DBQ+-+American+Foreign+Policy+1778+-+1796

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 * Directions**: the following question are based on the accompanying documents (1- 6). Some of these documents have been edited for the purposes of this task. This question are designed to test your ability to work with historic documents. As you analyze the documents, take into account both the sources of the document, the date of the documents, and the author’s point of view.==


 * Historic Context**: The documents below relate information about the relationship between France and the United States between 1778 to 1796. Examine each document carefully, and then answer the question that follows it.


 * DBQ - American Foreign Policy (1778 - 1796)**: Pages Handout/ PDF Handout

Document 1

 * Treaty of Alliance Between the United States & France **
 * February 6, 1778 **

ART. 1. If War should break out between France and Great Britain, during the continuance of the present War between the United States and England, his Majesty and the said united States, shall make it a common cause, and aid each other mutually with their good Offices, their Counsels, and their forces...

ART. 8. Neither of the two Parties shall conclude either Truce or Peace with Great Britain, without the formal consent of the other first obtained;

Source: [|__http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index.asp?document=670__]


 * 1) //** In your own words, describe the deal the United States and France entered into with this document? **//

Document 2

 * Treaty of Amity and Commerce Between the United States & France **
 * February 6, 1778 **

ART. 6. The most Christian King shall endeavour by all the means in his Power to protect and defend all Vessels and the Effects belonging to the Subjects, People or Inhabitants of the said United States;... and the Ships of War of his most Christian Majesty or any Convoys sailing under his authority shall upon all Occasions take under their Protection all Vessels belonging to the Subjects, People or Inhabitants of the said United States...and shall defend such Vessels...as they ought to protect and defend the Vessels belonging to the Subjects of the most Christian King .

Source: [|__http://teachingamericanhistory.org/library/index.asp?document=667__]


 * 1) **// What is the main idea of Art. 6? //**
 * 2) **// What do Document 1 & Document 2 tell you about the relationship between France and the United States in 1778? //**

Document 3

 * Timeline: 1793 - France declares war on Britain and Holland **

Document 4

 * A Proclamation by the President of the United States **

Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial (showing lack of favoritism) toward the belligerant (aggressive) Powers;

I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition (tendency) of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectfully; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene (conflict) such disposition.

George Washington April 22, 1793

Source: [|__http://www.revolutionary-war-and-beyond.com/proclamation-of-neutrality-by-george-washington-april-22-1793.html__]
 * 1) //** What is George Washington proclaiming in this document? **//
 * 2) //** How does this document contradict the ideas of the Document 1? **//

Document 5

 * British-American Diplomacy **
 * The Jay Treaty; November 19, 1794 **

ARTICLE 1. There shall be a firm inviolable and universal Peace, and a true and sincere Friendship between His Britannick Majesty, His Heirs and Successors, and the United States of America; and between their respective Countries, Territories, Cities, Towns and People of every Degree, without Exception of Persons or Places.

ARTICLE 2. His Majesty will withdraw all His Troops and Garrisons from all Posts and Places within the Boundary Lines assigned by the [|__Treaty of Peace__] to the United States.

ARTICLE 17 It is likewise agreed that the Subjects and Citizens of the Two Nations, shall not do any acts of Hostility or Violence against each other, nor accept Commissions [payments] or Instructions so to act from any Foreign Prince or State...

Source: [|__http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/jay.asp__] //** 1. How does this document contradict the ideas of Document 1? **//

Document 6

 * Washington’s Farewell Address - September 17th 1796 **

The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nation is, in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible...

It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; Harmony...with all nations, are recommended by policy, humanity, and interest....even our commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences...The duty of holding a neutral conduct may be inferred [understood], without anything more...to maintain ...the relations of peace and amity [friendship] towards other nations.


 * 1) //** What foreign policy does Washington promote in this document? **//
 * 2) //** Based on these documents (1 - 6) why would France have been angered by U.S. foreign policy from 1793 - 1796? **//