Question

1. George Washington’s Farewell Address gave a strong message about foreign policy. What was it? How did John Adams and Thomas Jefferson address foreign policy in their administrations? Describe key foreign policy events or positions of the Adams and Jefferson administrations.

Answer 1

George Washington's farewell address warned future presidents to avoid permanent foreign alliances and foreign entanglement. However, Adams and Jefferson did not listen to his advice.

Adams
- Adams got the United States involved in a quasi war (unofficial war) with France during his presidency. This was due to the French treatment of American merchants and the XYZ affair.

Jefferson
- Jefferson interacted constantly with the French as well. One of the biggest land purchases was done under Jefferson, when he bought the Louisiana Purchase from the French. This would give the US over 800 million square miles of territory, which would eventually make up part of 11 different US states.