In the 1790’s, the new government struggled to keep peace at home and avoid war abroad

Hamilton’s taxes led to rebellion in western Penn. The farmers were in an uproar over having to pay a special tax on the whiskey they made from surplus corn. Bartering – whiskey for other items How could they pay the tax on whiskey?

The new government faced difficult problems in the west due to the Native Americans. They denied that the United States had any authority over them. Often they would turn to Britain or Spain for help and those countries would help them.

Washington signed treaties with them, but the American settlers would ignore them and fighting broke out between the two groups. So Washington sent an army under General Arthur St. Clair to restore order… however this didn’t work. St. Clair’s forces were beaten by Little Turtle, chief of the Miami people.

Americans looked to the French for help while the Native Americans looked to the British. Native Americans demanded that all the settlers north of the Ohio River leave the territory. So Washington sent another army and in The Americans beat the Native Americans under chief Blue Jacket at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. As a result the Treaty of Greenville was signed and the Native Americans agreed to surrender most of the land in present-day OHIO

In 1789 the French Revolution had begun in Europe. Most Americans cheered the French (at 1 st ) but then 4 years later the revolution had turned very bloody. The leaders of the revolution had executed the king and queen of France and thousand of French citizens. The violence of the French Revolution, as well as the attack on religion and disregard of individuals liberties, offended many Americans. This divided American public opinion Britain and France went to war in Some Americans sided with the French while other sided with British. France tried to involve the United States into the war, by sending Edmond Genet, a French diplomat, to try to recruit US men. Washington declared a Proclamation of Neutrality.

Some American served on the French ships and began capturing the British ships. When news of this reached Great Britain, they began seizing American ships and cargo. The British also captured American merchant ships and forced the crews into the British ships… which is known as impressments. These actions pushed Washington closer to war with Great Britain, but he still wanted a peaceful resolution. John Jay – England – Best to “play” nice b/c of trade w/ Americans