Chapter 9 sec 2 notes
- 1. Chapter 9 Sec 2notes How was American opinion divided over the French Revolution? American Opinions of The French Revolution The French Revolution • In 1789, the French rebelled against their king. The peasants and the middle class paid heavy taxes, while nobles paid none. Reformers wanted a constitution to limit the king’s power and protect basic rights. American Views Favoring the French Revolution • Americans knew what it meant to struggle for liberty. • France had been their first ally. • Americans admired the Marquis de Lafayette, who had fought with them in the American Revolution. • Jefferson: The French had the right to use violence to win freedom. American Views Against the French Revolution • The revolution turned violent. The king, queen, and tens of thousands of others were executed. • Hamilton and Adams: Democracy can’t be created through widespread violence. • Why did Washington want the nation to remain neutral in foreign affairs? Washington wanted to keep the Nation Neutral • Following the French Revolution, wars broke out between France and England. • Washington had to decide on a foreign policy—the actions that a nation takes in relation to other nations. • Washington knew the United States had signed a treaty with France that made the two countries allies. He worried that the United States could not honor the treaty and still remainneutral,or not take sides. • After much debate, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation, which stated that the United States would not support either side in the war. It forbade Americans from aiding either side • Why was it difficult for the United States to remain neutral? Warring European nations seized American ships. John Jay negotiated a treaty with Great Britain. Jay’s Treaty said: • Britain had to pay damages for seized American ships. • Britain agreed to give up its forts in the West. • Americans had to pay debts owed to British merchants. • Many Americans protested Jay’s Treaty because it did nothing to protect the rights of neutral American ships. • When Washington retired, in his Farewell Address he advised Americans to stay out of European affairs..