American Foreign Policy During Washington's Presidency

Summary

In the tumultuous 1790s, American foreign policy reflects deep divisions among leaders like Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison amidst the French Revolution. Jefferson advocates for supporting France, viewing it as a continuation of American ideals, while Hamilton argues for aligning with England, emphasizing economic ties and dismissing the legitimacy of the French government. The debate intensifies as war breaks out between France and England, with American merchants seeking to trade with both sides, highlighting the struggle between moral obligations and pragmatic interests in shaping the young nation's diplomatic identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 1790s marked a period of indecisive American foreign policy as Washington took office.
• 😀 The French Revolution sparked differing reactions among American leaders, with Jefferson supporting it and Hamilton opposing it.
• 😀 Jefferson viewed the French Revolution as a continuation of the American quest for freedom and equality.
• 😀 Hamilton and others feared that France lacked a political culture and could descend into tyranny.
• 😀 Hamilton advocated for strong ties with England, seeing it as America's natural ally and economic partner.
• 😀 Disagreements arose when France and England went to war, creating controversy over America's stance.
• 😀 American merchants sought to trade with both warring nations, leveraging their needs for produce.
• 😀 Jefferson argued for a moral obligation to support France, citing a treaty from 1779.
• 😀 Hamilton countered that the treaty was with the King of France, who was no longer in power.
• 😀 The debate reflected broader themes of national identity, alliances, and the role of treaties in foreign policy.

Q & A

What significant event is taking place in France during the 1790s?

The French Revolution is taking place, leading to the overthrow of the French government.

How do Jefferson and Hamilton view the French Revolution differently?

Jefferson supports the revolution, seeing it as a continuation of the fight for freedom and equality, while Hamilton fears it will lead to tyranny due to France's lack of a political tradition.

What is Hamilton's stance on America's foreign alliances?

Hamilton believes that America's real ally is England, advocating for trade and investment with English capitalists rather than involvement with France.

What does Jefferson argue regarding America's obligation to France?

Jefferson argues that it is America's moral obligation to support France because of a treaty signed in 1779, viewing them as allies.

What differing opinions do Madison and Hamilton hold regarding foreign policy?

Madison supports aiding France, while Hamilton promotes maintaining ties with England, emphasizing economic interests.

What was the reaction of American merchants to the war between France and England?

American merchants wanted to trade with both countries, seeing an opportunity to sell produce to both warring nations.

How does Hamilton argue against the treaty with France?

Hamilton points out that the treaty was made with the King of France, who has been overthrown, suggesting that America is no longer bound by it.

What broader theme does the conflict between Jefferson and Hamilton represent?

Their conflict highlights the tension between isolationism and engagement in foreign affairs, as well as differing visions of America's role in the world.

How does the indecisiveness of American foreign policy manifest in this period?

The indecisiveness is evident in the split opinions on whether to support France or England and the lack of a unified strategy.

What impact did the differing views on foreign policy have on early American politics?

These differing views contributed to the formation of political factions, leading to the emergence of the Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties.