Challenges of the 1790s

1. Challenges of the 1790s Chapter 6, Section 2

2. France in 1790 • Overthrow 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

3. America’s Neutrality • Washington wants to remain neutral • Although, he does agree to recognize the new government in France • Washington 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

4. Trouble with Britain • British start taking American ships • Said the ships were carrying French goods • Threw American sailors into prison • British were causing trouble with Native Americans in the Northwest Territory (which Americans owned)

5. Jay’s Treaty • Washington 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

6. Pinckney’s Treaty • Because 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

7. Conflicts in the Northwest Territory • Little 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

8. Treaty of Greenville

9. Washington Resigns • Serves a second term even though his health is declining and he doesn’t want to • Refuses to run for a third term • Says a farewell address to the country • Warns against getting involved in party politics • Warns against getting involved in foreign affairs

10. Election of 1796 • Thomas Jefferson was the Democratic Republican candidate • John Adams was the Federalist candidate

11. Election of 1796 • Adams 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

12. XYZ Affair • French ships seize US merchant ships • Adams sends 3 diplomats to settle issues • Pinckney, Elbridge Gerry, and John Marshall • The French send 3 minor diplomats who demand bribes and a loan • “Millions for defense, but not one cent for tribute”

13. XYZ Affair • XYZ Affair brings support for Federalists • Democratic-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

14. Alien and Sedition Acts • Three 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

15. Alien and Sedition Acts • Sedition 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

16. Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions • Drafted 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