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NAP TIME
N: #34 Washington’s Legacy
A: Test on Monday!!
P: Paper and Pencil
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Storming the
Bastille
The French Revolution
While Americans are ratifying their Constitution, unrest is
threatening to rip open revolution in France.
July 14, 1789 – An angry mob destroys the Bastille, a prison
in Paris, France. This event was one of many that lit the
flame of revolution in France only a few years after
Americans had won their independence from Britain.
Like the Americans, the French fought for liberty and
equality. But as the French Revolution grew more violent,
American politicians began to feel uneasy. Would America
join the fight? Or will she stay neutral?
The French Revolution
Rebellion Against King
Louis XVI
The French were upset with their King:
•The Poor and Middle Class would pay
heavy taxes while the wealthy nobility
paid none.
•The people wanted to limit the power
of the King.
•The people wanted rights!
Reign of Terror
In the 1790s, the French
Revolution turns violent.
A radical group gains power
and beheads King Louis XVI
and his wife Queen Marie
Antoinette.
Thousands of French citizens
would be killed in what would
be known as the “reign of
terror.”
American Opinion Divided
Thomas Jefferson, who
spent many years in France,
was happy that the French
were in the throws of
revolution.
He did, however, condemn
the execution of the king and
queen.
Still, Jefferson felt that the
French people had a right to
use violence to gain their
freedom.
Alexander Hamilton and John Adams disagreed with
Jefferson. They felt that the French Revolution would
fail. They thought that the French could not achieve
democracy through violence.
Europe Turns to War
Fearing that the French Revolution would spur the people
in their countries to start their own revolutions,
monarchies throughout Europe send armies to France.
Britain, Spain, Prussia, Austria, and the Netherlands sent
troops to stop the revolution.
Europe would be at war for 20 years.
The U.S. Stays Neutral
President Washington is
faced with a difficult
decision. He must form a
foreign policy for the
United States.
Foreign policy – the
actions and stands a
nation takes in relation to
other nations.
One small problem: The
U.S. and France had an old
treaty allowing French
ships to use U.S. ports.
The French wanted to
continue to use these
ports to supply their ships
and launch attacks on
British ships.
“It is the sincere
wish of United
America to have
nothing to do
with…the
squabbles of
European
nations.”
- President Washington
The Cabinet Divided
Alexander Hamilton points out to the
French that the treaty allowing the use of
U.S. ports was an agreement made with
King Louis XVI. Since he was now dead, the
treaty was not longer in effect.
Jefferson disagreed with Hamilton. He
also was very suspicious of Hamilton’s
apparent friendly relations with Britain.
Jefferson urged Washington to support
France in their Revolution.
Neutrality Proclamation
President Washington makes a decision; neutrality. The
United States issued the Neutrality Proclamation in April
1793. It stated that the U.S. would NOT get involved in
any conflict between Britain and France. Americans were
not to help either side.
Jefferson, due in part to this decision and his consistent
disagreements and conflicts with Alexander Hamilton
decides to resign from Washington’s Cabinet.
Washington Retires
1797 – Washington publishes his Farewell
Address. In it he announced that he would retire.
•He sets a precedent by serving only
two terms.
•He urges the United States to
remain neutral in foreign affairs.
•Avoid alliances with European
nations or run the risk of being
dragged into war.
Review Questions
How did the Revolution in
France divide Americans?
While they supported the French
people’s desire to gain their liberty,
many Americans turned against it after
it turned violent. Still, others, like
Thomas Jefferson, felt that the French
had a right to use violence to gain
freedom.
What advice did
Washington give in his
Farewell Address?
Washington advised Americans to avoid
getting involved foreign affairs.
What does foreign policy
mean?
Foreign Policy: the actions and stands that
a nation takes in relation to other nations.
Hug it out, Bro. It’s over.