In the late eighteenth century, attitudes toward Great Britain and France played a significant role in shaping American politics. The American Revolution had just ended, and the United States was a new, independent country trying to establish its place in the world. There were two main political factions that emerged during this time: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans.
The Federalists tended to be more sympathetic to Great Britain, while the Democratic-Republicans were more sympathetic to France. This divide was largely based on ideological differences and different interpretations of the American Revolution. The Federalists saw Great Britain as a valuable trading partner and believed that the United States should maintain close ties with its former colonial ruler. They also believed in a strong federal government and a centralized banking system.
On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans saw France as a natural ally of the United States, given its support during the American Revolution. They were more skeptical of centralized power and believed in states' rights and a more decentralized banking system.
Several acts during this time period further heightened tensions between the United States, Great Britain, and France. These acts included:
Jay's Treaty (1795): This treaty was negotiated by Chief Justice John Jay and sought to resolve several outstanding issues between the United States and Great Britain, including disputes over trade and the impressment of American sailors. The treaty was controversial, as some felt that it favored Great Britain over the United States.
The XYZ Affair (1797-98): This was a diplomatic incident between the United States and France, in which three French agents (known only as "X," "Y," and "Z") demanded bribes and loans from American diplomats in exchange for negotiating a treaty. This incident further strained relations between the two countries.
The Alien and Sedition Acts (1798): These acts were passed by the Federalist-controlled Congress in response to growing tensions with France. They made it more difficult for immigrants to become citizens and gave the government greater powers to deport foreigners, as well as making it illegal to criticize the government or its officials.
Overall, attitudes toward Great Britain and France played a significant role in shaping American politics in the late eighteenth century. These attitudes were deeply rooted in ideological differences and different interpretations of the American Revolution, and were further heightened by several controversial acts and diplomatic incidents.