Why did Washington want the nation to remain neutral in foreign affairs?

Do Now: Describe how America is involved in Foreign Affairs. Does the US “Stick its

nose in everyone's business?”

Setting the Scene• Late in ______, French ships arrived in

American ports with startling news. On July 14, an angry mob in Paris, France, had destroyed the Bastille, an ancient fort that was used as a prison. The attack on the Bastille was an early event in the French Revolution. Before long, the revolution would topple the monarch and lead to the execution of the thousands of ordinary French citizens.

• Like Americans, the French fought for liberty and equality

Responses to the French Revolution

• Peasants and Middle class paid heavy taxes.• Nobles paid none.• Reformers wanted a constitution like

America to protect basic rights.

American Support

• At first, most Americans supported the French Revolution.• France was their ally, France helped

America win the Revolution.• In 1793 the King and Queen were

killed.

Violence Stirs Division

• The violence in France divided Americans.

• Some, like Thomas Jefferson, continued to support the French. Jefferson felt that violence could win freedom.

• Others like Alexander Hamilton and John Adams felt that violence was wrong.

The United States Remains Neutral

• Europe was soon plunged into a string of wars that lasted on and off for more than 20 years.

A Difficult Decision

• President Washington had to decide on a foreign policy - the actions that a nation takes in relation to other nations.

• During the American Revolution, the US and France had signed a treaty that made the two countries allies. Now France wanted to use American ports to attack British ships.

• Neutral means not taking sides in a conflict.

Division in the Cabinet• Hamilton argued that since King Louis XVI was

killed the US no longer needed to hold to the treaty.

• Jefferson who had supported France, urged strict acceptance of the treaty.

• Neutrality Proclamation in April 1793. It stated that the US would not support either side in the war.

• This was a defeat for Jefferson, other defeats eventually led Jefferson to leave the Cabinet.

Struggling to Remain Neutral

• Though America was Neutral they still wanted to continue trade. However, those warring nations seized American cargoes headed for each other's ports.

Jay’s Treaty

• 1793, British captured more than 250 American ships trading in the French West Indies.

• Washington, knew that the US was to weak to fight • Washington sent Chief Justice John Jay to Britain

for talks.• Jay negotiated an agreement that called for Britain

to pay damages for the seized American Ships.• Britain also agreed to give up the forts it still held

in the West. Meanwhile, Americans had to pay debts long owed to British Merchants.

Washington Retires

• Farewell Address - George Washington's retiring speech in 1796 that advised Americans against becoming involved in European Affairs.

• He knew that America was still to young to contend with foreign political affairs. America could not survive a war.

On a yellow piece of paper

• Was Washington's call to not help France right or wrong? Why or why not? Describe in detail. Would you help a friend if it meant that you would get in trouble?