How did Washingtons farewell address and the neutrality proclamation pertain to isolationism?
Answer Hi Molly, President Washington supported neutrality because he did not want the US to become involved the endless and ongoing wars in Europe. The US, he believe, would do much better to stay out of expensive and bloody wars where they would have no real interest and would serve only as pawns of the major powers. Of course, part of staying out of foreign wars limited US ability to engage in foreign trade. When traders went abroad, they were very likely to face violent attacks. The US would face acts of war against it and would either have to accept these indignities, go to war, or stop trading with much of the world. I hope this helps!
