3.3: John Jay, and the failure of American Foreign Policy

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John Jay was a member of both Continental Congresses, served as ambassador to Spain during the later years of the American Revolution, helped negotiate the Peace of Paris that ended that war, authored a series of essays that became collectively known as The Federalist Papers, was appointed the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and resigned upon his election as Governor of New York…but not before negotiating an economic treaty with our former foes, Great Britain.  The man led an accomplished life, but why isn’t his name mentioned with other political titans of the era?  This episode looks at how the United States failed to successfully negotiate with European powers, specifically Spain, using this man as our conduit: John Jay and the Failings of American Foreign Policy.

Key People
John Jay
Don Diego de Gardoqui
Sarah Jay

Key Events
American Revolution
Articles of Confederation
Jay-Gardoqui Treaty
Chisolm v. Georgia

The third season of History: Beyond the Textbook focuses on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Crucial Years" of 1783-1790, and runs from October 8-December 24. Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," and Season Two, "America's Revolution," wherever you listen to your podcasts!

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