American First Foreign Policy
In a time when the country was still as vulnerable as a newborn baby, the United States was already undergoing the stresses of the world. Since the country wasn't a major player in the international scene at first there wasn't as much of a worry as it later came to be. Later on when France declared war on England, Prussia, and other neighboring countries, the United States was under much pressure to stick to the treaties of 1778 which bound it to France. George Washington believed that neutrality was the best option and that there was no better choice of action.Later on the president issued The Proclamation of Neutrality, where it stated, "I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct afore
"Tis' our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establishments, on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies. He even set up courts to condemn those who were captured. It wouldn't be until 1949 when the United States would sign a treaty with another country. I repeat it therefore; let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. Washington insisted that he stop what he was illegally doing, Genet didn't listen and continued. The Proclamation of Neutrality simply said that the United States would not intervene in the wars of other countries. This was completely what Washington saw as the best way to handle the situation at hand, which was the war in Europe. Washington upheld the law he had placed, and proved that he would do what was necessary to avoid war, and that it didn't matter if he was breaking alliances. Later on he set up for western frontiersmen to go on an "expedition" and sent them off to attack Spanish New Orleans. Finally Genet wound up expelled from the United States. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them.
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