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Peace, War and Neutrality
Did Thomas Jefferson Betray His Own Principles?
George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and other American founders all warned against foreign entanglements that could lead to war. This was a pragmatic as well as a moral policy.
Wars are expensive. In modern times, the cost of war has skyrocketed in monetary cost, casualties, and economic fallout due to sanctions. However, it was always expensive and historically has often led to disastrous consequences.
Some historical context
Historically, the founding fathers could look to the example of England, the country they had rebelled against.
Henry VII left his son a great deal of wealth. He himself came to the throne through battle, the last English king to do so. He defeated Richard III at The Battle of Bosworth Field and thereby ended the Wars of the Roses. Once he won his crown, however, he stayed away from war. Instead, he focused on the economy. He supported policies that encouraged England’s industries and curbed government spending.
His son, Henry VIII, however, waged several extremely expensive wars. By doing so, he frittered away the wealth his father had left him.
Examining other European conflicts, this is a story that seems to play out…
