2004 Apush Dbq

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DBQ #2 After the Revolutionary War was won and the United States framework fell into place, the new nation’s beliefs were lay upon early. As our new country’s foundation settled under the administration of George Washington, American values became structurally defined. In terms of the presidency, and of the government – politically, economically, and internationally – began to be evident over the course of the first five executive leaders. Two primary “parties”, or varying sets of beliefs arose, generally contradicting certain elements of the other’s core notions. As the hands of the presidency shifted from party to party, the foreign policy path America was upon nevertheless maintained a constant track of logic, as evident by the decisions…show more content…
Adams' term was marked by intense disputes over foreign policy, in particular a desire to stay out of the expanding conflict in Europe. With France and England disputing overseas, Adams realized the importance of Washington’s policy of staying out of European war. Not all of Europe recognized this American stance, and seeing how America was up until recently a part of Great Britain, France figured the United States was affiliated with the old “mother country” as the junior partner, secretly against the French. Adam’s attempt of foreign removal like Washington essentially disintegrated due to following French action. Impulsively and stubbornly, France initiated a Quasi-War, where American ships were taken over by French powers. Prior to this event, Adams foresaw Franco-American trouble and sent negotiators overseas to France. This episode, now known as the XYZ affair, involved American diplomats sent to negotiate issues that were threatening to break out into war. The negotiators were approached through informal channels by agents of the French Foreign Minister Talleyrand, who demanded bribes and a loan before formal negotiations could begin. Although such demands were not uncommon in European diplomacy of the time, the Americans were offended by them, and eventually left France without ever engaging in formal negotiations.…show more content…
Unlike his predecessor, Jefferson favored the French. Continuing along the same road, Jefferson traded with both nations, even in the course of the ongoing overseas squabbles. To continue this stream of neutrality, Jefferson placed the Embargo Act into action. With the Napoleonic Wars occurring in the European nations, both England and France attempted bullying the United States into siding with them. When neither world power once again respected our neutrality, Thomas Jefferson declared in the Embargo Act that no foreign trade would occur, as depicted by (Doc J). After Jefferson, Republican James Madison’s presidency is tainted by the War of 1812 to rid the American Continent of European influence. Although resulting in no territorial change, this war resolved many revolutionary conflicts still remaining. The United States declared war in 1812 for several reasons, including trade restrictions brought about by Britain's ongoing war with France, the impressment of American merchant sailors into the Royal Navy, British support of American Indian tribes against American expansion, outrage over insults to national honor after humiliations on the high seas, and possible American desire to annex Canada. This brought about a period of American euphoria, and resolved any allied affairs with England. Concluding with James Monroe, and perhaps most importantly, came the
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