II.

In the Early United States

In its early days, the United States adopted an isolationist policy for a variety of reasons. The fledgling nation wanted to develop without becoming entangled in the conflicts that had overtaken Europe and without being influenced by European values. Early leaders feared that too much involvement in the affairs of other nations would endanger the values of freedom and equality that had fueled the founding of America. The United States wanted to serve as a model for other countries and recognized that it must first perfect its own development.

Isolationism held more practical benefits for the young nation. The American continent was a large, undeveloped, landmass that required the country’s undivided attention before it could become involved in political affairs abroad. The Europeans, and especially the British, dominated world affairs. The United States could not hope to have an immediate impact in the international arena. A policy of isolationism also proved advantageous for the United States because the country risked domination by Europe if it tried to become prematurely involved in international affairs.

Early leaders of the United States endorsed commercial treaties and expansion of trade with other nations, but discouraged political or military alliances. President George Washington delivered such a message in his Farewell Address of 1796, just before leaving office. Washington called upon the United States to foster good relations with all nations and encouraged the country to develop economic ties abroad. But he warned against becoming involved in the affairs of Europe. In his 1801 inaugural address, President Thomas Jefferson repeated Washington’s warning, encouraging friendly relations with all nations but “entangling alliances with none.” In 1823 President James Monroe also reiterated Washington’s directive in a message sent to Congress. The message, which became known as the Monroe Doctrine, called on the United States to stay out of European affairs and also warned the Europeans not to meddle in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. Monroe said any such action would impinge upon the “rights and interests” of the United States.