Winning the American Revolution was only the beginning of many challenges for the new United States. The alliance with France, which was crucial in the Revolutionary War, had deteriorated. France and other nations were seizing many American ships on the high seas. At this time, there was no American Navy to counter this.
Drastic changes and turmoil were taking place in both the United States and France. Major American revolts over taxes broke out in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. American settlers pushed westward into Indian territory in Ohio, igniting a bloody war. In France, the monarchy was overthrown and replaced by a revolutionary government. During a period of terror, many French suffered death by the guillotine.
When England and France once again went to war against each other, Americans found themselves trapped in the middle. Deeply divided about this foreign conflict, Americans fought each other in the streets, and legislators argued in Congress.
In addition, France was pressuring the United States to pay its war debts for French aid in the Revolutionary War. The United States could not afford to pay.
Matters came to a head when the United States made a treaty with England. This caused anti-American sentiment to soar in France.
American attempts at diplomacy with France were unsuccessful. France demanded much more money as well as an apology, threatening dire consequences to the United States if it did not comply.
It was now clear that the United States must have a navy to defend itself at sea. Going to war against the French navy, which then had some of the most massive warships in the world, would be a tall task.
In short, this was a very difficult time for the new United States. And it would continue for years.