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George Washington is the figure who famously warned against "foreign entanglements" in his Farewell Address in 1796. He emphasized the importance of the United States maintaining its independence and avoiding permanent alliances with foreign nations. Washington's perspective was shaped by the nation's experiences during the Revolutionary War, where foreign involvement both helped and complicated the struggle for independence.

His advice was rooted in the belief that such entanglements could lead to unnecessary conflicts and distractions from domestic concerns. Washington's cautionary stance has had a lasting impact on American foreign policy, encouraging a focus on neutrality and self-reliance in international affairs during the early years of the nation. This guidance has been interpreted through various historical periods and can be seen as foundational to the principles of isolationism that some American leaders have adopted over the years.