In United States history, the term “neutrality proclamation” generally refers to a proclamation that President George Washington issued in 1793. In that proclamation, he declared that America and Americans should remain neutral in a war between France and England (and other European countries).
The war between France and England started because of the French Revolution. The revolutionary government of France declared war on England and other European countries. The United States, of course, was a relatively young and weak nation. It also had a complex relationship with the countries involved. It had clear ties to England, of course, but also reasons to be that country’s enemy. It had a treaty with France that said it had to help defend France if that country was attacked. It also owed France favors because France had helped it in the Revolutionary War.
After thinking about all these factors, President Washington decided that it would be bad for the US to get involved in this war. Therefore, he issued the neutrality proclamation.
No comments:
Post a Comment