Overview
This lecture discusses how foreign affairs in the 1790s, particularly events stemming from the French Revolution, divided Americans and contributed to the formation of the first political parties in the U.S.
The French Revolution and American Reactions
- The French Revolution (1789) began as a revolt against monarchy, inspired in part by the American Revolution.
- Many Americans, especially Democratic-Republicans, supported the French Revolution as a fight against tyranny.
- Democratic Republican Societies formed in the U.S. to show solidarity with French revolutionaries.
- The revolution became radical with the Jacobins' rise in 1793, starting the Reign of Terror with mass executions.
Divisions over Foreign Policy
- Radical violence in France caused some Americans to withdraw support for the French Revolution.
- In 1793 France declared war on European monarchies, spreading conflict across Europe.
- Thomas Jefferson defended the revolution, while President Washington favored caution.
Washington's Neutrality and the Genet Affair
- Washington decided the U.S. was too young and weak to join a European conflict, issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793.
- The neutrality angered France and many pro-French Americans.
- French ambassador Edmond Genet tried to recruit Americans to fight for France, violating U.S. neutrality (Genet Affair).
- Washington demanded Genet's recall; the affair revealed deep divisions among Americans.
Jay's Treaty with Great Britain
- Ongoing British occupation of Northwest Territory forts and navy impressment of American sailors threatened U.S. neutrality.
- Public pressure mounted to declare war on Britain, but Washington sought diplomacy.
- Chief Justice John Jay negotiated Jay's Treaty (1794) to reduce tensions: Britain agreed to leave forts and stop impressment; U.S. agreed to settle debts and restrict trade with France.
- Jay's Treaty kept the U.S. out of war but deeply divided Americans, helping to solidify political party lines.
The Quasi-War and the XYZ Affair
- After Jay's Treaty, French naval vessels began attacking American shipping, leading to the undeclared Quasi-War.
- John Adams, elected in 1796, sent diplomats to France; French agents (X, Y, Z) demanded bribes, leading to the XYZ Affair.
- The XYZ Affair increased demands for war with France but Adams avoided a full war.
Resolution with France
- Naval skirmishes with France continued until Napoleon Bonaparte took power.
- The Convention of 1800 ended the Quasi-War and eased U.S.-French tensions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- French Revolution — 1789 uprising in France to overthrow the monarchy and establish a republic.
- Democratic Republican Societies — U.S. groups supporting the French Revolution.
- Reign of Terror — Period of radical violence during the French Revolution led by Jacobins.
- Proclamation of Neutrality — 1793 U.S. policy of not taking sides in European wars.
- Genet Affair — Incident where French ambassador tried to recruit Americans, violating neutrality.
- Jay's Treaty — 1794 agreement between U.S. and Britain to resolve outstanding issues and maintain peace.
- Impressment — Forcible enlistment of sailors into the British navy.
- Quasi-War — Undeclared naval conflict between the U.S. and France (1798-1800).
- XYZ Affair — Scandal where French agents demanded bribes from U.S. diplomats.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key terms and their significance for upcoming exams.
- Prepare for next lecture on how foreign affairs solidified U.S. political parties.
- Complete any assigned readings on the Jay's Treaty and the XYZ Affair.