Washington’s Foreign Policy
French Revolution, Neutrality
Proclamation, Jay’s Treaty
French Revolution
• The French Revolution broke out several
years after the Americans won
independence.
– Reasons to revolt: Peasants and middle class
paid heavy taxes, while nobles paid none.
Reformers wanted a constitution to limit the
king’s power and protect basic rights.
• The Revolution ended the monarchy.
– “Reign of Terror” – execute king and queen
and thousands of French citizens
• By the end, war broke out in Europe
between France and Britain
Marie Antoinette
Taking Sides between France and
Britain
• The different sides:
– Americans who supported the Revolution
– French citizens who believe that the French should be
able to use U.S. ports to attack the British
– Advisers to Washington who support U.S. neutrality
(not taking sides)
Why would you support each
side?
The Sides
• Some Americans supported the Revolution because they
knew what it meant to struggle for liberty, France was
their first ally, and they admired the Marquis de
Lafayette.
• France wanted to use ports to attack British ships and
believed they should because they helped the Americans
gain independence and signed a treaty with us.
• Advisors to Washington suggested neutrality because if
they allowed France to use their ports, than they would
lose trade with Britain.
United States Remains Neutral!
• Due to the French Revolution, Washington had to create
a foreign policy- the actions that a nation takes in relation
to other countries
• The issue of neutrality caused conflict in his Cabinet
– Hamilton argued that since the U.S. signed the treaty with
Louis XVI and he was dead, that the treaty was no longer valid.
– Jefferson urged strict acceptance of the treaty.
• After much debate, Washington issued the Neutrality
Proclamation – stated that the U.S. would not support
either side in the war and forbade Americans from aiding
either Britain or France. (This eventually was one of the
reasons Jefferson left the Cabinet.)
Struggling to Remain Neutral
• America still wanted to trade with both sides. However, the
warring nations seized American ships headed for each
others ports.
• In 1793, the British seized more than 250 American ships
trading in the French Indies.
– Americans called for war but Washington knew we were weak. He
sent John Jay to England to negotiate.
– Jay’s Treaty: Britain to pay damages for seized ships and to give
up the forts it still held in the West. America in turn had to pay debts
owed to British merchants.
– His treaty sparked protest because it did nothing to protect the rights
of ships (INEFFECTIVE)
Washington’s Farewell
• Before retiring in 1796, Washington warned
America that they should not become involved in
European affairs.
• He did not oppose foreign trade, but he did reject
alliances that would pull America into war.
• His advice guided foreign policy for many years.