Assignment:
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality
Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality was written by Attorney General Edmund Randolph and signed by the president of the United States on April 23, 1793 which was George Washington and his Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson. Edmund Randolph had vast experience within the political realm. "Under President Washington, Edmund Randolph became Attorney General of the United States. After Thomas Jefferson resigned as Secretary of State, Randolph assumed that post for the years 1794-95." Americans found out that France had declared war with Great Britain.This proclamation was a direct public response to the countries waging war which were: Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, United Netherlands and France. George Washington convened with his cabinet in Philadelphia and decided on a policy of "strict neutrality." This proclamation was an official, legitimate document from the United States of America. The language used within the document is concise and commanding. The translation is authoritative and very straight forward. The intended audience of this proclamation was the countries waging war and a stern warning to the people of the United States of America whom were in support of assisting or fighting the countries at war.
France expected the United States to serve as their ally during this ordeal, but the American people felt that this was not a war they should be involved in and took the diplomatic route. Edmund Randolph stated, "Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, on the one part, and France on the other; and the duty and interest of the United States require, that they should with sincerity and good faith adopt and pursue a conduct friendly and impartial towards the belligerent powers:" and clearly phrases that the country will carry themselves in a manner in which they are unbiased. It is evident that the United States is at peace and does not wish to engage in a war that does not require them to be involved in. Attorney General Edmund Randolph proceeds by saying, "and to exhort and warn the citizens of the United States carefully to avoid all acts and proceedings whatsoever, which may in any manner tend to contravene such disposition." He deliberately includes this statement to forewarn the people of the United States to restrain from opposing behavior of which he has declared the U.S. was to abide by. Before this proclamation it was known that the United States was legally bound to ally France if they were involved in a war due to the treaty signed by both nations during the War for American Independence.
Edmund Randolph, very matter of fact, went on to go into specific detail and explain the consequences if an individual did not adhere to the proclamation of neutrality. "And I do hereby also make known, that whosoever of the citizens of the United States shall render himself liable to punishment or forfeiture under the law of nations, by committing, aiding or abetting hostilities against any of the said powers, or by carrying to any of them, those articles which are deemed contraband by the modern usage of nations, will not receive the protection of the United States against such punishment or forfeiture;" The proclamation was not taken lightly and given much consideration by our founding fathers whom served as George Washington's political advisers. This declaration was serious and would punish its own citizens if they broke the law. What would have happened if the United States had been in need of an ally if war was declared on them? How did this proclamation of neutrality affect their international affairs after 1793?
America, would not involve itself in a war that had nothing to do with them. Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality washed the United States hands of having to support France's war with Great Britain. This document would have a significant impact on American diplomatic affairs. Fred and Watts believe, "The proclamation of 22 April 1793 is a landmark in the history of international law. It set American precedent."
Works Cited
Israel, Fred. "President George Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality 22 April 1793."
In Presidential Documents, edited by Fred Israel and Jim F. Watts. New York: Routledge, 2000.
Randolph, Edmund. "Washington's Proclamation of Neutrality (April 22, 1793)," in American Perspectives: Readings in American History, edited by Kent McGaughy, 269-270. Boston: Pearson Learning Solutions, 2015.
TeachingAmericanHistory.org, "Edmund J. Randolph," https://teachingmericanhistory.org/static/convention/delegates/Randolph.html
(accessed 3/1/2016).