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Proclamation of Neutrality
George Washington, did not want our country to get into close alliances with other nations. Washington proclaimed a position of neutrality in order to keep us from getting in the middle of the conflict between the two warring nations. -
XYZ Affair
In an effort to defuse tensions between the United States and France, he sent two American diplomats to meet with French officials. The French foreign minister sent three agents (designated “X,” “Y,” and “Z” by Americans) to demand a payment of money from the Americans before French officials would agree to meet with them. Negotiations from the “XYZ Affair” eventually broke down and the relationship between the United States and France was less than friendly. -
Convention of 1800
It was not until a peace agreement known as the Convention of 1800 was signed that peace was restored between France and US -
Louisiana Purchase
In 1803 President Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon of France. Although he had misgivings as to whether or not the President had constitutional authority to buy land for our government, this $15 million dollar purchase doubled the size of the United States -
Embargo Act
In an effort to keep the U.S. out of foreign troubles President Jefferson asked Congress to pass the Embargo Act. stopped trade between the United States and France and Great Britain. Unfortunately, the Embargo Act was a disaster for the American economy. -
War of 1812
In 1812 foreign crisis faced American President James Madison. The British had taken on the nasty habit of taking American sailors off of their ships and forcing them into British Navy service. This was known as “impressment.” American leaders did not like this and began to call for war against Great Britain in order to stop this practice.Eventually many battles were fought between the United States and Great Britain in this War of 1812. The war lasted until 1814. -
Treaty of Ghent
Ended the war without presenting gains for either side. the United States’ ability to defend itself won the respect and recognition of other nations. -
Monroe Doctrine
James Monroe issued the Monroe Doctrine in 1823. It stated that the United States would not tolerate European intervention in the affairs of any independent nation in the Americas. The Monroe Doctrine also stated that the Americas were no longer open to further colonization and that the United States would view such attempts as an act of aggression