Introduction
In 1796, the President George Washington drafted his 32-page handwritten farewell address to the American people which was printed in Philadelphia’s American Daily Advertiser. The address was after his decision not to seek re-election for the third time. In the address, he focuses on advising Americans on various issues he considered significant to the progress and development of the nation (Washington, 2014). His parting words can be summarized as a three main parts address highlighting his retirement, advice on political parties and foreign relations. His address paid particular attention to political parties, unity in the central government division on geographical distinctions and foreign affairs describing the need to be careful when relating to other countries by not having favorites.
The paper will focus the address by analyzing the main reasons why President Washington wrote the speech. It will pay particular attention to his main ideas and the impact they have on the contemporary government. Though the address is considered as a farewell, it contains advice on various issues which can be interpreted as a way of Washington indicating his doubts on the direction of the country at the time (Washington, 2014). Washington chose to write his address rather than speak it to influence as many people as possible. He hoped to spread his ideas and advice to the larger nation with the hope that someone will listen and act on the proposed approaches (Weems, 2015). The ideas include:
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Reasons for Retirement
In the first pages, Washington explains to Americans his reason for failing to seek reelection where he cites his desire to retire due to old age and allow others to engage in the leadership (Weems, 2015). Washington admits that he was not great, but he tried his best to fulfil his mandate and duties with diligence (Weems, 2015). President Washington requests Americans to embrace the decision and make a better choice in replacing him. He thanks the nation for support and encouragement in times of challenge and criticism. He prays for union preservation through wise leadership to honor the constitution and maintain freedom of the American people.
National Unity
Washington address displays a special focus on integration especially that of the central government. He consistently insists that people should not let the country fall into factions by emphasizing that a unified central government is better and effective in running of the country (Spalding & Garrity, 1996). The idea can be viewed as a call for unity and leadership by shaping national unity through collective responsibility facilitated by the maintenance of American values in politics religion and culture. He identified patriotism as a reason and benefit for maintaining unity combined with economic and political advantages which accrued from a united government (Spalding & Garrity, 1996). However, it can also be interpreted as a federalist idea where Washington wished to bring more people on board to form a federal government.
Political Parties
Washington addresses political parties with specific attention to regional conflicts. He argues that party politics affect unity through misinterpretation of ideas and opinions. Party politics breed divisions especially on geographical divisions by alienating districts that would faction well together by fostering jealousy (Gaffey, 2015). Washington address of politics using political parties is an effort to urge everyone to maintain peace and work together as a team by putting aside their regional differences and rivalries. The regional conflicts are evident in the contemporary society where political parties idea and opinions continue to divide people based on their geographical regions in the Democrats and republic ideologies
(Gaffey, 2015). Washington was troubled over the political party’s threat of the will of the parties overriding the will of the people which would compromise democracy and revert the nation to the systems it had fought hard to overcome.
Foreign interference
The address also focuses on foreign affairs and relations with other countries. His emphasis and advice were to avoid picking sides and showing favors to one country over the other but rather deal with the issues of each country form a distance. Washington address on foreign affairs focuses on the influence on the united nations of America with France and England and especially involvement in their wars (Spalding & Garrity, 1996). In the earlier century when America was under pressure to pick a side to support during the French revolution which had threatened power balance in England, he warned against favoritism as displayed by Jefferson relations with France and Hamilton push for an alliance with Britain (Deconde, 1957).
Other issues addressed
President Washington also discussed other aspects of government such as confining of governmental branches, legislative executive and judiciary to their constitutional mandate which specific warning against changing the constitution unless out of absolute necessity(Washington, 2014). Washington also emphasizes on the need for religion, education and morality. Education is important to shape public opinions and disseminate knowledge of national morality by encouraging moral behaviors that spur progress and development. He addressed the need to borrow and pay debts, warnings against forming permanent alliances with foreign nations and maintaining independence, freedom and peace (Deconde, 1957).
Conclusion
The George Washington farewell address presents an appeal to the American nation to be wise in decisions that will benefit the country by promoting patriotism and unity in their geographical regions. The focus on main factors which have had an impact to the contemporary world such as being wary of foreign engagements and division from political parties’ wars and division display an informed and experienced leader whose aim is to guide the nation through his wisdom. The address can be considered as writing on Washington’s thoughts, concerns and warnings. Through his love for his country, he outlines the dangers and top priorities that the nation should concentrate on for its wellbeing and progress.
References
Deconde, A. (1957). Washington's Farewell, the French Alliance, and the Election of 1796. The Mississippi Valley Historical Review , 43(4), 641-658.
Gaffey, A. J. (2015). Recollecting Union: “Rebel Flags” and the Epideictic Vision of Washington's Farewell Address. Western Journal of Communication , 79(3), 327-347.
Spalding, M., & Garrity, P. J. (1996). A Sacred Union of Citizens: George Washington's Farewell Address and the American Character. Rowman & Littlefield.
Washington, G. (1796). Farewell Address, 1796. Avalon Project at Yale Law School.
Weems, M. L. (2015). The life of Washington . Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. Routledge .
