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Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington believed entering the war between Britain and France would be detrimental. No matter which side America chose to support, they would suffer losses that would not outweigh the gains. This led Washington to issue the Proclamation of Neutrality. The proclamation prevented the United States from entering the war. The proclamation also prevented America from forming a close alliance with one country. -
XYZ Affair
This was an America’s attempt to restore relations with France. France and America were developing a budding war. Today, it is referred to as the quasi-war, though war was never declared between the two nations. In an effort to prevent the quasi-war from becoming a full-blown war, President Adams sent three U.S. diplomats to meet with French foreign minister, Charles Talleyrand. Instead, the U.S. diplomats were met by three lower level officials, Hottinguer, Bellamy, and Hauteval, who are co -
Convention of 1800
The Convention of 1800 settled the quasi-war and restored relations between France and America. France agreed to return all American ships they had confiscated during the quasi-war. America agreed that France would not have to pay for any of the damages the inflicted on the ships. -
Louisiana Purchase
President Jefferson purchased the land known as the Louisiana Territory from Napoleon. This purchase more than doubled the size of then America. His purchase raised questions as to whether or not the president had the constitutional authority to purchase land. If he didn’t, who did? -
Embargo Act
President Jefferson did not want America to participate in a war and sought other ways to make a statement. In 1807, President Jefferson asked Congress to pass a law that stopped the exportation of American goods to foreign countries in hopes of hurting Britain and France. An act was passed, but it ended up creating an economic disaster in America. -
War of 1812
This war is also referred to as the “freedom of the seas” and as the second war for independence. It was fought between America and Britain. Many battles were fought including, the Battle of Queenston Heights, Battle of Frenchtown, Battle of Lake Erie, and the Battle of Thames. When the British won their war versus France, they sent more troops and focused their efforts in America. The British even burned down the White House, forcing President Madison and his wife Dolly to flee. -
Treaty of Ghent
This treaty ended the War of 1812 between Britain and America. Neither side gained anything. Instead, they decided to return to how things were before the war began. The treaty didn’t discuss the issue of impressment of American sailors by the British. -
Battle of New Orleans
This battle occurred between America and Britain after the Treaty of Ghent was signed that officially ended the war of 1812. Unfortunately, news of the treaty had not yet crossed the Atlantic Ocean so both sides still believed there was a raging war going on. Andrew Jackson led 4,000 American troops. He was outnumbered by British troops, but won the battle. His victory created a sense of pride for Americans and made Jackson a national hero. While a winner of the War of 1812 was never declar -
Monroe Doctrine
The Monroe Doctrine was issued by President Monroe. It stated that the U.S. wouldn’t tolerate European intervention in the Americas, that the Americas weren’t open for further colonization, and that any attempt at colonization would be viewed as an act of aggression. It is also referred to as the “hands off the Western hemisphere” doctrine. It showed that America was a powerful nation and a force to be reckoned with in world affairs.