"The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible... 'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world." — George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796
Washington's foreign-policy advice shown above was most directly motivated by:
- Acheck_circle
Domestic divisions over the wars between Britain and Revolutionary France
- B
U.S. ambitions to acquire Spanish Florida by treaty
- C
Pressure from Native nations along the Ohio frontier
- D
Conflict with Barbary states in the Mediterranean
Explanation
Federalists and Democratic-Republicans clashed bitterly over taking sides in the Anglo-French wars; Washington urged neutrality to spare the young nation.