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1793 The Proclamation of Neutrality

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1793 The Proclamation of Neutrality

Date: 1793

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The Proclamation of Neutrality was a statement issued by President George Washington on April 22, 1793, in which the United States declared its neutrality in the ongoing conflict between Great Britain and France. The Proclamation of Neutrality was issued in response to the outbreak of war between Britain and France, which had been ongoing since 1792. The conflict had raised concerns among Americans about the potential impact on trade and the safety of American ships in the Atlantic. Under the terms of the Proclamation of Neutrality, the United States declared that it would remain neutral in the conflict between Britain and France, and would not provide aid or support to either side. The proclamation also warned American citizens against taking actions that might violate American neutrality or bring the country into the conflict. The Proclamation of Neutrality was significant because it reflected a desire among American leaders to maintain a policy of neutrality and to avoid becoming embroiled in foreign conflicts. The proclamation also helped to establish a precedent for future efforts to maintain neutrality in times of international crisis. However, the Proclamation of Neutrality was not universally supported, and was criticized by both pro-British and pro-French factions within the United States. Some argued that the proclamation favored Britain over France, while others argued that it did not go far enough in protecting American interests. Overall, the Proclamation of Neutrality was an important statement of American foreign policy that helped to establish a policy of neutrality in times of international conflict. The proclamation reflected the desire of American leaders to avoid becoming entangled in foreign wars, and helped to set the stage for future efforts to promote international peace and stability.

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES A PROCLAMATION Whereas it appears that a state of war exists between Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Great Britain, and the United Netherlands, of 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 toward the belligerant Powers; I have therefore thought fit by these presents to declare the disposition of the United States to observe the conduct aforesaid towards those Powers respectfully; 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. And I do hereby also make known, that whatsoever 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; and further, that I have given instructions to those officers, to whom it belongs, to cause prosecutions to be instituted against all persons, who shall, within the cognizance of the courts of the United States, violate the law of nations, with respect to the Powers at war, or any of them. In testimony whereof, I have caused the seal of the United States of America to be affixed to these presents, and signed the same with my hand. Done at the city of Philadelphia, the twenty-second day of April, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the seventeenth.

GEORGE WASHINGTON

April 22, 1793

Note: France declared war against Great Britain and Holland early in April, 1793. President Washington called a special cabinet meeting, which resulted in this declaration of neutrality.

Cite Article : www.canadahistory.com/sections/documents

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Reference: Article by (Staff Historian), 2023

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