The Neutrality Proclamation

As the armies of Prussia, Great Britain, Austria, the Netherlands, and Sardinia prepared for their war against the French Republic, thomas Jefferson was preparing for how own battle. As the Secretary of State, Jefferson was supposed to be President Washington's key adviser on the war in Europe but he felt that the President was relying more on the advice of Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson had originally supported the French in their revolution, believing that the French people were entitled to the same rights that Americans had. When the revolution turned excessively violent, Jefferson's support became less vocal.

The French Republic asked the United States to continue selling weapons, food, and other supplies to the French army as well as the use of American ports to launch attacks against the British in the Caribbean. Jefferson wanted the United to support the French in their struggle, but understood that the U.S. would be vulnerable to attack if they did.

Alexander Hamilton saw the French Revolution as continued proof that the common man was only capable of violence and needed to be controlled. Hamilton distrusted the French Revolution, and hoped that the British, with their powerful navy would emerge as the winner in their struggle with the French. To Hamilton, the British were the future. An economy based on trade and manufacturing, with access to cities and ports across the world. Hamilton knew that the United States could not afford to fight a war against either the British or the French, the nation was struggling to pay off its debt. To Hamilton the best way of supporting the British was to let it be known that the United States was not supporting the French. He felt that without any future aid or assistance from foreign nations, the French would be defeated and the U.S. would be safe from any bloodshed.

For Homework tonight:

Read pages 311-315.

Then answer the following questions:

1. Who was France at war with?

2. What did President Washington decide to do in regards to the war in Europe?

3. What were the warnings that President Washington gave U.S. citizens? Why did he feel the need to do this?

4. What Cabinet member disagreed with the decision to be neutral? Why?