A Diminished Alliance: The Effects of French American Relations on the Leadership of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson 1789-1809

Author

Eric Christopher Carlson, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

History

First Advisor

Thomas Knight

Second Advisor

Irving Levinson

Third Advisor

Charles Waite

Abstract

This research examines the relationship between the United States and France during the first three presidencies and how it influenced the leadership and decision-making of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. Throughout the thesis, it is argued that the most critical developments in the United States during these presidencies were connected to diplomatic relations with the French along with each leaders own private, but often public, perceptions of the French. The two decades that these three leaders were in office witnessed significant transformation in U.S.-French relations, especially as the French Revolution spiraled into a full-scale European conflict that threatened American neutrality. In four chapters, this thesis will review the historiography of each president, analyze the presidents’ distinct leadership styles and policies towards the French, and connect their approaches and goals to how they helped define American interest in imperialism, nationalism, foreign policy, and the increasing tension between political parties.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Eric Christopher Carlson. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3254046297

Recommended Citation

Carlson, E. C. (2025). A diminished alliance: The effects of french american relations on the leadership of washington, adams, and jefferson 1789-1809 [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1753