George Washington George Washington is often noted for his accomplishments as the first President of the United States and his bravery during the French and Indian War, but his seemingly unpopular actions displayed true integrity and will to do what is best for his country. He placed the well-being of the United States before his personal ideals and beliefs. Although speculators will often disagree, President Washington’s decision to ratify Jay’s Treaty in 1795 provided the United States with a necessary alliance with Great Britain that ultimately neutralized future relations and set the precedent for executive power. After signing the Treaty of Paris in 1783 that ended the Revolutionary War and granted United States its independence from …show more content…
between those who supported the French and those who supported the British. Washington’s efforts to keep the United States unbiased were unsuccessful. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson favored the British, whereas Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton sided with the French. By 1794, America was split and prepared to go to war with England. Keeping his citizens’ best interest in mind, President Washington did not want to engage in a war with Britain and sided with Hamilton on the issue. In the attempt to curtail any fighting with England, Washington knew he had to take immediate action. He appointed Supreme Court Chief Justice John Jay to negotiate a peace treaty with England. This would establish stable military relations with Great Britain as well as increase trade. The treaty provided Great Britain with additional rights and restricted the United States’ right to commercial trade in the British West Indies, resulting in backlash from many Americans. Even though Jay’s Treaty was not favorable to Americans, Washington stated “My opinion respecting the treaty is the same now that it was, namely, not favorable to it, but that it is 'better to ratify it in the manner the Senate have advised, and with the reservation already mentioned, than to suffer matters to remain as they are, unsettled” (Kuhn). Washington sent the treaty to the Senate where it managed to pass with an exact two-thirds vote. The House of