What were George Washingtons views on foreign policy?
Answer Hi Melanie, Washington’s foreign policy positions were very much defined by the situation of the time. The US was very small and weak compared to the major powers of Europe. It had virtually no army or navy beyond the civilian militias that had fought the Revolution. The great benefit of the US was that it was relatively isolated. Major European powers of Britain, France, and Spain were regularly at war with one another. The US was an ocean away and could remain away from the fighting. Still, European powers were regularly trying to draw the US into disputes on their side to fight the other powers. Americans themselves were divided on which countries with which to ally themselves. Washington implemented a policy of neutrality. The US would not form military alliances with any other countries. It sought only to be left alone and to engage in free private trade. I hope this helps!
