How was America divided regarding the French Revolution during the early going (1789-1791, when the French hero of the American War of Independence, Lafayette, was one of its leaders)? What side of the French Revolution would have the U.S. fought for had that decision been based upon a national vote?
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2The war of 1812 is a clue.. As is the election if 1800. As was Jefferson's permission for France to recruit and train a battalion on U S soil.– MCW ♦Jan 25, 2016 at 3:05
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1Just which Revolutionary France are you referring to? National policies varied greatly as France stumbled through, in short order, the National Constituent Assembly (1789-91), The Legislative Assembly (1791-92), the National Convention (1792-95), the Directorate (1795-1799), The Consulate (1799-1804) or the Empire (1804-1814, 1815).– Pieter GeerkensJan 25, 2016 at 16:59
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Also note that the question is on the boundary of scope - we discourage hypotheticals. Given that this has already generated multiple answers, I recommend we leave this open, but discourage future hypotheticals.– MCW ♦Jan 25, 2016 at 17:05
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@MarkC.Wallace I wasn't sure about that. Thanks for letting me know. I think I'll rewrite it to ask more about how Americans were split up regarding the French Revolution. thanks– GeremiaJan 25, 2016 at 17:52
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2I narrowed this question (and retracted my close vote).– Tom AuJan 27, 2016 at 2:21
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2 Answers
America supported the crown of France, the Bourbons, who had provided them huge amounts of money and other support during the American Revolution. When the French revolutionaries deposed and executed the King of France, the United States refused paying any debts to France on the grounds that the money had been lent by the King and only would we repay the King. Because of this the French Republicans attacked the United States on the high seas, causing a brief war, called the Quasi War.
answered Jan 25, 2016 at 16:51
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Mea Culpa - you are entirely correct. I have deleted my error in shame.– MCW ♦Jan 28, 2016 at 15:41
After and during the French Revolution, people in America were split among the decisions, especially along the party lines. One party supported it, mainly the Democratic-Republicans, and one party was against the revolution, the Federalists, so it would depend on who had more power in the congress on how they would intervene. (Source: Prentice Hall, United States History, history textbook)
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4The Federalists were pro-British; the Democratic-Republicans were pro-French. In general the North was pro-British and the South pro-French. This was a major issue during the election of 1800; Jefferson backed the French while Adams backed the UK. Between Adam's grotesque mismanagement of his political capital (he effectively ended the Federalist party), British impressment and early victories by New England sailors against the British fleet, Jefferson managed a majority that backed France.– MCW ♦Jan 25, 2016 at 14:31