II.

In the Early United States

Since early in American history, presidents have dominated foreign policy. President George Washington set the country’s early approach to foreign policy in his Farewell Address of 1796, which he gave upon leaving office. In that address, Washington called on the United States to adopt a policy of isolationism and avoid forming alliances with other nations. Washington wanted to protect the new nation from foreign influences and encourage greater domestic development. In 1823 President James Monroe echoed Washington’s warning in a message sent to U.S. Congress. The message, known as the Monroe Doctrine, said the United States should stay out of European affairs and warned European nations not to interfere with the affairs of the Western Hemisphere. Other early American presidents also significantly influenced the nation’s foreign policy. For example, James K. Polk expanded the American border to the south and west.