Recording-2025-03-06T19:29:10.534Z

Washington's Foreign Policy Issues

• Tensions arise during Washington's second term regarding the American approach to foreign nations.

• Key incidents include the Nuka Sound controversy involving British and Spanish claims in North America, highlighting the need for neutrality.

The Nuka Sound Controversy

• Located north of Seattle, Washington, and claimed by Spain and Britain.

• A Spanish ship captures British sailors, leading to British threats of war with Spain.

• Washington's administration decides on a neutral stance to avoid involvement in European conflicts.

Divided Opinions on France

• The French Revolution causes a split in opinion within the U.S.:

  • Federalists (e.g., Washington, Adams) favor neutrality and economic ties with Britain.

  • Jeffersonian Republicans (e.g., Jefferson, Madison) advocate for supporting France due to their revolutionary alliance.

• Washington stresses not aligning against Britain to maintain economic wellbeing.

Citizen Genet Controversy

• Edwin Genet, the French ambassador, aggressively recruits American privateers against British shipping, causing tension.

• Washington protests Genet's actions, leading to his recall by France, but Genet fears for his life and remains in the U.S.

Attempt to Smooth Relations with Britain

• Washington sends John Jay to negotiate a treaty with Britain after tensions escalate (Jay Treaty).

• The treaty is unpopular as it provides minimal concessions and fails to guarantee the protection of American ships, leading to public outrage against Jay.

Washington's Farewell Address

• After two terms, Washington chooses not to run for a third term, fearing the presidency has become too contentious.

• His address warns against political parties and foreign entanglements, emphasizing the need for unity and caution in alliances.

Political Divisions Emerge

• With Washington's departure, a political contest begins between John Adams (Federalist) and Thomas Jefferson (Republican).

• Adams faces internal party divisions and does not effectively manage his cabinet, leading to challenges in governance.

Adams Administration and the XYZ Affair

• The XYZ Affair involves French demands for bribes to negotiate, causing outrage in America.

• Public support for war with France grows amidst the quasi-war, leading to the passage of the Alien and Sedition Acts to suppress dissent.

Alien and Sedition Acts

• These acts empower the president to deport non-citizens and restrict criticism of the government, raising concerns of civil liberties.

• Notable cases include Luther Baldwin, who faces serious consequences for criticism of Adams, illustrating the law's overreach.

Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions

• Drafted by Jefferson and Madison, asserting states' rights to contest federal laws perceived as overstepping constitutional powers.

• This principle later influences secessionist arguments in American history.

Conclusion

• By 1799, Adams seeks to stabilize relations with France by negotiating a treaty following the XYZ Affair fallout.

• Tensions between political factions illustrate the ongoing struggles in early American governance, setting the stage for future conflicts as the nation moves toward the election of 1800.