Foreign Policy in the Jeffersonian Era

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

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GB and France to lift their blockades ○ New England whose economy was based on trade was hit hard and the embargo was repealed in 1809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

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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  

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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 

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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