Challenges for the New Nation

Key Terms Use pages French Revolution Neutrality Proclamation Privateers Jay’s Treaty Pinckney’s Treaty Little Turtle Battle of Fallen Timbers Treaty of Greenville Whiskey Rebellion

Alliances or Neutrality? What is an alliance? What is neutrality? Which should the new nation choose? Why?

Neutrality and Treaties The French Revolution A rebellion of the French people against their king The king was overthrown and a republican government was created Inspiration from the American Revolution Became violent – riots and beheadings The French had supported the Americans in the American Revolution – some Americans thought we should return the favor

What do you think? Pair-Share with your neighbor Should the United States get involved in the French Revolution? Why? What would be the consequences for the U.S. in the future of the action you chose?

President Washington’s Answer The Neutrality Proclamation The United States would not take sides with any European countries that were at war. Could he do this under the Constitution? Was it in his power or did Congress have to approve?

Settling Other Disputes The French Question Privateers and U.S. Neutrality Jefferson resigns as Secretary of State Jay’s Treaty Settled disputes that had arisen between the United States and Great Britain in the early 1790’s Pinckney’s Treaty Settled border and trade disputes with Spain Read pages 206 – 208 (The French Question, Jay’s Treaty, and Pinckney’s Treaty) with a partner – add details to your notes. You have 10 minutes.

Disputes at Home Northwest Territory Native American alliance backed by the British and led by Chief Little Turtle The Whiskey Rebellion Problem – another tax!! Congress passed a tax on American made whiskey. Part of Hamilton’s plan to raise money to pay the national debt and test the power of the federal govt.

Why Whiskey? Farmers had a hard time getting their grain to market, so they turned their grain into whiskey, which was easier to transport. They got more money for the whiskey anyway. Farmers traded the whiskey for salt, sugar, and other goods. Farmers used whiskey as money to get whatever supplies they needed. Farmers did not have the money to pay for the tax.

The Rebellion In the summer of 1794, a group of farmers in Western Pennsylvania rebelled against the whiskey tax and staged the Whiskey Rebellion. One group beat up a tax collector and coated him with tar and feathers.

The Government Responds Alexander Hamilton wanted the government to look strong. He encouraged President Washington to stop the revolt. Federal troops marched to Western Pennsylvania to put down the revolt. Washington himself leads the troops. Washington had proved that the federal government would deal with people not obeying the law.

Washington’s Farewell Message to the Nation

Washington Warns Us He warned against forming permanent ties (alliances) that could draw the U.S. into a foreign war He stated that political unity was needed – he warned against political (party) disagreements He warned us against too much debt as this would affect future generations

George Washington Goes Home