Apush Dbq Essay

George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe were the first five presidents of the United States and the people who led America to success during a time of great conflict. These presidents helped shape America into what it is today. Without their problems during their presidencies and then solving them, no one knows where America would be. For example, why did President Madison go to war, in 1812, unlike all of the previous and future presidents.
Washington wanted to stay neutral during his presidency, so he completely avoided war with foreign countries. He avoided war issuing the Proclamation of Neutrality, which stated that the U.S. was not going to take sides in the war between neither France nor Britain.

One concerned foreign policy, while the other concerned the rights of citizens. Adams wanted to follow in Washington’s footsteps and not go to war with Britain, instead to be neutral for war and decrease foreign intervention. Federalists, in general, were men of wealth and position. They did not believe in democracy, rule by the people. For this reason, they strongly opposed the revolution in France. They were horrified by the execution of the French king and queen. Federalists wanted an alliance with Britain. Over time, they demanded war with France. So Adams set up the XYZ affair, which told the Americans that France would sign an agreement if the United States did three

He did so because Britain refused to stop seizing American ships that trade with France – Britain’s enemy in Europe. Sometimes there was also stealing of American ships. And the illegal capturing of sailors, was known as impressment. When Madison was president, a group known as War Hawks wanted war against the two foreign countries. War Hawks wanted war and to seize impressments, to stop British seizure of American ships, to demonstrate the independence of the United States, take Florida from Spain and to end British aid in the west. Great Britain and France had been at war, on and off, since 1793. The United States, which traded with both countries, was caught in the middle. Britain blocked all French seaports and insisted that U.S. ships first stop at a British port and pay a fee before continuing to