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 connection as possible. So
far as we have already formed 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. Hence, therefore, it must be
unwise in us to implicate ourselves by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her
politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities.
Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand
foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe,
entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship,
interest, humor, or caprice. -George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796 In his
farewell address, how did George Washington attempt to influence the foreign policy
upon
of the United States? *