Early American Foreign Policy

 

Central Question: Can a nation trade with a warring power and still declare freedom of the seas?

 

Washington’s Farewell Address

     Washington’s “advice” to America

     consistent with the Proclamation of

           Neutrality of 1793

     develop commerce with all nations but

     “entangling alliances with none”

 

XYZ Affair

     French warships were attacking US ships

     diplomats sent to France to resolve it

     three agents asked for a bribe (X, Y , Z)

     undeclared naval war with France

           resulted

 

Jefferson’s Embargo

     passed to avoid war with England and

           France

     stopped all American trade with those

           nations

     ultimately hurt America more than Europe

 

War of 1812: Causes

     impressment of American sailors and

           seizure of ships

     resentment of British dating to the

          Revolution

     Indian violence in the West (caused by

           British?)

     American desire to gain Florida and

           Canada

 

War of 1812: Effects

     Growth of American nationalism

     Strengthening of Isolationism

     Increase in Westward migration

     Encouragement of American Industry

     Disappearance of the Federalist party

 

Mexican War: Causes

     American annexation of Texas

     further claims of territory by Americans

     rejection of Slidell’s mission

    

Mexican War: Effects

     Americans gained Mexican cession

     Southern boundary was Rio Grande

     resentment of Mexico/ Latin Americans

           toward US

     revival of slavery issue

     practice ground for Civil War officers