The Influence of Edmond Genet, The Louisiana Purchase, and The Xyz Affair on The Commerce in The United States

Commerce and Trade established relationships with other Nations, boosted the economy, and provided power for the United States. Commerce greatly influenced the outcomes of wars, resulting in both positive and good outcomes. Commerce in the United States have been influenced by many key characters/events, such as Edmond Genet, the purchase of the Louisiana Territory, and the XYZ Affair.

Edmond Genet was a citizen of France who was sent by the French to act as a financial support in the conflict of commerce against Britain. During the conflict between Britain and France the United States wanted, “the best course to take in the developing war between France and England.” (Ripper, 2008, p.144). This meant to remain neutral in the conflict between France and Britain. Genet was not happy with the neutrality that United states established and wanted to, “secure advanced payments on the debt that the United States owed France.” (Ripper, 2008, p.144). Genet had other plans to solve the France/Britain conflict and violated the neutrality by capturing British ships in U.S waters. Although Genet was trying to fight against British commerce, and not United states, his efforts were forcing United states to get involved. The United States did not want to take part in this duel. Fortunately for Genet, Jefferson did not completely disagree with his actions. He believed that Genet didn’t completely ruin the French reputation in the U.S. The British wished United states to get out of their conflict, but Jefferson believed, “the only nation on earth sincerely our friend.” (Ripper, 2008, p.146). Edmond Genet’s involvement in the conflict of commerce with the British resulted in a sort of partnership with the French. However, it also led to a division of two political parties: The Federalists and the Democratic Republicans. In this example, United states involvement in commerce heavily influenced the outcome of the war between the British and France. It established two distinct political parties.

Another event that greatly influenced commerce and war in the United states, was the XYZ affair. The United States instead wanted to make peace with Britain instead of terrorizing it, so they established a treaty, known as Jays treaty in 1795. The French were angered at these peaceful relations and started to capture American Vessels. Due to the conflict of commerce between nations, it caused the Americans to call for war against France. This caused the Americans to, “increased spending for its army and navy.” (Benson, 2009). Shortly after, John Adams was elected president in 1797. Soon after becoming president he, “addressed a special session of Congress in May 1797. Adams spoke harshly toward France and asked Congress for money to build the army and navy.” (Benson, 2009). Adams demanded money from the French to help with establishing an army and navy. The French did not want to negotiate with the United States, so they sent three spies to negotiate a deal or in other words, get more money out of them. America was angered at this deal and as a result, a war was called against France. This conflict of commerce caused the United States to spend more money on their army and navy, and caused increased conflict against France.

Although there wasn’t much information or talk about the Louisiana purchase in just the two chapters of Rippers book, it made a huge impact on money, war, and power. In particular it greatly benefitted trade. In 1803, Thomas Jefferson, “wrote a government check for $15 million, (and) bought the Louisiana territory.” (Ripper, 2008, p.142). He claimed approximately two-thirds of the continent, which was home to thousands of Native Americans. Jefferson sold this land to the United States, which provided financial backup to pay for army and troops in the war. One of his main purposes for buying this land was to not only benefit the army, but “put an end to the intertribal warfare of the Plains.” (Ripper, 2008, p.152). Jefferson wanted to establish peace between the tribes of the Louisiana territory so that the U.S trade that happened on these lands could be uninterrupted. This not only benefitted the U.S, by providing efficient trade, and peace with the Natives to prevent war, but it also greatly benefitted the Native Americans. A question to end these thoughts is, Were the Native Americans negatively affected by the increased trade of the United States?