U.S. Early Foreign Policy and Conflicts

Washington's Neutrality Proclamation

• Issued on April 22, 1793, by President George Washington.
• Declared U.S. neutrality in the conflict between France and Great Britain.
• Threatened legal action against Americans assisting warring nations.
• Led to the Neutrality Act of 1794.

Citizen Genêt

• French diplomat who attempted to involve the U.S. in the war between France and England (1763-1834).

Jay's Treaty

• Negotiated by John Jay to resolve tensions with Britain.
• Britain to compensate for seized American ships.
• U.S. responsible for debts owed to British merchants from before the Revolution.
• Britain agreed to withdraw troops from the Ohio Valley.

The Battle of Fallen Timbers

• Fought in 1794 between American Indians and the United States.
• Resulted in U.S. control over the Northwest Territory and facilitated westward expansion.

Whiskey Rebellion

• Farmers in Pennsylvania revolted against Hamilton's excise tax on whiskey.
• President Washington led troops to suppress the rebellion.
• Demonstrated the new government's ability to respond effectively to challenges.

Pinckney's Treaty

• Agreement between the United States and Spain.
• Redefined Florida's borders and facilitated easier access to the port of New Orleans for American ships.

The Wilderness Road

• A trail created by Daniel Boone through the Cumberland Gap, facilitating westward migration.

Daniel Boone

• Pioneer and explorer (1734-1820) known for crossing the Appalachian Mountains into present-day Kentucky and Tennessee.

Washington's Farewell Address

• Warned against involvement in European affairs, permanent alliances, formation of political parties, and sectionalism.

Election of 1796

• John Adams won the presidency while Thomas Jefferson became Vice President.
• Resulted in political tensions due to their affiliation with opposing parties.
• Modern elections ensure running mates are chosen together, preventing similar conflicts.

XYZ Affair

• Incident in 1798 involving American delegates and French agents during negotiations over treaty disputes.
• French agents demanded a bribe, leading to public outcry when President Adams revealed the incident using placeholders “X, Y, Z”.

Convention of 1800

• Conference that ended naval hostilities between the U.S. and France.
• Freed the U.S. from its prior alliance with France and led to forgiveness of $20 million in damages.
• Resulted in political fallout for Adams, contributing to his loss in the 1800 election.

Alien and Sedition Acts

• Series of laws passed by Federalists in 1798.
• Allowed for the imprisonment or deportation of foreign citizens and prosecution of critics of the government.
• Controversial acts, denounced by Thomas Jefferson; one act remains in effect today.

Election of 1800

• Thomas Jefferson and Aaron Burr tied in Electoral College votes, leading to a decision by the House of Representatives.
• Jefferson elected as President and Burr as Vice President, spurring the creation of the 12th Amendment to clarify voting procedures.

Packing the Court

• Strategy involving the appointment of judges from a single political party, ensuring political control.

Report on Manufactures

• Submitted to Congress by Hamilton to establish an economic policy for fostering industry.
• Proposed protective tariffs on imported goods to support domestic industry, influencing future industrial policies despite lack of immediate action by Congress.

The Virginia Plan

• Proposed a strong national legislature with two chambers, an executive chosen by the legislature, and a judiciary appointed by the legislature.
• Aimed at creating a more effective federal government structure.