Since the U.S. was still a young nation, trying to build itself internally, she did not wish to engage in military conflicts outside. But with the Revolution in France and the outbreak of war between Britain and France, there was a threat of attack from Britain. This was because, by the Treaty of 1778, the U.S. had promised to protect all French possessions in West Indies. After several debates in the Congress, the President gave a declaration. This declaration or the President’s proclamation stated that the U.S. would remain impartial or aloof in the war. But this was not very easy for the U.S. For France expected help from her during the war. In fact the French minister, citizen Edmond Charles Genet even landed in America, where he insisted upon using it as a center to attack British and Spanish colonies. Amidst great uproar, the President turned down Genet’s demands presumptuous.

George Washington spent two terms as the executive head of the U.S. Before he retired from politics, the country signed a treaty with Spain in 1795. By this treaty, Spain agreed to grant Americans the permission to use the Mississippi River. Also the right of deposit for American goods in New Orleans was given to the merchants. This treaty was widely popular and went in favor of American trade.

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Table of Contents

4.0 - Chronology of Major Events in this Period
4.1 - The Hamilton Reports
4.2 - About the Constitution
4.3 - Emergence of Political Parties
4.4 - Foreign Affairs
4.5 - The XYZ Affair
4.6 - The Louisiana Purchase
4.7 - The War of1812
4.8 - Points to Remeber

Chapter 5