In his Farewell Address, George Washington addresses the challenges he faced in his presidency. He says: “I… warn you in the most solemn manner against the baneful effects [of political parties]” and “The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations… to have with them as little political connection as possible… [We must] steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world…” He faced obstacles such as: debt, a nation divided by political parties, and a war between Britain and France.
Because of the revolution that won our independence, The United States was in major debt. When he stepped into the role of the president, Washington knew he had to find a way to pay off this debt to help the country in the future. …show more content…
During the war between Britain and France, many Americans felt as though we were obligated to choose a side. This caused a great uproar across the country, especially between the two secretaries mentioned earlier (Hamilton believed in a strong alliance with Britain, unlike Jefferson felt inclined to side with France). The Federalists favored a strong alliance with Britain, and Democratic-Republicans favored a strong alliance with France. Washington, however, felt it best not to choose a side because of our alliances with both countries. He thought it best to declare neutrality, with The Neutrality Proclamation of 1793. He states: “…I have therefore thought fit by these presents, to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectfully; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition… And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States against such punishment or forfeiture…” Though many Americans and Brits were upset or angered by this, Washington knew it was the right
Because of the revolution that won our independence, The United States was in major debt. When he stepped into the role of the president, Washington knew he had to find a way to pay off this debt to help the country in the future. …show more content…
During the war between Britain and France, many Americans felt as though we were obligated to choose a side. This caused a great uproar across the country, especially between the two secretaries mentioned earlier (Hamilton believed in a strong alliance with Britain, unlike Jefferson felt inclined to side with France). The Federalists favored a strong alliance with Britain, and Democratic-Republicans favored a strong alliance with France. Washington, however, felt it best not to choose a side because of our alliances with both countries. He thought it best to declare neutrality, with The Neutrality Proclamation of 1793. He states: “…I have therefore thought fit by these presents, to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectfully; and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition… And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States against such punishment or forfeiture…” Though many Americans and Brits were upset or angered by this, Washington knew it was the right