LAD #6: Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality

Washington, in order to prevent the American people or its governmental system from engaging in the wars that placed the belligerent powers, consisting of nations such as Britain, Sardinia, Netherlands, Austria, and Prussia against a France engulfed in revolution, made a distinct declaration that his nation would act in neutrality as to prevent unnecessary conflict. In this declaration, Washington cautions his citizens at making attempts to engage in the warfare in Europe, for this would result in their loss of protections provided by the American government. Finally, any individual who did in fact seek engagement with the armed conflicts on the European continent were vastly persecuted, becoming liable to forfeit any and all rights through punishment by the laws of the nation.