Relations with Foreign Powers. CH 6 Sections 2 Relations with Foreign Powers.

In 1789, the French overthrew their monarchy In 1789, the French overthrew their monarchy. Then the French went to war against Britain. The United States had a treaty with France. Democratic- Republicans wanted to honor the treaty and support France. Federalists wanted to back the British. Washington decided on neutrality—which is to support neither side.

Edmond Genêt: French diplomat sent to the US to win support Edmond Genêt: French diplomat sent to the US to win support. He did not present himself to President Washington. He tried to get Americans to help the French against Great Britain. Washington was outraged that the French did not respect his country’s neutrality.

Thomas Pinckney’s Treaty (1795): Spain gave up its claims to the land east of the Mississippi River. Spain also agreed to open the Mississippi River to American traffic. This treaty paved the way for American expansion west of the Appalachian Mountains.

Little Turtle, and his Miami braves defeated American troops as they fought over land that would become Ohio. In 1794, “Mad Anthony” Wayne’s Troops defeated the Miami at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. This defeat ended Native American resistance in Ohio.

Under the (John) Jay Treaty, the British agreed to give up their forts in the Northwest Territory. Still, the British continued to bother American ships in the Caribbean.

France had begun to interfere with American shipping France had begun to interfere with American shipping. Three French officials demanded bribes before negotiations. This was known as the XYZ Affair. Some Americans felt insulted and called for war against France. But Adams settled the matter through diplomacy.

The Alien and Sedition Acts of 1798 These acts made it harder for immigrants to become American citizens and also handed out harsh punishments for people who criticized the government.

Two states, Kentucky and Virginia, passed resolutions refusing to obey the Alien and Sedition Acts. They claimed to be acting on the principle of nullification. Under this principle, states could refuse to obey federal laws that they thought were unconstitutional.

Sectionalism: Practice of placing the interests of one region over those of the nation as a whole.