Early Challenges

8-2

Objectives

• How the federal government asserted its power in the West.

• How the United States tried to stay out of European conflicts.

Whiskey RebellionFarmers in Western Pennsylvania protested having to pay taxes on Whiskey they made from excess corn. George Washington led 15,000 troops to quash the revolt.

Struggles Over The WestAlthough America had gained all land from the Appalachian to the Mississippi River, when pioneers began moving west they discovered something: Somebody was already there.

British InterventionRemaining allies with several Indian Nations, as Americans headed west the British renewed their Indian friendships. This would start a series of events.

Arthur St. Clair

General Arthur St. Clair was sent by Washington to restore and keep order in the West.

Little TurtleIn November, 1791, Miami Indians led by Little Turtle defeated St. Clair in battle near the Wabash River,

British FortsThe British started to reinforce forts in the Northwest Territory and build a new fort in Ohio.

Battle of Fallen Timbers

In August of 1794 General “Mad” Anthony Wayne defeated Blue Jacket at the Battle of Fallen Timbers.

Treaty of GrenvilleAfter Wayne’s victory, the Native Americans were forced to give up their lands essentially the state of Ohio.

French RevolutionInspired by the American Revolution’s ideas of freedom and liberty, France’s revolution began in 1789 and led to the overthrow and beheading of the King and Queen.

British/French WarIn the 1790s, war again broke out between France and Great Britain. Their conflict in the western hemisphere centered at sea for control of the West Indies. This would interfere with American shipping.

NeutralityWashington believed the United States should not get involved in European affairs. He declared proclamation of neutrality.

Edmund GenetRepresenting France, Genet came to American and tried to convince Americans to support France’s cause. Some Americans attacked British merchant ships.

ImpressmentUpset by these attacks, the British Navy began the practice of “impressment”. The taking of sailors and forcing them to serve in the Royal Navy.

Jay’s TreatyWashington sent John Jay to negotiate a treaty with the British to avert war. The agreement, known as Jay’s Treaty prevented war but was criticized by many for not going far enough.

Treaty With Spain

In 1795 Thomas Pinckney negotiated a treaty with Spain. The results were that Americans had navigation rights on the Mississippi River and access to the port city of New Orleans.

Washington’s Farewell

In 1796 Washington announced he would not seek a third term thereby setting a precedent that would remain until 1940. In his farewell address he warned against getting involved in foreign affairs. That would guide America’s foreign policy for the next century.