John Adams and American foreign policy : the struggle to maintain neutrality, 1797-1800

Author

Janna K. Cox

Graduation Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Social Science, American History, 2006

Committee Chair Name

Delores Nason McBroome

Committee Chair Affiliation

HSU Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Foreign policy, John Adams, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Teaching American History, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Social Science

Abstract

On March 4, 1797, America's first orderly transfer of power occurred in Philadelphia when George Washington stepped down and John Adams became the second president of the United States. Immediately, Adams was faced with the threat of a foreign war and national division. France and Great Britain were engaged in bitter warfare during the French Revolution and the United States was getting caught in the middle. The Jay Treaty in 1794 delayed an immediate threat of combat with England but it angered the French. John Adams was aware of the growing friction between this country and its former ally. Adams was sensitive to the fact that America was divided over its support of France and that growing political division was centered upon allegiance to one or the other country. War was looming and the United States was in a predicament. France had a very large army, her fleet was powerful and her leaders were skillful and ambitious. On the contrary, the United States was a new nation, lacking wealth and without a worthy army or fleet. There were internal problems and no general agreement on foreign policy. Adams was in a delicate position. A man of decided temperament, Adams was as determined as he had ever been to maintain the policy of neutrality established by Washington, while refusing to submit to any indignities or to sacrifice American honor.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/td96k5079

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