-
Proclamation of Neutrality
The proclamation said that the United States would not offer protection to Americans who violated neutrality laws and that the United States would prosecute anyone within its jurisdiction who violated international law. -
XYZ Affair
A diplomatic incident that, when made public, almost started a war between the United States and France. The President sent three ministers to France for negotiations in Paris, the ministers were approached by three French agents who offered a bribe of $250,000 to the French foreign minister, and a loan of $10,000,000 to France as a prelude to negotiations. -
Convention of 1800
A treaty signed during John Adam's presidency to stop the uproar of the XYZ Affair. -
Louisiana Purchase
Purchased by Thomas Jefferson from Napolean Bonaparte. Removed France's presence from the territory and secured access to the Mississippi river. Jefferson wondered about its constitutionality, but bought it anyway for $15 million dollars, doubling size of America. -
Embargo Act
During Thomas Jefferson's presidency. Stopped trade between the United States and the two warring nations of France and Great Britain, causing a disaster for American economy. -
War of 1812
During James Madison's presidency, Britain began taking American sailors off of their ships and forcing them into the British Navy (impressment). Leaders called for war (War Hawks). Fought in America. White House burned down. War gave Americans pride in their country. -
Treaty of Ghent
During James Madison's presidency. Treaty that ended the War of 1812. Returned territory that been previously owned before the war to both sides. Said nothing about impressment, the reason the war started. -
Monroe Doctrine
Given by James Monroe: "The United States would not tolerate European intervention in the affairs of any independent nation in the Americas" and that the "Americas were no longer open to further colonization" The United States would view such attempts as an act of aggression.
