Matt Shakes

HIST 1700

Document Analysis Essay George Washingtons Farewell Address

George Washingtons Farewell Address was first published in September of 1796. This
letter was written by George Washington to address the people of the United States, and to
announce his retirement from office. While George Washington wanted to bid farewell to the
people of the country, he would also offer some reflective advice for a young and growing
nation. It embodies many of his political views, pleading preservation of the union. He also
warns of possible threats that are eminent to a young nation, preaching the dangers of foreign
influence and possible inner turmoil that could result as the ramifications of political parties.
He believed that the unity of the government would be under constant attack from threats
domestic and foreign, stating: But as it is easy to foresee that, from different causes and from
different quarters, much pains will be taken, many articles employed to weaken in your minds
the conviction of this truth; as this is the point in your political fortress against which the
batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often
covertly and insidiously) directed.
Before offering his advice, Washington begins his letter by declining consideration for
the presidency. He states he wishes he would have retired at the end of his first term, but was
compelled to return, stating mature reflection on the current state of political affairs and
advice from people close to him as the reason for his reconsideration. From here, he will go on
to give the people of the country some advice, starting with his view that preservation and
strength of the union was key to American success and independence. Washington warns that
this unity would be the most constant and active target of enemies both foreign and domestic,
stating: this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and
external enemies will be most constantly and actively directed. He goes on to say that the
peoples pride and patriotism in America should triumph over local discriminations, and, in an
attempt to inspire the people reminds them they have fought and triumphed together. He
credits their liberty and independence as a product of joint efforts. He then illustrates the
benefits that each section of the union brings to each other, and says that together as one
union they would be stronger than separate states. He would then talk about the dangers of
forming geographically discriminating parties, using an example that parties use
misrepresentation of anothers views to acquire influence; this, in turn, will leave people feeling
angry and jealous, further driving a wedge between the people of the country. Washington
emphasizes that a whole government is indispensable when establishing an efficient and
permanent union. He warns a simple alliance between the parts would not suffice. He states he
supports the Constitution and states that it is sacredly obligatory upon all until changed by an
authentic act by the whole people. He goes on to say the basis of the current political system is
for people to be able to amend their constitution if needed, but only by an authentic act of the
whole people, meaning it would have to be voted on.
The next major point of advice that General Washington would offer in his letter is the
possible ramifications that would entail as a result of political parties within the nation. He
states parties serve to distract public council and weaken the public administration. He warns
that parties generate animosity amongst the people, with ill-founded jealousies and false
alarms, meaning the political squabble between parties would only serve to drive people apart
instead of unifying them. He says it would make the country susceptible to foreign influence
and corruption by gaining access to the government through the interests of various parties. He
does encourage a system of checks and balances, so that one department of government does
not intrude on another.
Washington expressed his opinion on religion and morality for the country as well,
crediting these habits as ones that will lead to political prosperity. He states politicians and men
of religion should respect and cherish these habits. He advocates for the education of the
general public in regards to politics, stating that they should be enlightened on the issues.
George Washingtons final major points in this letter are regarding the countrys foreign
policies and affairs. He advises to observe good faith and justice towards all nations. He goes
on then to warn however, that we should not regard one country with too much aversion or
too much favor. He warns strong aversion for one country can lead to war, which in turn leads
the people of the nation to suffer. He also argues against favoritism for one particular country,
stating this could lead our nation into conflicts with other countries we have no business in. He
preaches neutrality of our country when it comes to foreign political affairs. Who is against
foreign influence, and states that history has proven that foreign influence is one of the most
baneful foes of republican government. He does promote trade with foreign countries,
however, he states that we should have little to do with their political affairs as possible. He
implies that if the nation can remain one people under a government, they will become less
dependent on foreign influence.
George Washingtons Farewell Address, with many of its warning not being heeded,
offered a growing nation advice and warning on many trials and tribulations that it could and
would face. His strongest points, emphasized in the speech, were the preservation and strength
of the union. He wanted the nation to be independent, free thinkers that worked together to
better the interests of the nation. He believed the nation would be stronger together as a
whole. He also warned of the woes of political parties and the effects it could have on our
nation, which many today seem to hold true unfortunately. He also wanted to warn us of the
dangers of foreign influence, and stressed that we remain neutral from foreign political affairs.
In my opinion, George Washington could not have offered better advice to a founding nation.
He addresses many concerns that he can see this nation facing, and he addresses the ones I
think that he sees us being most susceptible too, such as political parties and foreign influence.
George Washington seemed to express rationality and maturity when it came to dealing with
policies and issues of a young and upcoming nations, especially that of both domestic and
foreign policy. He took a realistic approach; he did not want America to completely withdraw
from the rest of the world. He still advocated trade and good faith towards other nations,
however warned against meddling in other political affairs. It is unfortunate his warning of
political parties was not headed, because as he predicted, they agitate the community with ill-
founded jealousies and false alarms, kindles the animosity of one part against another, foments
occasionally riot and insurrection. Finally, I believe George Washingtons political views are
strongly present in this letter. He was a strong and experienced leader at the time, and his
pragmatic views on our nations policies are timeless bits of advice (ones that we did not all
take) and offered inspiration for a growing and young nation.