By the end of the 18th century the United States, had survived twelve years as a constitutional, federal republic. Throughout that time period, notable circumstances occurred, that shaped the way of American politics. Domestic troubles and foreign affairs were crucial in the shaping of American politics in the 1970s. .
In 1989, The French Revolution broke out, greatly affecting America. America was quickly sucked into the revolution, when France declared war on Great Britain .Soon thereafter, Americans became divided as to whom they should ally themselves with, their protector from the American Revolution, France or their rival, Britain. Furthermore, controversy developed between the industrializing North and the agrarian-based South. As a result, the representatives of the states: Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, had split into two separate parties The Federalist party was led by Hamilton and the Democratic Republicans party was led by Thomas Jefferson. With the French Revolution, came the call by Jefferson, to enter on the side of France. Jefferson felt the US had to honor the 1778 alliance, which was technically still in effect. However, Washington knew that war could mean disaster and disintegration, so in 1793, he issued the Neutrality Proclamation, proclaiming the U.S.'s official neutrality and warning Americans to stay out of the issue and be impartial. This Proclamation proved to be extremely controversial. .
Domestic troubles inevitably followed the creation of new political parties. Sure enough, in 1794, annoyed Pennsylvania farmers came together to oppose the new tax on whiskey imposed by Federalist Alexander Hamilton. This became known as the Whiskey Rebellion. The rebellion, raised questions as to how the US government would deal with civil disobedience. Washington firmly terminated the rebellion. While doing so, he established the power for the federal government to enforce its laws as well his right to utilize state militias.
