USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -The leaders of the isolationist movement drew upon history to bolster their position. In his Farewell Address, President George Washington had advocated non-involvement in European wars and politics.

Detailed explanation-2: -Washington’s foreign policy focused on protecting the independence of the new nation and avoiding expensive and deadly wars. During Washington’s first term, European powers sought every opportunity to undermine American sovereignty.

Detailed explanation-3: -He encouraged national unity and warned that foreign entanglements could prove dangerous. He specifically warned that European powers might try to manipulate the U.S. for their own purposes. The U.S., he argued, should act in its own interests, independent of European affairs.

Detailed explanation-4: -Washington resisted the inclination to support the French, America’s stalwart Revolutionary War ally. Instead, he set a precedent by insisting that the United States remain neutral when foreign nations went to war. In addition, Washington claimed that the President had the right to determine this policy.