FOREIGN POLICYAND THE EARLY REPUBLIC

Between Scylla and Carybdis

Focus Question:

Answer the following question in a short, two to three sentence response:

How can events outside the U.S. affect what goes on within the United States?

Objectives

After today’s lesson, you will: Describe major foreign policy efforts by

America’s early presidents Develop tools for analyzing visual documents

The Tightrope

American policy in the early Republic overshadowed by war Britain and France had long been rivals Since the French Revolution, matters grew worse

Formally at war for most of 1793 through 1815 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 ties with both nations U.S. had a treaty of alliance with France U.S. did most of its business with Britain

Collected most government revenue through the tariff

Issues entered political rivalries in the U.S. Democratic-Republicans supported France Federalists supported Britain

Both raided American shipping Seized merchant ships and cargoes Britain impressed American sailors

Foreign Policy Actions

Washington and Neutrality Recognized weakness of the national government

Military and economic Cancelled the treaty of alliance with France

Jay’s Treaty with Britain Angered France, but preserved peace

Foreign Policy Actions (II)

Adams and the Quasi War with France Fought to end French attacks on American shipping Saw the use of American frigates against the French

Led to the Convention of 1800

Jefferson’s Embargo

Jefferson decided to force an end through trade Pushed an embargo against Britain and France in

1807 Felt both nations relied on American food Thought idea would bring peace

Embargo failed Neither nation dependent on U.S Devastated the U.S. economy

Madison Administration

Attempted “peaceable coercion” of Britain and France Lifted embargo Set up a Non-Intercourse Act of 1809

Set embargo only on Britain and FranceHampered U.S. tradeSponsored American

manufacturing

Summary

In a short, two to three sentence response, answer the following:

Which of the four plans to deal with the War between Britain and France was the best route for the U.S. to take at the time. Be sure to support your opinion