George Washington's Advice On Foreign Influence

I believe the advice given by George Washington over foreign alliances was one of the best pieces of advice in his Farewell Address. Foreign alliances was a significant piece of advice because it made sure our country took caution when having a powerful foreign relation with other nations. An example of this is seen in the fourth paragraph of President George Washington’s Farewell Address - 1796 (abridged) where he wrote, “So likewise, 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…” This piece of evidence shows that President Washington was trying to warn our nation that if we were to have foreign relations with another country, it might cause the impression that both countries have common goals when that is not the case. …show more content…
George Washington’s advice on foreign alliances also affected the nation by giving caution about how foreign influences might persuade people in a corrupt way. This is seen in the fourth paragraph of George Washington’s Farewell Address where he wrote, “Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government…” This evidence shows that President Washington was warning our country to be careful of foreign influences that might persuade the American people in a destructive manner. President Washington’s advice on foreign alliances not only provided caution, but also encouraged the American people to have a good morale that would benefit the