which of the following best explains what George Washington meant when he said, “Our true policy is to steer clear of permanent alliances…”?

“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 connections as possible. So far away we have already engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns…”

Question 1 options:

avoid European conflicts

avoid westward expansion

avoid slave trade expansion

avoid international trade

In 1796 when George Washington was set to retire, he published a farewell address in the local newspaper wherein he announced his retirements and offered his citizens “a warning of a parting friend”. In his passionate address, he touched upon many topics ranging from foreign affairs, trade relations, diffusion of knowledge to name a few.

In his address “Our true...” he particularly warned Americans reconciling to European interests and a possible alliance between them. He said that their mutual interests were different and should avoid conflicts which arise due to the reasons alien to American interest.