In his Farewell Address, George Washington warned against permanent alliances with any foreign power. He argued that the United States should avoid "permanent, inveterate antipathies against particular nations" and instead "be prepared for war, but hope for peace."
Jefferson and Madison agreed with Washington's views. They believed that the United States should be self-sufficient and that it should not rely on foreign powers for its security. They also believed that the United States should avoid becoming involved in European wars.
Jefferson and Madison's views were based on their understanding of the history of Europe. They saw that Europe was a continent of constant war, and they did not want the United States to become embroiled in those wars. They also saw that Europe was a continent of great powers, and they did not want the United States to become a client state of any of those powers.
Jefferson and Madison's views were also shaped by their understanding of the geography of the United States. They saw that the United States was separated from Europe by the Atlantic Ocean, and they believed that this separation gave the United States a natural advantage. They believed that the United States could be safe and prosperous without the help of Europe.
Jefferson and Madison's views were controversial at the time. Many Americans believed that the United States should forge closer ties with Europe. They argued that the United States needed the support of Europe to secure its independence and to protect its interests.
Jefferson and Madison ultimately prevailed. The United States did not become entangled in European wars, and it did not become a client state of any European power. The United States was able to maintain its independence and to pursue its own interests.
Jefferson and Madison's views on isolationism were based on their understanding of history, geography, and the national interest of the United States. Their views were controversial, but they ultimately prevailed. The United States was able to maintain its independence and to pursue its own interests.