Federalist hesitated to support the new french republic because they believe the french revolutionaries

When news of the French Revolution reached American, many Americans believed that France would also become a republic and be a strong all against monarchial governments such as Britain however, the instability, violence and abuses that occurred during that period divided American public opinion.  Some supported the idea such Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson while there were those who oppose giving support like Secretary of Treasury Alexander Hamilton.  At that time, President George Washington had to preserve the balance between these two politicians.  Given volatility of the situation, American decided to remain neutral.