Final answer:
George Washington's policy of avoiding foreign alliances was known as neutrality, which was part of a broader isolationist stance, urging the U.S. to be 'friendly and impartial' and avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts.
Step-by-step explanation:
George Washington's Foreign Policy Approach
George Washington's policy of avoiding political or military alliances with other countries was known as neutrality. This approach is often associated with the term isolationism, although it is not an exact synonym. The policy aimed at keeping the United States impartial in foreign conflicts, particularly the wars in Europe. In his farewell address, Washington warned against the creation of 'entangling alliances', highlighting the importance of maintaining a distance from foreign wars and politics. While the United States would pursue friendly trade relations, it would avoid political alliances that could drag the nation into unnecessary conflicts. This stance was evident at the beginning of Washington's presidency, specifically when he issued a proclamation of neutrality on April 22, 1793, in response to the European conflict.
Despite varying opinions at the time, with Federalists generally supporting Washington's policy and Republicans criticizing it, the doctrine set a precedent for U.S. foreign policy that lasted for decades. It reflected a desire for the country to be 'friendly and impartial' towards other nations, avoiding involvement in their conflicts unless absolutely necessary. This policy of neutrality signaled a pursuit of peaceful engagement rather than military entanglements and served as a guidepost for the young nation's interactions on the international stage.