Final answer:
John Dickinson was concerned that reliance on foreign powers during war would compromise American sovereignty and lead to long-term entanglements against American interests.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Dickinson, like many of his contemporaries, was deeply concerned about the implications of American reliance on foreign powers during times of war. He believed that dependency on external assistance could compromise the sovereignty and principles of the fledgling nation. Moreover, the reliance on allies could lead to entanglements that would endanger American interests long after the war concluded. Observations from various figures throughout history suggest that engagement in foreign conflicts often leads to unintended consequences, such as economic strains, military overextension, or compromising political values for strategic alliances. These historical concerns reflect a broader understanding of the potential pitfalls that come with dependency on foreign powers during wartime.