LAD #8: Monroe Doctrine

The Monroe Doctrine states three major ideas. First, it conveys that European countries cannot colonize in any of the Americas: North, Central, or South. Second, only if Americans' rights are in danger or threat will the U.S. go into, or be involved with European affairs (this enforces Washington's rule of foreign policy.) Third, the U.S. will consider any attempt at colonization a threat to its national security. The doctrine was issued by President James Monroe during his seventh annual State of the Union address to Congress. This was a defining moment in the foreign policy of the United States. "It is still the true policy of the United States to leave the parties to themselves, in hope that other powers will pursue the same course." James Monroe, when saying this, meant that because of the United States' ability to keep balance and individual rights among its citizens, hopefully it will encourage other countries to do so, as well.

LAD #7: Jefferson's First Inaugural Address

Some people expected Jefferson in his inaugural to attack the Federalists because he had been quite critical of them in the past. Instead, he held out an olive branch and, in a paean to democracy, wanted to have a society in which differing ideas were encouraged. Only by allowing people full freedom to differ, Jefferson urged, could democratic society thrive. Here again, a precedent had been set. Political parties, no matter how bitter the electoral fight, would not only accept the results, but would be expected to cooperate in furthering the good of the nation. Jefferson, in his address, wanted to make sure the people understood that he wanted to keep on the road that leads to peace, liberty, and safety. He reiterates the importance of equality among the people, stating "equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political." Strongly criticized as a deist or even an atheist, Jefferson strongly stated his belief in the importance of religion in the address. He closes the speech listing the "freedom of religion" prominently among the constitutional freedoms.

LAD #6: Washington's Farewell Address

Washington sees rising sectionalism in the country. He urges Americans to unite for the good of the whole country. Two political factions that developed into political parties in the early 1790s were the Federalists, and the Jeffersonian Republicans. The Federalists, and Washington himself, backed Hamilton's plan for a central bank and other strong central economic plan based on manufacturing while the Jeffersonian Republicans opposed the strong government inherent in the Hamiltonian plan, and favored farmers as opposed to city people. Washington foresaw that this intense political polarization would be the largest issue in the new government, as these two sides attempted to further craft and guide the nation.
He uses harsh words warning to avoid entanglements with foreign powers, particularly in Europe. Both parties wanted to stay out of the wars between France and Britain. The Federalists favored stronger ties to the British, while the Republicans insisted on adhering to the treaty the U.S. had already signed with France in 1778. Washington thus was warning everyone that partisanship might drag the United States into this fray.
Also in the address, Washington's view of preserving "political prosperity" through morality and religion are stated. He called morality "a necessary spring of popular government."
This was a written address to the people of the United States after his second term as President.

LAD #5: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

When France declared war on England on February 1, 1793, the United States faced a thorny political problem. France was America's ally during the Revolutionary War, yet Great Britain's financial support was important to American shipowners. President Washington met with members of his cabinet who agreed with him that a policy of neutrality was in the best interests of the country. Although both Hamilton and Jefferson favored a neutral position, Hamilton sided with Britain and Jefferson with France. And James Madison questioned the president's authority to issue the proclamation without congressional approval Nonetheless, Washington issued the proclamation, warning American citizens to avoid involvement in the hostilities, a strictly European war. This admonition proved to be a harbinger of one of Washington's themes in his Farewell Address to the Nation three and a half years later in which he would warn against America's involvement in "permanent alliances." Notice that nowhere in his proclamation does Washington use the word "neutrality." This could have been to possibly not insult Britain. Washington states that the United States would "adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial towards the belligerent powers", in this case referring to France, Britain, and its Spanish allies. Any American providing assistance to the warring countries would be prosecuted.