What was the Proclamation of Neutrality issued by Washington primarily concerned with?

The Proclamation of Neutrality issued by George Washington in 1793 primarily aimed to maintain peace with both France and Britain during a time of escalating conflict following the French Revolution. By declaring neutrality, Washington sought to avoid entanglement in European wars that could threaten the young nation's stability and security. He believed that the United States should refrain from taking sides in foreign conflicts to focus on its own development and to prevent unnecessary loss of American lives and resources.

This approach was significant because both France and Britain had strategic interests in the Americas, and siding with one could provoke hostility from the other. Washington's decision reflected his broader foreign policy philosophy of avoiding permanent alliances and maintaining the sovereignty of the nation. This choice laid the groundwork for American foreign policy for years to come, emphasizing diplomacy and caution over military engagement.