FOREIGN POLICYAND THE EARLY REPUBLIC

Between Scylla and Carybdis

FOCUS QUESTION:

What criteria are typically used to judge a nation’s foreign policy?

Explain which of these criteria do you believe is the most important.

The Tightrope

Britain and France had long been rivalsSince the French Revolution, matters grew

worse Britain took the lead in wars against Revolutionary

France Sponsored European rivals of the French Harried French shipping

U.S. had to maintain balance

U.S. had a treaty of alliance with FranceU.S. did most of its business with Britain

Collected most government revenue through the tariffJeffersonians supported FranceFederalists supported Britain

Foreign Policy Actions

Washington and Neutrality Recognized weakness of the national government

Military and economic Cancelled the treaty of alliance with France

Angered France, but preserved peace Citizen Genêt Affair

Negotiations with European Powers Jay’s Treaty with Britain Pinkney’s Treaty with Spain (Treaty of San Lorenzo)

Foreign Policy Actions (II)

Adams and the Quasi War with France Fought to end French predations on American

shipping Saw the use of American frigates against the French

Led to the Convention of 1800

Things Grew Worse Under This Man

General War Developed

Britain and France formally at war from most of the period from 1793 to 1815

What was the U.S. to do?