1. PRESIDENTIAL DILEMMAS
TCI CHAPTER 12

3. Washington’s Foreign Policy
He believed: BE AWARE, BE CAUTIOUS
Standing armies can be dangerous & expensive
Militia will handle threats
Borders of USA:
North = British Canada
Ohio Valley = British & unfriendly natives
South & west = Spanish controlled FL and LA
In 1793
War between France & Britain
1788: U.S. signed treaty of support to France
President Washington believed U.S. not ready or equipped for war
Neutrality: no involvement of aid to either France or Britain
Isolationism: avoid alliances with other countries

4. Adam’s Foreign Policy
Tried to honor Washington’s Neutrality & Isolationism theories
Foreign pressures & interference would not leave the U.S. alone

5. Adam’s Dilemma: Jay’s Treaty
1794 Agreement between US and Great Britain
Great Britain remove troops from Ohio River Valley
US can begin trade with Britain
France was infuriated US didn’t go to war with GB and felt Jay’s Treaty was a violation of US treaty with them
French Response
France begins attacking U.S. merchant ships

6. Adam’s Dilemma: XYZ Affair
1798
Adams attempt to repair relationship with France (to stock attacking ships)
Bribery scandal with France
Mr. X, Mr. Y, Mr. Z (French agents)
$250,000 to “chat” with Talleyrand (France Foreign Minister)
American Response = Supports War
“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute!”
Tribute = money given to someone in exchange for that person’s protection
Adams Response = Pursues Peace
Creates 1st official effort for Navy
In 1800 Adams made peace with France to avoid war – lost popularity with voters

7. Thomas Jefferson: The Man
Served from
3rd President of the U.S.
Republican
From VA
Accomplishments include
Louisiana Purchase (1803)
Louis & Clark Expedition (1804 – 1806)
Battling Barbary Pirates

8. Jefferson's Foreign Policy
Both France & Great Britain were at war and each wanted the US to take their side.
Jefferson also tried to honor Washington’s Neutrality & Isolationism theories

9. Jefferson’s Dilemma: Trouble at Sea
Impressment:
Kidnapping of American sailers by GB and forcing them to work on British vessels
Became a problem while US was to be remaining “neutral”
Leopard (GB) v. Chesapeake (USA)
When USA refused to let GB search ship for deserters GB opened fire….causing war fever

10. Jefferson’s Dilemma: Piracy & The Barbary Wars
Undeclared war waged by U.S. against the North African states of Morocco, Tripoli, Algiers, and Tunis
Principle Cause
Pirates attacking American shipping vessels in the Mediterranean Sea and seeking “tributes”
1801 to 1805
Did not completely end the acts of piracy against American vessels
Effect:
Proved U.S. was capable of waging war, if necessary, in places far from its own shores