---
title: "Neutrality — AP US History Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Neutrality is the policy of refusing to take sides in foreign wars. It anchors Washington's foreign policy in Unit 3 and echoes through APUSH all the way to WWII."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/apush/key-terms/neutrality"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP US History"
---

# Neutrality — AP US History Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Neutrality refers to the policy of not taking sides in conflicts or wars between other nations, emphasizing the importance of avoiding entanglement in foreign affairs. This stance played a crucial role in shaping the early political landscape of the United States, as leaders sought to maintain peace and stability while navigating complex international relationships during a period marked by revolutionary fervor and global conflict.

## Related Study Guides

- [3.13 Continuity and Change in Period 3 (1754-1800)](/apush/unit-3/continuity-change-period-3/study-guide/51uENnieSL7EhfHYtqyR)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Isolationism](/apush/key-terms/isolationism): A foreign policy approach where a country seeks to minimize its involvement in international affairs and conflicts.
- [Embargo](/apush/key-terms/embargo): A government order that restricts or prohibits trade with specific countries, often used as a political tool to enforce neutrality.
- Non-Interventionism: A policy of refraining from interference in the internal affairs of other countries, often associated with the principle of neutrality.

### Key Facts

- The U.S. adopted a policy of neutrality during the French Revolutionary Wars, reflecting the desire to avoid becoming involved in European conflicts.
- George Washington's Farewell Address warned against forming permanent alliances with foreign nations, advocating for a neutral stance in international relations.
- The Neutrality Acts of the 1930s aimed to prevent American involvement in overseas conflicts by prohibiting arms sales and loans to warring nations.
- Neutrality allowed the United States to focus on domestic issues and economic development, setting a foundation for future growth.
- Despite a policy of neutrality, events like the XYZ Affair and the War of 1812 challenged this stance, illustrating the complexities of maintaining neutrality amid external pressures.

### How did George Washington's view on neutrality influence early American foreign policy?

George Washington's perspective on neutrality significantly influenced early American foreign policy by emphasizing the need to avoid entanglements in foreign conflicts. In his Farewell Address, he cautioned against forming permanent alliances and urged the nation to focus on its own interests. This philosophy laid the groundwork for a more isolationist approach, which dominated U.S. foreign relations in the early years of the republic.

### Evaluate the impact of the Neutrality Acts of the 1930s on American foreign relations leading up to World War II.

The Neutrality Acts of the 1930s had a profound impact on American foreign relations by formally restricting U.S. involvement in international conflicts as tensions escalated in Europe and Asia. By banning arms sales and loans to warring nations, these acts aimed to keep America out of escalating global conflicts. However, as aggressive actions from Axis powers increased, it became clear that strict neutrality could not prevent war and eventually led to debates about intervention and preparedness.

### Analyze how the concept of neutrality evolved from George Washington's presidency to the 1930s, considering key events that influenced this change.

The concept of neutrality evolved significantly from George Washington's presidency through the 1930s due to various global events and pressures. Initially, Washington advocated for isolationism to protect national interests amidst European turmoil. However, as international conflicts intensified, particularly during World War I and later in Europe leading up to World War II, the limitations of strict neutrality became evident. Events like the sinking of the Lusitania and Japan's aggression in Asia challenged U.S. policies, pushing leaders to reconsider interventionist strategies while still grappling with public sentiment favoring neutrality.