Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793

Definition

Issued by President George Washington, this proclamation declared that America would remain neutral in conflicts between European nations including France and Britain following the onset of the French Revolutionary Wars.

Analogy

Imagine being at a party where two friends start arguing. Instead of taking sides or getting involved in their fight, you decide to stay out it - that's what America did with its Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793.

Related terms

Foreign Policy: A government's strategy dealing with other nations. In this case, neutrality was part of U.S.'s foreign policy towards European conflicts.

George Washington’s Farewell Address: In his farewell address, Washington warned against permanent alliances with foreign countries - an idea related to his earlier Proclamation of Neutrality.

French Revolutionary Wars: A series wars waged between 1792 and 1802, initially between France and European monarchies, which later included other conflicts.