Challenges of the 1790s Chapter 6, Section 2

France in 1790 Overthrow of the French monarchy ◦ Monarchy – a type of government where there is a sovereign ruler (king, queen, emperor) The French are fighting against the British and want us on their side mainly because they need our ships

America’s Neutrality Washington wants to remain neutral ◦ Although, he does agree to recognize the new government in France Washington believes that neutrality is the key to future growth and prosperity April 1793 – Washington issues Neutrality Proclamation ◦ Sticks to this for the rest of his presidency

Trouble with Britain British start taking American ships ◦ Said the ships were carrying French goods ◦ Threw American sailors into prison British were causing trouble with Native Americans in the Northwest Territory (which Americans owned)

Jay’s Treaty Washington and John Jay negotiate with Britain ◦ British agree to pay for damages to American ships ◦ Agree to leave the forts in the Northwest ◦ US agrees to pay debts owed to the British ◦ Jay’s Treaty was unpopular in the US

Pinckney’s Treaty Because of Jay’s Treaty, Spain was worried the US and British would unite against Spain Pinckney’s Treaty settled border and trade disputes with Spain

Conflicts in the Northwest Territory Little Turtle (a Miami chief) and his tribe did not like white settlement in the Northwest Americans and Native Americans fought for the territory Resulted in the Battle of Fallen Timbers where Americans beat the Natives Sign the Treaty of Greenville – Natives give up lands in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan

Treaty of Greenville

Washington Resigns Serves a second term even though his health is declining and he doesn’t want to Refuses to run for a third term Says a farewell address to the country ◦ Warns against getting involved in party politics ◦ Warns against getting involved in foreign affairs

Election of 1796 Thomas Jefferson was the Democratic Republican candidate John Adams was the Federalist candidate

Election of 1796 Adams wins ◦ Does not have full support because of sectionalism (loyalty to one’s region) ◦ Adams is a New Englander, South doesn’t like him Jefferson comes in second and is Vice President ◦ Adam’s greatest political rival

XYZ Affair French ships seize US merchant ships Adams sends 3 diplomats to settle issues ◦ Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall The French send 3 minor diplomats who demand bribes and a loan “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”

XYZ Affair XYZ Affair brings support for Federalists Democratic-Republicans are pro-French ◦ After the XYZ Affair Americans are skeptical of the French and of foreigners in general ◦ Congress is able to pass laws that would protect America against foreign enemies and domestic dissent

Alien and Sedition Acts Three alien laws were aimed at French and Irish refugees who supported France ◦ Increased period of residency to become a citizen from 5 years to 14 years ◦ Required foreigners to register with the government ◦ Allowed the president to jail or expel any foreigner thought to be “dangerous to the peace and safety” of the country

Alien and Sedition Acts Sedition Act ◦ Outlawed any opposition to government policies by actions or by “false, scandalous, or malicious writing” ◦ Contradiction to the first amendment rights of free speech and free press

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions Drafted by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison ◦ Argued that the Alien and Sedition Acts were unconstitutional ◦ Called for state legislatures to nullify the laws (make them void) ◦ Only Virginia and Kentucky passed the resolution