Why did war between Britain and France put the US in an awkward position?

When war broke out between Britain and France in 1793, the United States found itself in an awkward position. Both countries were important trading partners, and the United States did not want to alienate either one. Additionally, the United States was still a young country and did not want to get involved in a major European war.

At first, the United States tried to remain neutral. However, it became increasingly difficult as the war intensified. Both Britain and France began to interfere with American shipping, and they each tried to recruit the United States as an ally. In 1797, the United States government signed the Jay Treaty with Britain. This treaty improved relations between the two countries, but it also angered France. In 1798, the United States and France went to war. The war lasted for about two years, and it ended with a stalemate.