Early Challenges

Trouble in the New Nation for Washington  Britain and France wanted U.S. to get involved in their conflict  Native Americans aided by British and Spanish were pushing against American expansion  American population was growing restless

The Whiskey Rebellion  Gov’t wanted to collect taxes on products made in U.S.  Congress passed a tax on Whiskey  Western Pennsylvania farmers were very upset about this tax  Farmers attacked tax collectors and burned down homes in 1794  Washington responded by sending federal troops to stop the rebellion  This sent a message that the government would use force to prevent chaos.

Challenges in the West  Europe continued to try to involve itself in the Northwest Territory  Washington tried to make peace with Native Americans to get their help in defending the areas.  But American settlers ignored the treaties  After settlers moved onto Native American territory fighting broke out.  Washington sent federal troops to maintain order  Washington hoped an alliance with France would help, but Britain then tried to get the Native Americans even angrier at the Americans  Americans fought Native Americans at The Battle of Fallen Timbers, and won!  Treaty of Greenville gave America most of modern day Ohio.

Problems with Europe  French Revolution began in 1789  Americans were originally happy for the French but then horrified at how bloody their revolution became  France and Britain went to war  Some Americans sided with France  Some Americans sided with Britain  Washington decided to stay neutral!

Washington Struggles to Stay Neutral  French sent ambassador to the United States to get support for the war  Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality which told all Americans they could not get involved in the war.  It also did not allow French or British ships to dock in American ports  British forced American sailors on the high seas into the British Navy  This is called impressment  Washington sent John Jay to Britain to stop impressment  Led to a treaty called Jay’s Treaty

Jay’s Treaty  Britain agreed to withdraw from American soil  No mention in the treaty about impressment or interfering with American trade  Americans hated this treaty (ruined Jay’s chance to be president)  Washington even did not like the treaty, but hoped it would end the conflict  Senate barely approved it

Pinckney’s Treaty with Spain  Spanish leaders were nervous about Jay’s Treaty  Did not want America and GB to become allies  Washington sent Thomas Pinckney to Spain to help ease tensions  Pinckney’s Treaty  Gave America free navigation rights of the Mississippi River and the right to trade at New Orleans

Washington Leaves Office  After 8 years (2 terms), Washington does not want to run for a 3rd Term  Washington’s Farewell address warned the nation to not enter permanent alliances  This advice influenced our foreign policy for over 100 years!  Washington also warned against political parties, because they are so divisive