Washington Creates a Foreign Policy

• Washington became the first president of the United States in 1789. 
• The United States did not have a standing army and was facing serious economic problems (they were broke).
• The new country was border on three sides by colonies belonging to Britain and Spain.  Niether countries had a very friendly relationship with the United States.
• In 1793, France and Britain went to war and France was eager for the Unites States to honor the Pre-Revolutionary War alliance it had made with the United States.  
• Washington knew that the new country was not ready for war and chose a policy of neutrality.  Under this policy, the United States would do nothing to aid France or Britain in their war against each other.
• In his farewell speech, Washington urged for a policy of avoiding alliances with other countries.  This policy became known as isolationism.    

Ask yourself...

1. What foreign dangers did the United States face during the Washington administration? 
2. In his farewell address, Washington recommended that the United States take a neutral, or isolationist, stand in foreign affairs. What are the advantages of Washington’s advice? 
3. What are the disadvantages? 
4. What role did geography play in Washington’s thinking? 
5. Do you think that the United States today could live according to Washington’s advice?