Genet, Edmond Charles Edouard, << zhuh NAY, ehd MAWN sharl ay DWAR >> (1763-1834), created the first international crisis for the United States. He came to the United States as minister from France in 1793, during the French Revolution. His mission was to persuade the United States, as an ally of France, to declare war on Britain. He also wanted to raise an army in America to win Louisiana back from Spain. President George Washington had declared the United States neutral in European quarrels, but Genet began to arm ships and raise recruits in American ports. These acts violated U.S. neutrality and forced Washington in 1794 to ask France to recall him. Genet was ordered to France, but Washington saved him from having to return. He settled in New York and became a U.S. citizen. Genet was born in Versailles, France, on Jan. 8, 1763. He died on July 15, 1834. See also Washington, George (Relations with France) .
