Based on evidence from your text, why did Washington reject the advice of both Jefferson and Hamilton and adopt a policy of neutrality?
(1 point)
Responses
Washington feared he would lose re-election
Washington feared he would lose re-election
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
Washington did not want to damage his alliance with Spain
Washington did not want to damage his alliance with Spain
Washington was upset over the murder of the French king.
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
Based on the evidence from the text, the correct response is:
The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution.
To determine why Washington rejected the advice of both Jefferson and Hamilton and adopted a policy of neutrality, we need to analyze the evidence from the text. The options provided can guide us in this process:
1. Washington feared he would lose re-election: This statement does not provide direct evidence for why Washington chose neutrality. It suggests a potential motivation but does not clarify the specific reasons behind his decision.
2. The nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution: This statement aligns with the idea of neutrality. After the American Revolution, the United States had just gained independence and may not have been financially or militarily prepared for another large-scale conflict. The nation's resources may have been stretched thin, making neutrality a practical choice.
3. Washington did not want to damage his alliance with Spain: This statement provides another plausible reason for Washington's decision. Spain was a major power at the time, and Washington may have considered maintaining a positive relationship and alliance with them as strategically important.
4. Washington was upset over the murder of the French king: While this statement reflects Washington's emotions, it does not explicitly tie his reaction to the decision of adopting neutrality. Emotional reactions alone may not be sufficient evidence to explain the specific policy choice.
Considering the evidence provided, the most compelling reason for Washington's adoption of neutrality seems to be that the nation could not afford another war so soon after the Revolution. The financial strain and lack of military preparedness, along with the desire to maintain alliances, likely influenced Washington's decision.