From George Washington's Farewell Address

Question

"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. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests which to us have none; or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. . . . Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition. . .?"

—George Washington, Farewell Address

Question 1
Match each part of Washington's speech below with the correct paraphrase of his meaning.

You may use the check answer button two times.

(4 points)
Put responses in the correct input to answer the question. Select a response, navigate to the desired input and insert the response. Responses can be selected and inserted using the space bar, enter key, left mouse button or touchpad. Responses can also be moved by dragging with a mouse.
"Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition. . .?"
"So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop."
"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."
"Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. . . ."
Question 2
Use the excerpt to answer the question.

Which of the following statements best summarizes Washington’s viewpoint on American foreign policy?

(1 point)
Responses

The United States should not have anything to do with European countries.
The United States should not have anything to do with European countries.

Europe's interests are similar to those of the United States and should be supported if they are threatened.
Europe's interests are similar to those of the United States and should be supported if they are threatened.

The United States can take advantage of Europe's ambition.
The United States can take advantage of Europe's ambition.

The United States should limit interaction with Europe to commerce, or trade.
The United States should limit interaction with Europe to commerce, or trade.

Answer 1

Question 1: Match each part of Washington's speech below with the correct paraphrase of his meaning.

1. "Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition. . .?"

   • Paraphrase: Engaging too closely with Europe could jeopardize our peace and prosperity.

2. "So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop."

   • Paraphrase: We should honor our current commitments but refrain from making new ones.

3. "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."

   • Paraphrase: We should engage in trade with foreign nations while minimizing political ties.

4. "Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none, or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. . . ."

   • Paraphrase: Europe is often involved in conflicts that do not concern us.

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Question 2: Use the excerpt to answer the question.

Which of the following statements best summarizes Washington’s viewpoint on American foreign policy?

• The United States should limit interaction with Europe to commerce, or trade.

This statement aligns most closely with Washington's emphasis on minimizing political connections while engaging in commercial relations.