George Washington Farewell Address
President George Washington wrote farewell address George Washington as a valedictory to “friends and fellow-citizens” after 20 years of public service to the United States.
He wrote it near the end of his second term of presidency before retiring to his home at Mount Vernon in Virginia.
The letter was first published as the Address of Gen. Washington to the People of America on his declining the Presidency of the United States in the American Daily Advertiser on September 19, 1796, about ten weeks before the presidential electors cast their votes in the 1796 election.
Historian considered Washington’s Farewell Address as one of the most important documents in American history. It is the foundation of the Federalist Party’s political doctrine.
George Washington Farewell Address – Unity and sectionalism
To promote the strength of the Union, he urges the people to place their identity as Americans above their identities as members of a state, city, or region. He want to focus their efforts and affection on the country above all other local interests.
He reminds the people that they do not have more than slight differences in religion, manners, habits, and political principles. Their triumph and possession of independence and liberty is a result of working together.
George Washington Farewell Address – The Constitution and political factions
Washington calls the American people to only change the Constitution through amendments.
He then warns them that groups seeking to overthrow the government may strive to pass constitutional amendments to weaken the government. Government is so weaken, where it is unable to defend itself from political factions, enforce its laws, and protect the people’s rights and property.
George Washington Farewell Address – Political parties
Washington recognizes that it is natural for people to organize and operate within groups such as political parties.
He also argues that every government has recognized political parties as an enemy. Washington sought to repress them because of their tendency to seek more power than other groups and political opponents.
He feels that disagreements between political parties weakened the government.
George Washington Farewell Address – Religion, morality, and education
Washington refers to religious principle as the foundation of public morality. He also argues that the American government needs to ensure “the general diffusion of knowledge” throughout the United States.
The government has been created to enforce the opinion of the people. Therefore, the people’s opinion should be informed and knowledgeable.
George Washington Farewell Address – Credit and government borrowing
Washington provides strong support for a balanced federal budget, arguing that the nation’s credit is an important source of strength and security.
He urges the American people to preserve the national credit by avoiding war, avoiding unnecessary borrowing.
The government should payoff national debt accumulated in times of war as quickly as possible in times of peace. The future generations do not have to take on the financial burdens that others have taken on themselves.
Foreign relations and free trade
He urges the American people to avoid long-term friendly relations or rivalries with any nation. Washington arguing that attachments with or animosity toward other nations will only cloud the government’s judgment in its foreign policy.
He argues that longstanding poor relations will only lead to unnecessary wars due to a tendency to blow minor offenses out of proportion when committed by nations viewed as enemies of the United States.