Question

In his Farewell Address in 1796, what advice did George Washington provide to the nation? a) Encourage active involvement in overseas wars and alliances. b) Promote political division and rivalry within the country. c) Prioritize national unity and avoid entangling alliances with foreign nations. d) Embrace isolationism and withdraw from international affairs.

Answer 1

George Washington's Farewell Address in 1796 advised the nation to prioritize unity and avoid entering into entangling alliances with foreign nations. His advice significantly informed early U.S. foreign policy.

Step-by-step explanation:

In his 1796 Farewell Address, George Washington chose option c) he advised the nation to prioritize national unity and to avoid entangling alliances with foreign nations. Washington's wisdom was informed by his experience leading the young country, and his understanding of the possible challenges it could confront in the future. He believed it was important for the United States to focus on its internal development and maintain neutrality instead of indulging in international warfare or conflicts. This advice played a significant role in shaping the early U.S. foreign policy which favoured isolationism, not in the sense of completely withdrawing from international affairs, but in the sense of avoiding unnecessary military alliances that could potentially entangle the U.S. in foreign conflicts and wars.

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