Challenges of the 1790s Chapter 6, Section 2. France in 1790 Overthrow of the French monarchy ◦ Monarchy – a type of government where there is a sovereign.

Challenges of the 1790sChapter 6, Section 2

France in 1790Overthrow of the

French monarchy◦Monarchy – a type of

government where there is a sovereign ruler (king, queen, emperor)

The French are fighting against the British and want us on their side mainly because they need our ships

America’s NeutralityWashington wants to remain

neutral◦Although, he does agree to recognize

the new government in FranceWashington believes that

neutrality is the key to future growth and prosperity

April 1793 – Washington issues Neutrality Proclamation◦Sticks to this for the rest of his

presidency

Trouble with BritainBritish start taking

American ships◦Said the ships were

carrying French goods◦Threw American sailors into

prisonBritish were causing

trouble with Native Americans in the Northwest Territory (which Americans owned)

Jay’s TreatyWashington and John Jay

negotiate with Britain◦British agree to pay for damages to

American ships◦Agree to leave the forts in the

Northwest◦US agrees to pay debts owed to the

British◦Jay’s Treaty was unpopular in the US

Pinckney’s TreatyBecause of Jay’s

Treaty, Spain was worried the US and British would unite against Spain

Pinckney’s Treaty settled border and trade disputes with Spain

Conflicts in the Northwest TerritoryLittle Turtle (a Miami chief) and his

tribe did not like white settlement in the Northwest

Americans and Native Americans fought for the territory

Resulted in the Battle of Fallen Timbers where Americans beat the Natives

Sign the Treaty of Greenville – Natives give up lands in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan

Treaty of Greenville

Washington ResignsServes a second term even

though his health is declining and he doesn’t want to

Refuses to run for a third termSays a farewell address to the

country◦Warns against getting involved in

party politics◦Warns against getting involved in

foreign affairs

Election of 1796Thomas

Jefferson was the Democratic Republican candidate

John Adams was the Federalist candidate

Election of 1796Adams wins

◦Does not have full support because of sectionalism (loyalty to one’s region)

◦Adams is a New Englander, South doesn’t like him

Jefferson comes in second and is Vice President◦Adam’s greatest political rival

XYZ AffairFrench ships seize US

merchant shipsAdams sends 3 diplomats

to settle issues◦Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and

John MarshallThe French send 3 minor

diplomats who demand bribes and a loan

“Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”

XYZ AffairXYZ Affair brings support for

FederalistsDemocratic-Republicans are pro-

French◦After the XYZ Affair Americans are

skeptical of the French and of foreigners in general

◦Congress is able to pass laws that would protect America against foreign enemies and domestic dissent

Alien and Sedition ActsThree alien laws were aimed at

French and Irish refugees who supported France◦Increased period of residency to

become a citizen from 5 years to 14 years

◦Required foreigners to register with the government

◦Allowed the president to jail or expel any foreigner thought to be “dangerous to the peace and safety” of the country

Alien and Sedition ActsSedition Act

◦Outlawed any opposition to government policies by actions or by “false, scandalous, or malicious writing”

◦Contradiction to the first amendment rights of free speech and free press

Virginia and Kentucky ResolutionsDrafted by Thomas Jefferson and

James Madison◦Argued that the Alien and Sedition

Acts were unconstitutional◦Called for state legislatures to nullify

the laws (make them void)◦Only Virginia and Kentucky passed

the resolution