...Washington had laid down the first commandment of US foreign policy. "The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending...commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible." Pointing to America's distance from Europe, Washington implored us, Why forego...

...was one of his concerns. He agreed with Adams on political 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 connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements let them be fulfilled with perfect...

...of George Washington's farewell address, who in 1796 warned citizens, "The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending...commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible." Franklin had said it more succinctly in 1778, nearly two decades earlier:...

...observance— long determined the conduct ofU.S commercial and foreign policy. The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign, nations is, in extending...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...

...and to build a strong defense. By following Washington's advice that "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," the United States would be free to set its own course. Washington then ended...