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Proclamation of Neutrality
A formal announcement issued by President George Washington declaring the United States a neutral nation in the conflict between Great Britain and France. -
XYZ Affair
This event nearly involved the United States and France in war; the incident ended the Franco-American treaty and resulted in the undeclared war between the two countries and prompted the build up of the U.S. Navy. -
Convention of 1800
Signed in Paris that ended France's peacetime military alliance with America. Napoleon was eager to sign this treaty so he could focus his attention on conquering Europe and create a New World empire in Louisiana. This ended the "quasi-war" between France and America. -
Louisiana Purchase
The purchase secured American control of the Mississippi river and doubled the size of the nation. -
Embargo Act
In response to British attack on American warship of the coast of Virginia, this 1807 law prohibited foreign commerce. -
War of 1812
War between Britain and the U.S. America's reasoning for war included British violations of American maritime rights, impressment of seamen, pressure of the Indians, and defense of national honor. -
Treaty of Ghent
Ended the War of 1812 and restored the status quo. For the most part, territory captured in the war was returned to the original owner. It also set up a commission to determine the disputed Canada/U.S. border. -
Monroe Doctrine
A key foreign policy made by President Monroe in 1823. It declared the western hemisphere off limits to new European colonization and in return, the US promised not to be apart of European affairs.
