entangling alliances with none

Cultural  

1. A phrase President Thomas Jefferson used in his first inaugural address in 1801, calling for a cautious, isolationist foreign policy. (See isolationism.)

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George Washington had given similar isolationist advice four years earlier in his Farewell Address: “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.”

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entangling alliances with none

He proclaimed America's well-known policy toward the European States: "Friendship with all, entangling alliances with none."

From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 14 by Various

The young republic of the United States tried to follow the warning of Washington, "Friendship to all, entangling alliances with none."

From Stories of Old Kentucky by Martha Grassham Purcell

Friendly relations with all, but entangling alliances with none, is declared to be our policy.

From Harper's New Monthly Magazine, Vol IV. No. XX. January, 1852. by Various

Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state or persuasion, religious or political; peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.

From Southern Literature From 1579-1895 A comprehensive review, with copious extracts and criticisms for the use of schools and the general reader by Louise Manly

Jefferson said: "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none."

From A History of the Republican Party by George Washington Platt