Download Chapter 9 Section 2 On July 14, 1789 an angry mob in France

Chapter 9 Section 2
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On July 14, 1789 an angry mob in France destroyed the ancient fort, the Bastille, in
Paris, France. It was the beginning of the French Revolution. This led up to the
execution of the monarch and thousands of French Citizens.
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As the revolution became more violent the political divisions in the United States
increased.

At first the French Revolution was supported by most Americans. The French had
supported the American Revolution and many Americans felt a loyalty to France and
admiration for the Marquis de Lafayette. However, feelings started to change after the
king and queen were beheaded.
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The reign of terror began and tens of thousands of ordinary French citizens were
executed.

The violence in France divided Americans.

Thomas Jefferson continued to support the French though he condemned the
executions of the king and queen. He felt the French had the right to violence for
freedom.

Alexander Hamilton and John Adams strongly disagreed. They did not feel that
democracy could be created through widespread violence.

President Washington needed to decide on a foreign policy. Foreign policy refers to
the actions that a nation takes in relation to other nations.

France wanted to use American ports to supply its ships and launch attacks on the
British.

Washington worried that because of our treaty with France we would not be able to stay
neutral.

Neutral means not taking sides in a conflict.

Hamilton felt that since the United States had signed the treaty with Louis XVI, and the
king was dead, so the treaty was no longer valid.

Jefferson said we should honor the treaty.

In April 1793, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation which stated that the
United States would not support either side in the war. Americans were forbidden to aid
either Britain or France.

As a result of the Proclamation, Jefferson later left the Cabinet.

Americans wanted to trade with both France and Britain, but both countries seized their
cargos on the way to the other nation's ports. – AMERICANS MADE MONEY FROM
BOTH COUNTRIES

In 1793' the British captured more than 250 American ships trading in the French West
Indies.

Washington knew that the United States was too weak for war, and so sent Chief Justice
John Jay for talks in Britain.

Jay's Treaty was the result of the talks with Britain. Britain agreed to pay damages for
seized cargo from American ships, and Britain agreed to give up forts it still held in the
West Indies.

The United States agreed to pay off debts owed to British merchants.

Although it received loud protests for not protecting neutral ships, the treaty was
approved in 1795.

Washington's Farewell Address in 1796 advised Americans against getting too
involved in European affairs. Washington rejected alliances that would drag Americans
into war.
MANY PRO-BRITISH VOTERS WERE IN THE NORTH.