indians2. Opening Western Lands for

Settlement3. Keeping the U.S. out of War with

Britain4. Great Foreign Trade ($$)5. Stopped the Whiskey Rebellion

BUTAlso deep divide between political

parties!

Notes Quiz – Open Note

1. Who was Jay’s Treaty negotiated with

2. What were the major terms of Pinckney’s Treaty?

3. List 2 things Washington warns about in his farewell address.