Why did President George Washington announced a policy of neutrality in the 1790's?

Answer 1

The nation in 1793 was militarily weak, economically wobbly, and politically disunited. But solid foundations were being laid and American cradles were continuing to rock a bumper crop of babies. Washington wisely reasoned that if America could avoid the broils of Europe for a generation or so, it would then be populous enough and powerful enough to assert its maritime rights with strength and success. Otherwise it might invite catastrophe. The strategy of delay - of playing for time while the birthrate fought America's battles - was a cardinal policy of the Founding Fathers. Hamilton and Jefferson, often poles apart on other issues, were in agreement here. [Excerpt from The American Pageant, 12th Edition]

Answer 2

In May 1793, President Washington issued a Neutrality Proclamation with friendly assurances to both sides (French vs British). But tensions at home flared in response to official neutrality. "The cause of France is the cause of man, and neutrality is desertion," wrote H. H. Brackenridge, a western Pennsylvanian, voicing the sentiments of thousands. The Neutrality Proclamation fit Washington's goal of staying out of European wars. Yet American ships continued to trade between the French West Indies and France, and in late 1793and early 1794, the British expressed their displeasure by capturing over 300 American ships near the West Indies.

Answer 3

Because the Anti-federalists wanted him to support France (a new fellow republic) and the Federalists wanted him to support Great Britain. Washington wanted to keep the Americans out of European affairs completely.

Answer 4

George Washington's farewell speech from office remains quoted in its timeless warning against an American foreign policy tangled in European intrigues. Washington understood the perils and entanglements any alliances with the European powers war prone institutions would incur on the young Republic.