Before the Dilemmas:
Washington set forth in his Farewell Address a policy of isolationism that said the United
States should stay away from making permanent alliances. The next 4 presidents
(Adams, Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe) would be tested on taking the neutral approach
to foreign affairs.
During this time, France and Great Britain are enemies. Their continued hatred of one
another will bring the United States into constant conflict.
The Jay Treaty: A treaty between the United States and Great Britain that averted war
and facilitated 10 years of peaceful trade between the US and Britain.
France does not like the Jay Treaty because it shows America may favor Britain. This
causes France to seize American ships.
Dilemma 1
The XYZ Affair: As French war ships began capturing American merchant ships bound
for Great Britain, President Adams sent three envoys (representatives) to end the attacks.
French Foreign Minister Talleyrand refused to meet the Americans and instead sent
secret agents, known only as X, Y, and Z. The agents said they would release the ships
only if a large sum of money was given. “No, No, not a sixpence” (we won’t give you a
dime) responded the envoys.
Adams raised a Navy and spent millions to prepare to go to war. Adams, however,
decided peace was a better route and signed a peace treaty with Napoleon Bonaparte and
ended the alliance with the U.S. War-hungry Americans were upset with the decision
and voted Adams out of office.
Adams: “I will defend my missions to France, as long as I have an eye to direct my hand,
or a finger to hold my pen…. I desire no other inscription over my gravestone than:
‘Here lies John Adams, who took upon himself the responsibility of the peace with
France in the year 1800.”’
Dilemma 2:
As war between France and Britain continued, both nations started seizing American
ships that were trading with the other country.
Impressment: (kidnapping) Britain started impressing American sailors that they
believed to be British deserters.
Piracy: American ships also faced piracy from ships in the Barbary states of North
Africa. The Barbary States had already been paid tribute for the safety of American
ships, however the Barbary States were asking for even more $$$.
American declared war on Tripoli and eventually signed a peace treaty with them.
Meanwhile, Jefferson asked Britain and France to leave our ships alone. He proposed an
embargo (complete halt in trade with other nations) which left many sailors
unemployed. We discontinued the embargo, merchant ships continued trading with
Europe, and France and Britain continued seizing our ships.
Dilemma 3:
America, still attempting to trade with Europe, were losing many ships and people due to
the impressing English Navy.
Meanwhile, President Madison finds out that Britain had been supplying the Native
Americans with weapons and were encouraging them to fight America to win their land
back
War Hawks, led by Henry Clay and John Calhoun, were very eager to fight with Britain.
They argued that the only way to make America safe was to force Great Britain out of
Canada.
Madison soon declared war on Britain (war of 1812).
Americans figured invading Canada would be an easy task. They were wrong. After The
US were defeated numerous times in Canada, the British invaded Washington D.C. and
burned down the Capitol and the White House.
The United States were under heavy attack at Fort McHenry. After a full 25 hours of
being bombed by the British, the American flag still waved on, which later influenced
Francis Scott Keys to write the Star Spangled Banner.
After the British suffered another defeat, they decided that the best plan of attack was
through the city of New Orleans. The city was defended by Andrew Jackson and his
militia of 7000 strong. In what would be known as the biggest victory for the US, The
Battle of New Orleans left around 2000 British troops killed, while only 20 Americans
lost their lives.
The victory, however decisive it was, was an irrelevant point. The war of 1812 had
already ended 2 weeks prior and was an unnecessary battle.
Both sides claimed victory
Dilemma 4:
As Latin America started declaring their independence from European rule, President
Monroe had to decide what America should do in helping Latin America from further
colonization.
Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine, which stated the nations of North and South
American were not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European
powers. The United States would view efforts by Europeans to take over “any portion of
this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety.”
This basically told Europeans countries that any further colonization of American land,
would be met with hostility from the United States.