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Proclamation of Neutrality
To keep the U.S. from getting in the middle of conflict, especially with France and Great Britain, George Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality since he didn't want the U.S. to make alliances with other nations. -
XYZ Affair
In order for Pres. John Adams to lessen the tension between the U.S. and France he sent two diplomats to France. In return, the French minister sent officials to meet with the Americans, but only at the cost of money. This action of bribery ruined the relationship between the two countries. -
Convention of 1800
A peace treaty was signed between the two nations of the United States and France after the whole "XYZ" Affair. -
Louisiana Purchase
Pres. Thomas Jefferson purchased the Louisiana territory from the French. This doubled the size of the United States, even though it wasn't 100% known that he had the authority to do such a thing. -
Embargo Act Passed
Pres. Jefferson asked the Congress to pass the Embargo Act in an attempt to keep the U.S. our of foreign conflict. With the French and British at war, this stopped all trade between the two nations and the U.S. Sadly, this was not successful for the economy of the U.S. and created many unnecessary hardships. -
War of 1812
This war started by impressment, which was the act of forcing American sailors to join the British Navy. Pres. James Madison and many Americans, known as War Hawks, were enraged by this act by the British. The war lasted until 1814 and even included the burning down of the White House by the British. -
Treaty of Ghent
Stopped the war in 1814 stating no gains or losses for both sides. This treaty turned things back to the way they were before the war. It was known as the "Second War for Independece" from the British. This allowed the United States to gain recognition and respect for its defense against the British. -
Monroe Doctrine
With the end of the War of 1812, the U.S. went into an "Era of Good Feelings". This doctrine, created by Pres. James Monroe, stated no tolerance for British intervention in American affairs. It also stated that there was to be no more colonization of the western hemisphere, which clearly stated the U.S. as a powerful nation.
