-
Proclamation of Neutrality
The Proclamation of Neutrality was issued on April 22, 1793. This proclamation was a direct result of the French Revolution. During this time, George Washington was president. As a part of his cabinet, Thomas Jefferson opposed the expression of neutrality while Alexander Hamilton supported it. George Washington issue this proclamation in order to keep the U.S out of European conflicts. American ships would no longer give war material to either side, or protect those who violated neutrality laws. -
XYZ Affair
The XYZ Affair took place between France and America. After the French Revolution, the U.S and Britain signed the Jay Treaty, which resolved several longstanding issues. The French believed that this treaty violated other treaties between the U.S and France. As a result they went to seize many American merchant ships. A U.S minister was sent to France, however, his entrance was denied. During John Adam's reign, he sent three members, however, they were set up with a bribe and a large loan. -
Convention of 1800
The Convention of 1800 took place on September 30, 1800. After the French Revolution, France had many longstanding issues with the U.S. This convention settled these differences, along with the Quasi-War. The Treaty of Mortefontaine was signed, bringing peace to both nations. France agreed to return the ships they captured, and the U.S agreed too compensate its citizens $20 million dollars for all damages. The convention ended with an alliance between France and the U.S. -
Louisiana Purchase
During his presidency, Thomas Jefferson purchased Louisiana from Napolean of France. The U.S expanded its territory about 828,000,000 miles. This territory stretched from the Mississippi River in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west and from the Gulf of Mexico in the south to the Canadian border in the north. Lewis and Clark explored these territories, bringing new fortunes back to the U.S. -
Embargo Act
The Embargo Act was a law signed and passed by Thomas Jefferson, in 1807 during the Napoleon Wars. During the hostilities of Great Britain and France, both countries tried to prevent neutral countries (U.S) from trading with the other. French warships began to take over American merchant ships. In 1807, Britain retaliated, prohibiting trade between neutral countries and France. By stopping trade between the U.S and France/Great Britain, this destroyed the American economy. -
War of 1812
During the War of 1812, the U.S took on Great Britain, a country of immense naval power. This war took place due to British attempts to restrict trade, impressment of seamen, and the American desire to expand territory. The U.S suffered many defeats, including the burning of the White House. The British also suffered many defeats, raising national confidence and patriotism in the U.S. -
Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed on December 24, 1814. This treaty brought the War of 1812 to an end. All of the territory that was conquered during this time was to be returned from both sides. The treaty did not address the two key issues that caused the war (the rights of neutral U.S. vessels and the impressment of U.S. sailors). The news of the treaty took almost two months to spread, therefore, due to lack of information, the British failed to end hostilities. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was delivered on December 2, 1823. Delivered by President James Monroe, this was the cornerstone of the U.S foreign policy. James Monroe states that the U.S would not interfere with the affair or wars between European powers. They would not interfere with the Western Hemisphere, stating that any interference would be viewed as a hostile act. "Hands off the Western Hemisphere!"
