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Proclamation of Neutrality
When George Washington was president, he signed the Proclamation of Neutrality, which declared that America would remain neutral in conflicts with other countries. It forbade ships from carrying war supplies to other countries. This lead to the relationship with France deteriorated because France helped the U.S in the war against England and they wanted help in future wars. Britain also believed that they deserved help because of the citizens of the U.S were once citizens of Great Britain. -
Alien and Sedition Acts
This took place in America when John Adams was president. There were three laws in the act. It gave the president the power to imprison foreign friends and deport them if needed. It also said a foreigner had to live in the U.S for 14 years before becoming a citizen. Lastly, it said that the president could fine or imprison someone for criticizing them. Citizens thought that this took away Republican votes, since most of their supporters were foreign. The plan eventually failed. -
War with Tripoli
This event took place off the coast of North Africa when Thomas Jefferson was president. North Africa required money from U.S. ships traveling in the Mediterranean Sea in exchange for protection against pirates. Jefferson refused to pay and the pasha, or leader, of North Africa then declared war on U.S. ships. The naval war lasted four years, until a peace treaty was signed in 1805. The result was that Jefferson got money to increase the size of the navy. -
Louisiana Purchase
This event took place in America when Thomas Jefferson was president. France owned the land west of the Mississippi, which America bought. Jefferson sent Louis and Clark to explore the new land until they reached the Pacific Ocean. This event doubled U.S land and all together cost only $15 million. -
War of 1812
This event involved Europe and America, when James Madison was president. America was trying not to get involved in a war between Great Britain and France. When the U.S. wouldn't help, Britain kidnapped U.S sailors to fight, which lead to the U.S joining the war and invading the British colonies of Canada. Britain then burned down the White House, and tried and failed to capture Baltimore. There was no clear winner in the end, but the U.S became more independent and gained identity. -
Monroe Doctrine
When James Monroe was president, almost every Latin America country was independent besides Mexico. The Monroe Doctrine warned European monarchies that they could expect a strong response if they interfered with North America or South America. This helped to continue to shape our foreign policy. -
Tariff of Abominations
This event took place in America, when John Quincy Adams was president. President Adams put a tax on goods from other countries that made them more expensive, especially if a region didn't have that industry in their region. The purpose of this tax was to protect factories of the north from competition from other countries. The result of this was that south ended up having to more for foreign goods and they lost money on the raw materials they produce, since other countries bought fewer. -
Trail of Tears
When Andrew Jackson was president, Americans were trying to seize Native American farmland, and he did nothing to stop them; he even helped to push the Indian Removal Act through Congress, which would force Native Americans to move west. They marched over 1,200 miles and over 4,000 died. This obviously lead to problems between Americans and Native
Americans.
