"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, September 1796
Washington's principal foreign-policy advice in this passage is to:
- Acheck_circle
Avoid entangling permanent political alliances while still trading widely
- B
Form a defensive alliance with revolutionary France
- C
Reconquer territory lost in the Revolution
- D
Seek formal annexation of Canada
Explanation
Washington urged commercial engagement but no permanent political alliances, a stance shaped by the Genet affair and the Jay Treaty controversy. He explicitly opposed binding alliances such as the 1778 treaty with France and never advocated annexing Canada or reconquering territory.