As war spread across Europe in 1793, President George Washington faced an important decision. France, which helped the U.S. win independence in the American Revolution, was now at war with Great Britain and other European nations. Americans disagreed about how the United States should respond. Some believed the nation should support France because of the Treaty of Alliance and because France had helped Americans gain their freedom. Others worried that becoming involved in a European war would be dangerous for the young nation.
Washington chose neutrality. Rather than supporting either side, he believed the United States should remain at peace and avoid becoming involved in the conflict. In April 1793, he issued the Neutrality Proclamation, which announced the nation's position. Washington's proclamation said:
Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial toward the belligerant Powers;
Washington believed neutrality was the best way to protect the United States. The country was still recovering from the Revolutionary War. The federal government carried debt, and the military was relatively small. This led many leaders to believe the nation was not prepared for another costly conflict. Washington also understood that both France and Great Britain were important to the United States. Taking sides could damage trade, increase tensions, and pull the nation into a war it was not ready to fight.
Instead, Washington hoped diplomacy would protect American interests. By maintaining peaceful relations with different nations and avoiding military alliances, the United States could focus on strengthening its government and economy. Washington believed time and stability would help the country grow stronger.
Neutrality also applied to American citizens. The government expected Americans to avoid taking actions that could draw the nation into the war. Washington's proclamation declared:
And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding, or abetting hostilities against any of the said Powers, or by carrying to any of them those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States...
Maintaining neutrality was not easy. France sent a diplomat named Edmond-Charles Genêt, also known as Citizen Genêt, to the U.S. His goal was to gain support for the French cause. Rather than working only with the American government, Genêt encouraged Americans to support France and attempted to organize efforts that threatened U.S. neutrality. His actions challenged Washington's policy. They heightened tensions between Americans who backed France and those who preferred neutrality. Despite growing pressure, Washington remained committed to his decision and eventually demanded Genêt's recall.
Washington's decision to remain neutral kept the United States out of a costly European war. However, it did not end the debate. Americans continued to disagree about foreign policy, the role of government, and the nation's future. These disagreements helped deepen political divisions that would have a lasting impact on how the American government and politics developed.
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