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Proclomation of Neutrality signed by Washington
In this document, Washington, as he often did, wished to stay out of foreign affairs. He saw the war between Britain and Napolean's France as very dangerous to meddle with and wanted to avoid prodding the lion. -
The XYZ Affair
In this affair, the US is attempting to cut the tensions with France. Rather than being given a proper meeting, French officials sent three representatives, named X, Y, and Z by american citizens, to extract a large sum of money. Seeing this as a bribe, the Americans were outraged, which caused an unofficial war between France and America called the Quasi War. -
Convention of 1800
By signing this treaty, the Americans and French were able to return to friendly terms. The Quasi War was ended, the Franco-American alliance was ended, and the US and France began engaging in commerce once again. -
Louisiana Purchase
In this historic deal, the US purchased the French territory in North America for around 15 million dollars from Napolean. Put simply, the US doubled its size with a single purchase and took on the responsibility of governing and settling the westward lands. -
Embargo Act
This act, passed during Jefferson's presidency, attempted to stop trade between outside nations. In passing this act, Jefferson wished to keep the US out of all foreign affairs and, more specifically, out of France and Britain's war. Although this act had good intentions, it seriously hurt the US economy. -
War of 1812
The War of 1812 was the conglomeration of several factors. The main motivators for the war were the British impressment of American sailors into the Royal navy, the British blockade of French commerce, and the battles with Native Americans stirred up by the British. By the end of the war, neither side had truly gained anything, but both had suffered considerable losses. -
Treaty of Ghent
At the end of the war, neither side had made much headway or gained anything. In order to finally end the war, the treaty of Ghent was signed. Although it did not even adress the key issues the Americans had brought up against the British, the war itself had solidified America as a world power. -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine acted as America's way of trying to keep Europeans from meddling in the affairs of the American continents. It stops Europeans from colonizing any of the American continents. Even today, this doctrine can still be called upon.
