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The Proclamation of Neutrality
France had just declared war on England and the US was faced with its first true world political problem. Who would the side with during the war? France was their ally during the Revolution, yet England provided great financial support. In the end Washington issued a proclamation which made the US neutral during the war. This also ties into Washington advice in his farewell address to avoid "permanent alliances". -
The XYZ Affair
John Adams was trying to ease the tension between the US and France. He did this by sending two American delegates to meet with French officials. When the American men arrived they were met by three French agents that were demanding money before the French officials would meet with them. This was saw as bribery and it outraged the American people. John Adams came to call this the XYZ Affair, because of the three French officials he called "X, Y, and Z". -
The Convention of 1800
This convention was the end of the tensions between America and France. The French had agreed to return all captured American ships. While the Americans agreed to compensate its citizens for $20 million dollars of damages. The end of the Quasi-War meant the end of the alliance between France and American. Though the did keep a good trading status between them. -
The Louisiana Purchase
On this day, Thomas Jefferson and Napoleon Bonaparte finished negotiations for the purchase of Louisiana from France. Napoleon had not known if Jefferson had the authority to buy the land for the US, but sold it anyway. This was a $15 million dollar purchase that doubled the land the US had. -
The Embargo Act
This act was first introduced by Thomas Jefferson and passed due to the violations by Britain with US neutrality. US Ships carrying exports were seized by the British as contraband. The act was a retalliation, but it destroyed the US economy. All ports were closed to exports and restrictions were placed on British imports. This not only effected the North but also the South. -
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The War of 1812
The War of 1812 was between the US and Britain. The main cause was the "impressment" of American sailors. The British would take the sailors off their ships and force them into the British Navy. This enraged the American people and many wanted to declare war on Britain. Eventually many battles were fought starting the War of 1812. The War ended when the Treaty of Ghent was signed in 1814. The only real thing that was gained during this war though was recognition and respect from other nations. -
The Treaty of Ghent
The Treaty of Ghent was signed in Ghent, Germany. This treaty was signed by America and Britain to end the war of 1812. As a part of the treaty all conquered lands would be returned and boundaries were planned to be set up between Canada and America. -
The Monroe Doctrine
This document was issued by President Monroe after the end of the War of 1812. There were three major things the document stated. First the US would not accept any European intervention in the affairs of any independent nation of the Americas (Module 1 Notes). Second was that if any attemps of further colonization were to be made this would be seen as an act of aggression. Last was the "Hands of the Western Hemisphere" declaration which made it clear that America was becoming a stronger nation.
