Allow me to first say that I am completely aware this is an extremely unoriginal idea. Although I can say that one of my first thoughts on alternate history came from reading about the incident that this timeline comes from in American History class. I hope I can make this interesting for all of you and turn this into a full fledged timeline. Anyways, on with the show.
France was a crucial ally to the United States during her war for independence. However, the alliance was definitely a “enemy of my enemy” deal. When the war ended, the Americans feared France would not be compliant with American gains, specifically a U.S. with a border at the Mississippi River and fishing rights off Newfoundland. The American negotiators made sure France did not take away any gains from the U.S. by cooperating with Britain on some issues. However, France and the United States would continue to have cordial relations.
France went into a period of revolution (this was most likely inevitable, however French debts from the American War for Independence might have sped up the process) six years after they assisted America in theirs. One would think the U.S. and France would have better relations from this point on with France now giving the people a voice. However, relations were soon to turn sour.
France was to be invaded by a coalition consisting of most other European powers, in attempt to restore order. Do to the state of war, France became a Republic, but a brutal, authoritarian one. The U.S. had not paid back the loans it took from France, and she was obligated to help France against foreign aggressors. However, President George Washington choose to remain neutral in the conflict.
Neutrality would not last long though, as Jay’s Treaty would boost the relations between Britain, the leader of the Anti-French Coalition, and the United States. France’s foreign minister tried to get a bribe from the new President, John Adams, in order to establish a deal for cordial relations with France. This would become known as the XYZ Affair. To make matters worse, French privateers had been seizing American merchant vessels for the last few years.
Due to the dispute with France, President Adams would ask congress for a declaration of war against the country, outside of the new coalition formed against France, but unofficially allying with them. The congress would accept, and war would be declared by the United States against France on December 29, 1798.
America, the Coalition's Buddy
A Franco-American War Timeline
A Franco-American War Timeline
France was a crucial ally to the United States during her war for independence. However, the alliance was definitely a “enemy of my enemy” deal. When the war ended, the Americans feared France would not be compliant with American gains, specifically a U.S. with a border at the Mississippi River and fishing rights off Newfoundland. The American negotiators made sure France did not take away any gains from the U.S. by cooperating with Britain on some issues. However, France and the United States would continue to have cordial relations.
France went into a period of revolution (this was most likely inevitable, however French debts from the American War for Independence might have sped up the process) six years after they assisted America in theirs. One would think the U.S. and France would have better relations from this point on with France now giving the people a voice. However, relations were soon to turn sour.
France was to be invaded by a coalition consisting of most other European powers, in attempt to restore order. Do to the state of war, France became a Republic, but a brutal, authoritarian one. The U.S. had not paid back the loans it took from France, and she was obligated to help France against foreign aggressors. However, President George Washington choose to remain neutral in the conflict.
Neutrality would not last long though, as Jay’s Treaty would boost the relations between Britain, the leader of the Anti-French Coalition, and the United States. France’s foreign minister tried to get a bribe from the new President, John Adams, in order to establish a deal for cordial relations with France. This would become known as the XYZ Affair. To make matters worse, French privateers had been seizing American merchant vessels for the last few years.
Due to the dispute with France, President Adams would ask congress for a declaration of war against the country, outside of the new coalition formed against France, but unofficially allying with them. The congress would accept, and war would be declared by the United States against France on December 29, 1798.