Should the United States form permanent alliances with foreign nations?

OCR: 1 cited passage(s) are machine-read (OCR) text of old printings; quotations reproduce the stored OCR text, misreadings included.

1. WHAT HE SAID (the record)

Record ledger

• BELIEF (1778-04-21): George Washington believed that it was advisable to bring European negotiations to an issue and insisted on France's final determination to declare war, as a European alliance would effectually answer the purposes of the United States. He argued that a European war and alliance would be productive of the most salutary consequences. "I think France must have ratified our independence, and will declare war immediately... A European war and a European alliance would effectually answer our purposes." [1]
• BELIEF (1778-05-16): George Washington expressed joy about the recent ratification and public acknowledgment of the alliance with France and the further prospect of friendship and alliance with other foreign powers, indicating his belief in the value of such alliances. (key quote above) [2]
• BELIEF (1781-11-30): George Washington believed that the important role of allies in the success in Virginia should endear them to every American and be remembered with perpetual gratitude. This shows his view on the value of foreign alliances. "The very important Share which our great Allies have taken in this Event, ought to endear them to every American, and their Assistance should be remembered with perpetual Gratitude." [3]
• BELIEF (1789-07-14): George Washington expressed concern about the perception of a change in sentiment by foreign powers and questioned whether it would be expedient and proper for the President to encourage such an idea without first advising with the Senate. This suggests his belief that forming alliances or engaging in diplomatic actions should be done with careful consideration and consultation. "Will it be expedient and proper for the President (at this moment) to encourage such an idea? at any rate without previously advising with the Senate?" [4]
• BELIEF (1796-05-15): George Washington believed that the United States should have as little political connection as possible with foreign nations, as such connections could subject the nation's peace and interest to the complex relations of European interests. He argued that standing alliances were inexpedient due to the country's separation from Europe and that the United States should instead cultivate commerce with all nations through gentle and natural means, while cherishing independence. "The great rule of our foreign policies ought to be to have as little political connection as possible with foreign nations. Cultivating commerce with all by gentle and natural means, diffusing and diversifying it, but forcing nothing—and cherish the sentiment of independence, taking pride in the appellation of American." [5]
• BELIEF (1796-09-17): George Washington believed that the United States should avoid forming permanent alliances with any part of the foreign world, as he considered it unnecessary and unwise, and believed it could entangle the nation's peace and prosperity in European ambitions and rivalries. He emphasized that existing engagements should be observed in their genuine sense, but extending them was not advisable. [6]
• BELIEF (1796-09-17): George Washington believed that passionate attachments between nations, including permanent alliances, could lead to significant dangers for the United States. He argued that such attachments could result in unnecessary conflicts, unjust privileges, and opportunities for foreign influence and corruption. (key quote above) [7]
• BELIEF (1796-09-19): George Washington believed that the United States should avoid forming permanent political connections with foreign nations, as they could become baneful to Republican Government and lead to undue influence. He argued that the U.S. should extend commercial relations but keep political ties to a minimum, and avoid artificial ties to European politics. "The Great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign Nations is in extending our commercial relations to have with them as little political connection as possible." [8]
• BELIEF (1796-09-19): George Washington believed that the United States should not form permanent alliances with foreign nations, as they are an inadequate substitute for a government for the whole and are prone to infractions and interruptions. He argued that the Union, formed by a Constitution, is indispensable for the efficacy and permanency of governance. "No Alliances however strict between the parts can be an adequate substitute. They must inevitably experience the infractions and interruptions which all Alliances in all times have experienced." [9]
• BELIEF (1796-09-19): George Washington believed that it was unnecessary and unwise for the United States to form permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world, as it would entangle the nation's peace and prosperity in European ambitions and caprices. He argued that temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies were sufficient, and that permanent alliances would risk compromising the nation's independence. [10]

What cuts against it

• BELIEF (1778-04-21): George Washington believed that a European alliance would be productive of the most salutary consequences, indicating a belief in the value of such alliances. "A European war and a European alliance would effectually answer our purposes." [1]

• BELIEF (1789-07-14): George Washington questioned whether it would be expedient and proper for the President to encourage a change in sentiment toward foreign powers without first advising with the Senate, suggesting a cautious but not necessarily negative view of forming alliances. "Will it be expedient and proper for the President (at this moment) to encourage such an idea? at any rate without previously advising with the Senate?" [4]

2. HOW IT APPLIES (reasoning; inference is marked)

1. George Washington believed that the United States should avoid forming permanent alliances with foreign nations, as they could entangle the nation in European ambitions and rivalries. [6]

2. He argued that such alliances could lead to significant dangers, including unnecessary conflicts and opportunities for foreign influence and corruption. [7]

3. Washington emphasized that temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies were sufficient, and that permanent alliances would risk compromising the nation's independence. [10]

4. However, in earlier years, he expressed a belief in the value of alliances, particularly with France, and saw them as beneficial to the United States. [2]

5. This suggests a nuanced view, where Washington supported alliances in specific contexts but generally advocated for minimal political connections with foreign nations. [5]

3. HIS TAKE

Record coverage: PARTIAL

The record is silent on whether George Washington would support forming permanent alliances in the modern context, but it shows a clear preference for minimal political connections with foreign nations and a belief in the risks of permanent alliances.

Extrapolation: George Washington would likely oppose the formation of permanent alliances with foreign nations, advocating instead for temporary alliances in extraordinary circumstances and emphasizing the importance of maintaining the United States' independence and avoiding entanglements in European affairs.

Competing readings: One reading is that Washington's opposition to permanent alliances was a general principle, while another suggests his views were context-dependent, particularly during the Revolutionary War. The record itself supports both readings, with statements from different periods showing both caution and appreciation for alliances in specific situations.

Confidence: Moderate, based on the record's partial coverage and the presence of both supportive and contrary evidence.