Americans had mixed reactions to the French Revolution when it began in 1789. Some Americans, particularly those who were influenced by Enlightenment ideas, supported the revolution and its principles of liberty, equality, and democracy. Others, particularly Federalists, were skeptical of the revolution and its radicalism, and feared that its ideas would spread to the United States and lead to similar upheaval.
In the early years of the revolution, the United States, under President George Washington, officially adopted a policy of neutrality. This policy was designed to avoid entangling the United States in the ongoing war in Europe and to protect American trade interests. However, as the revolution progressed and France became embroiled in a war with other European powers, American public opinion began to shift. Many Americans, particularly those who supported the revolution, began to call for the United States to enter the war on the side of France.
In 1793, President George Washington issued a proclamation of neutrality, which officially declared the United States neutral in the ongoing war between France and other European powers. This policy was a response to the tensions between the United States and France, which had increased significantly as a result of the French Revolution and the war. Washington's proclamation of neutrality was based on the belief that it was in the best interests of the United States to avoid entangling alliances and to protect American trade interests.
This policy of neutrality established the United States as a neutral party in the war in Europe and allowed the country to continue to trade with both France and its European opponents. In addition, it prevented the United States from being dragged into the war and allowed it to avoid the economic and political instability that