America a nation of immense nationalism matched by it’s militarily and political strength has always observed a rather unique role in regards to its foreign policy. Numerous historical conditions have helped shape the agenda of American foreign policy. America once a nation with little to know foreign policy has found itself as the leader of the free world. The perception of America has been what that is always changing and at many times contradictory of itself. America has shifted from perceiving themselves as a small nation with isolationist tendencies to a strong beacon of power with an internationalist foreign policy agenda which helps define the international community. US foreign policy is best understood as a constant dichotomy between
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According to Washington’s farewell address “The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible” (Washington, 1). This ideal became the underlining view of American foreign policy which essentially was to promote commerce as the only form of political connection with other nations. Americans at the time view themselves as part of a growing nation, who was not politically strong enough to involve itself with foreign affairs, and would have better success practicing isolationism. The strength and commitment of these ideals where put to the test during the French revolution as many American felt that it was only right for the American government to intervene and help the French people instill a democratic government in replace of there monarchy. Instead of intervention America decided to stand firm on in its principles of the time which included not getting involved in foreign issues. This was a great way for Americans to perceive their role in relation to the economic strength and military might of other countries in the world. America at the tie was not the homogenous superpower we see today; instead they were an infant nation based upon new ideals and principles which had never been tested before. This made America somewhat fragile to outside conflicts which would ultimately have placed America in contention with more powerful states at the time. Isolationism worked beautifully for the new country as it allowed America to focus less on it military power and to put its resources towards growing the economy and helping sort out the long line of domestic issues that come with the establishment of a new
According to Washington’s farewell address “The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible” (Washington, 1). This ideal became the underlining view of American foreign policy which essentially was to promote commerce as the only form of political connection with other nations. Americans at the time view themselves as part of a growing nation, who was not politically strong enough to involve itself with foreign affairs, and would have better success practicing isolationism. The strength and commitment of these ideals where put to the test during the French revolution as many American felt that it was only right for the American government to intervene and help the French people instill a democratic government in replace of there monarchy. Instead of intervention America decided to stand firm on in its principles of the time which included not getting involved in foreign issues. This was a great way for Americans to perceive their role in relation to the economic strength and military might of other countries in the world. America at the tie was not the homogenous superpower we see today; instead they were an infant nation based upon new ideals and principles which had never been tested before. This made America somewhat fragile to outside conflicts which would ultimately have placed America in contention with more powerful states at the time. Isolationism worked beautifully for the new country as it allowed America to focus less on it military power and to put its resources towards growing the economy and helping sort out the long line of domestic issues that come with the establishment of a new