4.4+America+on+the+World+Stage
America on the World Stage
Influences on Early American Foreign Policy
From colonial times to independence, American foreign policy was heavily influenced by other nations.
George Washington warned against permanent alliances, suggesting a preference for neutrality.
Jefferson's Foreign Policy
Experience
Thomas Jefferson had extensive experience as a foreign minister and as Secretary of State before his presidency.
Avoidance of War
Aimed to maintain U.S. neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars despite provocations from France and Britain.
Challenges Abroad
Barbary Pirates
The first significant foreign policy challenge arose from piracy by the Barbary states.
Previous administrations (Washington and Adams) paid tribute to Barbary leaders to protect merchant ships.
Jefferson refused to pay increased tribute demands and instead sent a naval fleet to the Mediterranean (1801-1805).
Resulted in sporadic fighting with Tripoli but gained respect for U.S. naval power.
U.S. Neutrality Under Strain
Napoleon's wars caused increased naval blockades and confisicated cargoes of neutral nations, particularly affecting American shipping.
The Chesapeake-Leopard Affair
In 1807, the British warship Leopard fired on the U.S. ship Chesapeake, leading to American fatalities and captain capture.
Heightened anti-British sentiment and calls for war, but Jefferson opted for diplomacy.
The Embargo Act (1807)
To avoid war, Jefferson supported the Embargo Act, banning American exports to foreign ports.
Expected to press Britain into respecting U.S. neutrality—it backfired, devastating the U.S. economy, particularly in New England.
Recognizing failure, Jefferson called for repeal in 1809.
Madison's Foreign Policy
Economic Warfare
James Madison faced similar European pressures during his presidency.
Nonintercourse Act (1809)
Allowing trade with all nations except Britain and France post-Embargo Act, aimed at resuming trade while preserving neutrality.
The War of 1812
Background
Wars in Europe caused ongoing violations of U.S. neutral rights by both Britain and France, leading to domestic tensions.
Causes of War
Continued impressment of U.S. sailors by the British and land ambitions of western Americans fueled the push for conflict.
War Hawks
A new group of congressional leaders (including Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun) sought war to defend national honor and territorial expansion.
Declaration of War
Madison sought a declaration of war backed by many frontier states after British inaction on U.S. rights.
Military Campaigns
Initial Defeats
The U.S. suffered a poorly organized invasion of Canada which was repulsed easily.
Naval Victories
Despite initial shortcomings, U.S. naval engagements resulted in notable victories, particularly on the Great Lakes:
Old Ironsides defeated British ships, raising morale.
Lake Erie victory led to the defeat of British and Tecumseh at the Battle of the Thames.
The Chesapeake Campaign
In 1814, the British, bolstered by the defeat of Napoleon, burned Washington, D.C. but failed to capture Baltimore.
The defense of Fort McHenry later inspired "The Star-Spangled Banner".
Southern Campaign
Under General Jackson, significant victories (Battle of Horseshoe Bend and New Orleans) were achieved, although the Battle of New Orleans came after the peace treaty was signed.
Treaty of Ghent (1814)
Ended the war without addressing the original grievances, simply restoring pre-war territorial boundaries.
Negative impacts on the Federalist Party and a rise in U.S. nationalism.
Aftermath of the War
The Monroe administration continued an assertive foreign policy:
Monroe Doctrine
A response to European ambitions in the Americas, claiming that the American continents were no longer open for colonization.
Gained support domestically but was largely ignored by European powers at the time.
America on the World Stage
Influences on Early American Foreign Policy
Early American foreign policy was shaped by global influences; Washington warned against permanent alliances.
Jefferson's Foreign Policy
Experience: Jefferson had significant foreign policy experience.
Avoidance of War: Sought to maintain U.S. neutrality during the Napoleonic Wars.
Barbary Pirates: Challenged by piracy; refused to pay tribute and instead sent a naval fleet to combat pirates (1801-1805).
U.S. Neutrality Under Strain: Napoleonic wars prompted blockades affecting American shipping.
Chesapeake-Leopard Affair: British attack on U.S. ship escalated anti-British sentiments, yet Jefferson chose diplomacy.
Embargo Act (1807): Aimed to pressure Britain through a trade ban, but it harmed the U.S. economy, leading to its repeal in 1809.
Madison's Foreign Policy
Economic Warfare: Faced similar issues as Jefferson.
Nonintercourse Act (1809): Allowed trade except with Britain and France, aiming to resume trade while maintaining neutrality.
War of 1812: Sparked by British impressment of U.S. sailors and territorial ambitions of War Hawks.
Poor initial military campaigns but notable naval victories, including on the Great Lakes.
Significant battles included the defense of Fort McHenry and victories under General Jackson.
Treaty of Ghent (1814): Ended the war; U.S. nationalism increased, but grievances remained unaddressed.
Aftermath of the War
Monroe Doctrine: Asserted that the Americas were closed to European