Washington/Adams Foreign Policies

Washington/Adams
Foreign Policies

By ALYSSA MCCOY

Jay's Treaty

Jay’s Treaty, signed in 1794, was an agreement between the United States and Great Britain aimed at avoiding war and resolving lingering issues from the Revolutionary War. British troops had remained in forts in the Northwest Territory, and British ships were seizing American ships trading with France. Chief Justice John Jay negotiated the treaty, which led Britain to agree to leave the forts and pay for some damaged ships. However, the treaty did not stop the British from attacking all American ships, which made many Americans angry. Despite the controversy, Jay’s Treaty helped maintain peace and allowed the United States time to grow stronger.

Open Ended

What was one major goal of Jay’s Treaty between the United States and Great Britain?

Proclamation of Neutrality

The Proclamation of Neutrality was issued by President George Washington in 1793 to keep the United States out of the war between France and Great Britain. Washington believed that the young nation was too weak and unprepared to get involved in foreign conflicts. The proclamation warned American citizens not to take sides or help either country in the war. This decision helped the United States stay safe and focus on building its economy and government, even though some people, like Thomas Jefferson, thought the U.S. should support France because of its help during the Revolutionary War.

Open Ended

Why did President George Washington issue the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793?

XYZ Affair

The XYZ Affair happened in 1797-1798 when the United States tried to negotiate with France to stop attacks on American ships. French officials, later called X, Y, and Z in reports, demanded bribes and loans before they would even talk. This angered Americans and led to calls for war against France. President John Adams built up the U.S. Navy to prepare for conflict, but he worked to avoid a full-scale war. The XYZ Affair increased tension between the United States and France and helped the Federalist Party gain support for stronger defense measures.

Open Ended

How did the United States respond to the demands made by the French officials in the XYZ Affair?

Alien Act

The Alien Act, passed in 1798 as part of the Alien and Sedition Acts, gave the federal government the power to deport immigrants who were considered dangerous to the country. It also made it harder for new immigrants to become U.S. citizens by increasing the residency requirement from 5 to 14 years. The law targeted immigrants who often supported the Democratic-Republican Party, which opposed the Federalists in power. Many people criticized the Alien Act because they believed it violated the rights of immigrants and gave the government too much power over individuals.

Open Ended

What powers did the Alien Act give the federal government over immigrants?