Original Text 2:

Question

Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. . . . Antipathy in one nation against another disposes of each more readily to offer insult and injury, to lay hold of slight causes of umbrage, and to be haughty and intractable, when accidental or trifling occasions of dispute occur. . . . So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils. Sympathy for the favorite nation, facilitating the illusion of an imaginary common interest in cases where no real common interest exists. . . . Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government. . . . Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people under an efficient government. . . . In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend, I dare not hope they will make the strong and lasting impression I could wish; that they will control the usual current of the passions, or prevent our nation from running the course which has hitherto marked the destiny of nations. . . .

Prompts
Answer both questions with a minimum of two sentences each

What does President Washington see as a danger to the success of the newly formed United States of America?

Washington writes that in foreign policy “our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course.” What course of action does he argue the nation should take?

Answer 1

President Washington perceives foreign influence as a significant danger to the success of the newly formed United States. He warns that hostility between nations can lead to insults and injuries, while passionate attachments to foreign nations can create illusions of shared interests that do not truly exist, both of which threaten the integrity and stability of the republic.

In advocating for a particular course of action, Washington argues that the United States should maintain a position of independence and distance from foreign conflicts and alliances. He believes that by doing so, the U.S. can cultivate peace and harmony at home while avoiding the pitfalls of foreign entanglements that could disrupt the unity and effectiveness of its government.

Answer 2

answer as a 7 year old

Answer 3

President Washington thinks that it can be really bad for America if other countries try to tell us what to do or if we get too angry with them. He believes that getting caught up in fights and arguments with other countries can hurt our own country and make us feel really upset.

He says that since we are far away from a lot of other countries, we can choose to stay out of their problems. Instead of making friends with just one country and getting too attached, he thinks we should be careful and focus on keeping peace and being strong together as one big nation.