Foreign Affairs in The Young Nation

Chapter 12

12.1 Introduction

• George Washington defined the nation’s first foreign policy (dealings with other nations).

• The seal of the Unites States: 1. Pyramid: represents strength and endurance. 2. Eagle: represents national power.

12.2 Washington Creates a Foreign Policy

State of the New Nation• U.S. did not have an army; feared a big,

standing army, and didn’t have the money for one.

• Nation was surrounded by unfriendly nations.• U.S. had agreed to help France during the

Revolutionary War if it were to get into a war.

The Foreign Policy• U.S. was not ready for war, especially w/ G.B.• Washington adopts a policy of neutrality in regards to was between

G.B. and France.• U.S. would not take sides.• The Policy: U.S. would not become entangled in the affairs of

foreign nations.• This policy is known as “Isolationism.”

12.3 Dilemma 1: What Should Adams Do to Protect American Ships

The Jay Treaty• Washington sends J. Jay to London to negotiate w/ the

British.• They agree to pull out troops from Ohio River Valley.• French view this as betrayal of the U.S. and seize 316 U.S.

ships.

Complaints Against the British• The British were still occupying a number of forts on U.S. territory in the Great

Lakes region (the Northwest Territory).• The British were continually capturing and impressing American sailors into

British service• American merchants wanted compensation for 250 merchant ships that had

been confiscated during 1793 through 1794.• Southerners in the United States wanted monetary compensation for the slaves

that the British Army had taken away from them during the Revolutionary War.• Merchants in both America and in the Caribbean wanted the British West Indies

to be reopened to American trade.• The boundary with Canada was vague in many places, and needed to be

delineated clearly.• The British were believed to be aggravating Native-American attacks on settlers

in the West.

The XYZ Affair

• Adams sent representatives to meet with French For. Minister, who are met by 3 agents named “X”, “Y”, and “Z.”

• The agents demand money to meet with the minister.• U.S. refuses and prepares for war. Navy ships and

privateers seize 80 French ships.

12.4 What Happened: Adams Pursues Peace

The Peace Mission• Adams sent a peace mission to France, outraging the

Federalists.• Napoleon had taken over France and was eager to make

peace with G.B. and U.S. and agreed to Adams’ terms.

Adams’ Popularity and the Federalist Party

• The Federalists were furious with Adams for pursuing peace.

• Feds. were thrilled to be almost at war w/ France.• Adams loses his next election and the Federalist Party

fades.

12.5 Dilemma 2: How Should Jefferson Deal with Pirates

Impressment• G.B. and France at war again in 1804.• Both b/g seizing U.S. ships and impressing (kidnapping

and forcing to serve in the British navy) U.S. sailors.• The British Leopard opened fire on the U.S. Chesapeake, killing 21 Americans.

Piracy

• Barbary States demanded tribute ($) for U.S. ships to enter the Mediterranean Sea.

• Ruler of Tripoli declared war on U.S. when Jefferson stopped the tribute.

12.6 What Happened? Jefferson Solves Half the Problem

The Barbary Pirates• Jefferson sends a fleet to the Barbary Coast where a

U.S. ship is captured.• U.S. invades the Tripoli port and burns the ship.• A year later they sign a peace treaty with Tripoli.• In 1815, U.S. and European naval forces destroy the

pirate bases.

Impressment and Seizing Ships

• By 1815, G.B. and France seize over 1,500 U.S. ships.• Jefferson proposes a trade embargo (no trade at all w/ foreign

countries).• This hurt the U.S. far more than any foreign country. This was

repealed after 2 years.• G.B. and France continue seizing ships.