Key Concept 3.3 - Migration within North America and competition over resources, boundaries, and trade intensified conflicts among people and nations.
- How did America approach Western expansion?
- How did Amerca react to European presence in North America?
How did America approach Western expansion?
In approaching Western expansion, America had fought the Battle of Fallen Timbers, ending with the Treaty of Grenville. This earned the US lots of land west, however, British troops remained stationed in the territory and traded with the natives. This alliance between the British and Natives led to tensions culminating in the War of 1812. The U.S. struggled to have consistency with natives, as they constantly break treaties, due to the lack of acknowledgement of natives in the Constitution.
Tensions also emerged between the poorer western settlers and the Atlantic seaboard settlers. The Paxton boys had complete disregard for land ownership, including from the government and settled in the west. These people created tensions between this frontier culture and a more organized Atlantic seaboard community. Another example was Shays rebellion where poorer Western farmers had attacked the government. Generally, these tensions were fueld by the Western frontier being much less wealthy than the Atlantic seaboard, leading to these violent outbreaks.
To incorporate the western territories into new states similar to the already established states, the Northwest Ordinance of 1787 was created. This provided public education, abolished slavery, protection of private property, and urged people to migrate westward. On the other side of North America, Spain expanded its influence over California during this time and many natives were converted to christianity and traded with the Spanish.
How did America react to European presence in North America?
With the Spanish still expanding and holding control of the Mississippi River and continued British presence, America looked to use diplomatic means to resolve the issues. Jay's Treaty was made to get the British out of western territories and established a better relationship between the British and the US. Pinckney's Treaty was made with Spain and guaranteed the rights to the Mississippi River.
Amidst the French Revolution, however, the Federalists, supporters of Britain, and the Democratic Republicans, supporters of France, had arguments over the foreign policy. Jay's treaty had seemed like the US was leaning towards Britain and had angered Democratic Republicans. The Alien and Seditions Acts were so repulsive to them that the Virginia and Kentucky Resolutions were drafted to nullify it. On the other hand, actions to support France were not effective as seen through the XYZ Affair, Citizen Genet, and the the Quasi-war with France. Overall, the US stayed relatively neutral during the French Revolution besides a couple instances of skewed initiatives.
Before leaving office, Washington's Farewell Address tried to foster national unity to avoid political parties. He also warned to stay out of permanent foreign alliances. While the US had stayed out of foreign alliances for much of its history, America immediately developed political parties, and in this time period, the French Revolution had polarized the Federalists and Democratic Republicans. The US will continue to stay out of foreign alliances and create strong opposing political parties for years to come.