Final answer:
The Jay Treaty of 1795 was highly controversial, causing political divisions and tensions between the Federalists, who supported it, and the Democratic-Republicans, who opposed it for favoring Britain over France and failing to address impressment.
Step-by-step explanation:
The controversy surrounding the Jay Treaty of 1795 is best described by stating that it was highly controversial and led to political divisions within the United States. Between political parties, the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans differed greatly in their vision for the nation's future.
The treaty did guarantee the right of Americans to trade in the West Indies, but it also exposed deep divisions over foreign policy, especially regarding relations with Britain and France. The Federalists, generally supportive of the treaty, faced opposition from the Democratic-Republicans who viewed the treaty as favoring Britain at the expense of France, whom they supported due to the French Revolution.
The treaty was opposed by many as a concession to Britain and failed to address an important issue: the British practice of impressment, where American sailors were forced into service on British warships. Despite the public controversy and opposition, the treaty was ratified by the Senate and ultimately eased tensions with Britain while leading Spain to negotiate Pinckney's Treaty, which was favorable to American trade.