Foreign Policy in the Jeffersonian Era

1. Foreign Policy in the Jeffersonian Era

2. Foreign Policy • From Washington’s presidency up until Thomas Jefferson’s, the US had followed a policy of neutrality in regards Europe • Protecting the US rights as a nation • Distance 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

3. 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GB and France to lift their blockades • New England whose economy was based on trade was hit hard and the embargo was repealed in 1809

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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