“A passionate attachment of one Nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite Nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest, in cases where no real common interest exists, and infusing into one the enmities of the other, betrays the former into a participation in the quarrels and wars of others, which is apt doubly to injure the Nation making the concessions; by unnecessarily parting with what ought to have been retained; and by exciting jealousy, ill-will, and a disposition to retaliate, in the parties from whom equal privileges are withheld.”
George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796
Based on the diplomatic philosophy of Washington, the United States did NOT become involved in what conflict?
A The Mexican War
B The War of 1812
C The Seven Years War
D The French Revolution
The correct answer is D The French Revolution.
In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against forming passionate attachments to foreign nations, which could draw the United States into unnecessary conflicts. During the French Revolution, Washington maintained a position of neutrality rather than getting involved, consistent with his advice against entangling alliances. The U.S. went on to participate in conflicts like the War of 1812 and the Mexican War later on, but Washington’s philosophy led to a cautious approach during the French Revolution.