Topic 2: Early foreign policy

What advice did George Washington give in his Farewell Address?

Stay out of foreign alliances and avoid political parties.

Why did Washington issue the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793?

The U.S. was not strong enough to get involved in European wars.

What foreign policy tradition did the U.S. follow for over 100 years?

Isolationism—avoiding foreign entanglements.

Monroe Doctrine main idea (1823)

Europe should not interfere in the Western Hemisphere; U.S. would stay out of Europe.

Causes of the War of 1812

British impressment of American sailors and interference with trade.

Result of the War of 1812

The U.S. gained a sense of national pride and confirmed its independence.

one Effect of Jefferson’s Embargo Act

It hurt the U.S. economy by stopping trade.

Impact of the XYZ Affair on U.S. foreign policy

It led to an undeclared naval war with France and increased U.S. military spending.

Purpose of Jay’s Treaty

To reduce tensions with Britain and protect U.S. shipping.

Long-term impact of the Monroe Doctrine

It showed U.S. growing power and set a future role as "protector" of the Americas.

Which statement best describes George Washington’s foreign policy in his Farewell Address?

A) He encouraged permanent alliances with European countries.
B) He wanted the U.S. to lead international wars for democracy.
C) He warned against forming alliances and becoming involved in European conflicts.
D) He supported joining France in its war against Britain.

c

Why did the United States issue the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793?
A) To support France in its war with Britain
B) To isolate the country economically
C) To avoid becoming involved in European conflicts
D) To punish Spain for attacks on U.S. ships

c

What was one goal of the Monroe Doctrine (1823)?
A) To expand U.S. territory into Asia
B) To create military alliances in Europe
C) To stop European colonization in the Americas
D) To support European revolutions

c

Which event was caused by British impressment of American sailors and trade interference?
A) The Revolutionary War
B) The War of 1812
C) The Mexican-American War
D) The Civil War

b

What was a major effect of the War of 1812?
A) Britain gained control of New Orleans
B) The U.S. lost territory in Canada
C) The U.S. developed a strong sense of nationalism
D) Native American tribes gained more land

c

Why did Thomas Jefferson pass the Embargo Act of 1807?
A) To avoid war and punish Britain and France
B) To increase trade with Asia
C) To support Native American rights
D) To promote domestic manufacturing

a

How did the XYZ Affair impact the United States?
A) It caused the U.S. to join an alliance with Britain
B) It led to a peaceful agreement with France
C) It sparked anti-British protests
D) It increased tensions with France and led to an undeclared naval war

d

What was the purpose of Jay’s Treaty (1795)?
A) To end the French Revolution
B) To gain control of the Mississippi River
C) To ease tensions with Britain and protect U.S. trade
D) To form an alliance with Spain

c

What long-term effect did the Monroe Doctrine have on U.S. foreign policy?
A) It led to the end of U.S. expansion
B) It encouraged European colonization in Latin America
C) It positioned the U.S. as a dominant power in the Western Hemisphere
D) It kept the U.S. neutral in all world conflicts forever

c

Which foreign policy approach best describes U.S. actions before the War of 1812?
A) Interventionism
B) Neutrality
C) Imperialism
D) Expansionism

b