This short book by Conor O’Brien examines the foreign policy of the United States’ first president, George Washington, especially concerning France and Great Britain.

Washington’s presidency occurred during the French Revolution, and he did not favor those who then ran France. The French governments tried to persuade the U.S. to remain their ally against Great Britain, and their main ally in America was the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson.

Washington communicated with the British behind Jefferson’s back and arranged for a treaty with them; Jefferson was at odds with Alexander Hamilton, the first Secretary of the Treasury, over domestic and foreign policies, but Washington favored Hamilton over Jefferson. Political intrigue in the American administration is nothing new.

This book is highly recommended to those interested in early American government and foreign policy.