1. George Washington Foreign Policy

2. Washington’s Dilemma In February 1793 France declared war against Great Britain. (Recall Treaty of Alliance) In February 1793 France declared war against Great Britain. (Recall Treaty of Alliance) This was part of French Revolution This was part of French Revolution Washington, convenes his cabinet and wants answers to 3 questions: 1."Should the United States receive an ambassador from France?" 2. "Should earlier treaties still apply?" 3. "Should the United States issue an official proclamation of neutrality?" Washington, convenes his cabinet and wants answers to 3 questions: 1."Should the United States receive an ambassador from France?" 2. "Should earlier treaties still apply?" 3. "Should the United States issue an official proclamation of neutrality?"

3. The Proclamation of Neutrality By THE PRESIDENT of the UNITED STATES of America, A PROCLAMATION Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent Powers; Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerent Powers;

4. What do the Countries allied against France have in common? They are all monarchies They are all monarchies

5. Questions What does the word belligerent mean? What does the word belligerent mean? What should be the attitude of the United States toward these belligerent powers? What should be the attitude of the United States toward these belligerent powers? What is another word to describe America’s position? What is another word to describe America’s position? What challenges would we face to hold that position? What challenges would we face to hold that position?

6. Put it in your Own Words… I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectfully; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition. I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectfully; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition.

7. Washington speaks further And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States, And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States,

8. Define Aid and abet Aid and abet Contraband Contraband Question: Why does Washington not use the word neutrality in the document? Question: Why does Washington not use the word neutrality in the document? Doesn’t want to offend Britain Doesn’t want to offend Britain

9. Criticism of Washington’s Policy Secretary of State Jefferson opposed the policy Secretary of State Jefferson opposed the policy Thought Washington needed Senate approval Thought Washington needed Senate approval Washington had ceased taking Jefferson’s advice Washington had ceased taking Jefferson’s advice Jefferson resigned Jan 31, 1794 Jefferson resigned Jan 31, 1794 Pro-French advocates opposed Washington Pro-French advocates opposed Washington

10. Was America Really Neutral? 75% our exports go to Britain, 90% imports from Britain 75% our exports go to Britain, 90% imports from Britain British interdicted French bound American commerce without protest or resistance British interdicted French bound American commerce without protest or resistance British policy of impressment British policy of impressment British seized cargo in direct violation of property rights, free trade and “freedom of the seas” British seized cargo in direct violation of property rights, free trade and “freedom of the seas” France denounced America’s bowing to Britain so easily France denounced America’s bowing to Britain so easily

11. Washington’s Foreign Policy 1. Treat all Nations evenhandedly, especially in area of trade. 1. Treat all Nations evenhandedly, especially in area of trade. 2. Do not get involved in foreign entanglements 2. Do not get involved in foreign entanglements 3. In a word: neutrality. 3. In a word: neutrality. Why was this good advice? Why was this good advice? America too weak to get entangled America too weak to get entangled Next we’ll look at challenges to American Neutrality. Next we’ll look at challenges to American Neutrality.