Foreign Policy From Washington’s presidency up until Thomas

Jefferson’s, the US had followed a policy of neutrality in regards EuropeProtecting the US rights as a nationDistance from Europe made this easier

Problem with this policy was that the US’s right to trade with European nations was an important consideration in regards to the economy

Embargo of 1807 The problem with neutrality

was that France and Britain remained at war

America continued to trade with its ally France As a result the British began

seizing US merchant ships headed to France

In response Congress passed the Embargo act of 1807○ Prohibited trade with other

nations○ Attempted to force GB and

France to lift their blockades○ New England whose

economy was based on trade was hit hard and the embargo was repealed in 1809

War of 1812 Great Britain continued

violating US rights on the seas Began impressing or

forcing US sailors to serve in the British Navy

Congressman from Western and Southern US wanted to declare war on GB Hoped to expand into

British Canada and Spanish Florida

Became known as “War Hawks”

In 1812 Congress declared war on GB War was not supported by

all Americans

Results of the War of 1812 War ends in a draw

Washington D.C. burned Andrew Jackson wins battle of New

Orleans…after peace treaty was signed War reinforced US belief that neutrality

was best policy for dealing with Europe Native Americans in west lost their

British ally making it harder to stand up to American settlers

American manufacturing grew, especially in New England, while the US was cut off from European imports

The federalist party was weakened by opposing the war which led their losing impact in politics

Andrew Jackson and William Henry Harrison became national heroes

Foreign Policy after the War of 1812 New confidence in

diplomacy John Quincy Adams,

Secretary of State under James Monroe, settled the border with Canada with Britain

Also acquired Florida from Spain and reached an agreement on the southern border of the Louisiana Purchase with them

Monroe Doctrine Adams was the main advisor for the Monroe Doctrine

which shaped foreign policy in the Western Hemisphere after 1823

The Monroe Doctrine called for End of European colonization in West Hem. No interference from Europe in existing nations in West Hem Stating that European interference was “dangerous to US peace

and safety” Promise that the US wouldn’t interfere in European affairs or with

European colonies

US couldn’t enforce it though because military was too weak GB did agree to support this policy By end of 1800 US could enforce it itself