Early President Problems
1700-1800
Global Problems
France and Britain were constantly at war, how might this affect the U.S. you might ask? Well France and the U.S. had a promise that the U.S. would aid them in the time of war for helping them previously. The U.S. was not in fighting condition and did not wish to engage in another war, this angered France that we went back on our word. To solve this problem the U.S. declared neutrality and would not aid either side.
Some of our top presidents
George Washington
George Washington was in a tough spot when it came to war between France and Great Britain. He signed a treaty of alliance with France. George knew that the U.S. was not ready for another war so he announced the policy of neutrality.
John Adams
In 1799 John Adams sent a group of men to France to try and work for some peace. In the treaty between France and the U.S. Napoleon agreed to make peace and ended the alliance.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson passed the embargo act which said that there will be no trade either in or out of the country so that they're ships could not be stolen. He then realized that this hurt the U.S. more because a lot of sailors lost their jobs.
Britain Attacks U.S. Ships
A British warship attacked the U.S. ship for allegedly housing British deserters. The British killed 3 seamen and wounded another 18. After Jefferson heard about this, he called an emergency cabinet meeting. To solve this, Jefferson released his proclamation that no British ships were allowed to port at any American docks unless it is an emergency or on a diplomatic mission.