Why did John Adams make the American Navy bigger? • He hoped that the British would side with them or • He hoped that the French would not attack as much with a larger Navy
There could be multiple reasons why John Adams, the second President of the United States, sought to make the American Navy bigger. One potential reason could be to defend American interests and protect American trade in a tumultuous international environment. During his presidency (1797-1801), the United States faced threats from both Britain and France, who were engaged in the Napoleonic Wars.
Adams might have believed that a larger navy would deter potential British aggression. As tensions with Britain were high, especially due to issues like impressment (forced recruitment of American sailors into the British navy), a stronger American Navy could potentially serve as a deterrent against any British hostility, and it could be seen as a sign of American strength.
Similarly, Adams may have wanted to discourage French attacks by strengthening the American Navy. The United States had previously signed a Treaty of Alliance with France during the American Revolutionary War, which led to strained relations between the two countries after the French Revolution. The French began to seize American ships, and Adams may have believed that a more substantial navy could protect American merchant vessels and reduce French aggression.
It is important to note that these are potential reasons, and the decision to expand the American Navy was likely influenced by multiple factors, including national security concerns, defense of American trade, and safeguarding American interests in a time of global conflict.