Dans sa Lettre d’adieu de 1796, George Washington expose ses conseils pour l’avenir des États-Unis après son retrait de la présidence. L’un des points centraux de ce message est la politique étrangère. Il recommande vivement d’éviter les alliances politiques permanentes avec les puissances étrangères, tout en encourageant le développement des relations commerciales.

La citation : « 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. » illustre cette idée. Pour Washington, les États-Unis devaient privilégier le commerce avec d’autres nations sans s’engager dans leurs conflits ou leurs affaires internes. Cette doctrine d’isolationnisme prudent visait à protéger l’indépendance du pays et à éviter les divisions internes provoquées par des rivalités étrangères.

Cette recommandation a eu une influence durable sur la politique extérieure américaine, notamment au XIXᵉ siècle, où les États-Unis sont restés neutres dans de nombreux conflits internationaux. En adoptant cette approche, Washington a cherché à garantir que les États-Unis puissent se concentrer sur leur propre développement économique et politique sans être entravés par des engagements internationaux complexes. Cette vision a permis aux États-Unis de renforcer leur position sur la scène mondiale tout en minimisant les risques de conflits inutiles. La Lettre d’adieu de Washington est souvent considérée comme un document fondateur de la politique étrangère américaine, soulignant l’importance de l’autonomie et de la prudence dans les relations internationales.

John Ibonoco

« 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. »

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George Washington (1732–1799) was the first President of the United States (1789–1797) and a key figure in the American Revolution. Born in Virginia, he began his career as an officer in the British colonial army before becoming the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War (1775–1783). His leadership and the decisive victory at Yorktown in 1781 contributed to the recognition of American independence. After serving two presidential terms, he refused a third, establishing the tradition of limiting executive power. He is often called the « Father of the Nation. »

Washington played a crucial role in the drafting and adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1787 by presiding over the Constitutional Convention. His presidency was marked by efforts to strengthen the new federal government, including establishing a robust financial system and maintaining American neutrality in European conflicts. His vision and integrity laid the foundation for a stable and prosperous nation.

The quote: « 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. » reflects this idea. For Washington, the United States should prioritize trade with other nations while avoiding involvement in their conflicts or internal affairs. This doctrine of cautious isolationism aimed to protect the country’s independence and prevent internal divisions caused by foreign rivalries.

This recommendation had a lasting impact on American foreign policy, especially during the 19th century, when the United States remained neutral in many international conflicts. By adopting this approach, Washington sought to ensure that the nation could focus on its own economic and political development without being burdened by complex international commitments. This vision allowed the United States to strengthen its position on the global stage while minimizing the risks of unnecessary conflicts. Washington’s Farewell Address is often regarded as a foundational document of American foreign policy, emphasizing the importance of autonomy and caution in international relations.

John Ibonoco