The French Revolution

1. The French Revolution • At first, many Americans cheered and supported the French overthrowing the gov’t. • The French had helped the Americans gain their independence and their revolution seemed to embody many of the ideals of the American Revolution. • However, this changed when the war became bloody, attacked religion and had a disregard for citizens liberties.

2. The French Revolution • In 1793, France and Britain went to war. People in the S. sided w/ France while people in the N. sided w/ Britain b/c they traded w/ Britain. • President Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality which: • Prohibited American citizens from fighting in the war • Barred French/British warships from American ports • Closed American seaports

3. The Whiskey Rebellion • Alexander Hamilton placed a tax on whiskey. His actions led to a rebellion in the west. • Many farmers used the surplus corn to make whiskey. They used this whiskey to trade for other goods they needed. • 500 farmers w/ swords, guns, and pitchforks attacked tax collectors and burned down buildings.

4. This protest was known as the Whiskey Rebellion. • President Washington personally took 13,000 soldiers to crush the rebellion. • The rebellion collapsed as soon as the army crossed the Appalachian Mts.

5. Slide Break!

6. Struggle Over the West • The gov’t faced problems w/ Native Americans in the West • On many occasions, Native Americans turned to Britain and Spain for help. • The 2 European nations jumped on the chance to prevent further American settlement. • Washington signed treaties w/ Indians concerning lands in the west, yet many Americans ignored the treaties and moved onto the Indian lands.

7. The British began seizing American ships that traded w/ the French and made the merchants join the British navy. • When the US made peace with the Native Americans in the W., the US and Britain signed the Jay’s Treaty. Jay’s Treaty did the following: • Britain agreed to withdraw from American soil • Pay damages for ships they seized • Allow American ships to trade w/ British colonies

8. The US even signed a treaty with Spain known as Pinckney’s Treaty. • In the treaty, Spain gave America access to the Mississippi River and destroyed their forts on American soil.

9. Washington’s Farewell • Washington served 8 yrs as president and announced he would not run again for third term. • Before Washington left the presidency, he issued the “Farewell Address”. • In his address, Washington: • Said political parties are EVIL • Do not have permanent alliances w/ foreign nations (don’t trust foreign countries) • Stay out of European affairs, let them handle their own business (mind your own business)