George Washington’s Farewell Address

In 1783, after America had won the War for Independence, George Washington intended to retire. Washington had published a letter he had sent to each State Executive called “Circular Letter to the States”. But Washington mainly intended it for the citizenry and the letter was printed and widely circulated by the press. (Kaminski et al., 1989b)

Washington’s intention to retire was clear after the War for Independence. After being called by the Continental Congress to serve as the first President of the United States, he did so reluctantly. At the end of his first term, Washington asked James Madison to draft a farewell address but once again he was called to serve a second term as president. Washington found the address, after his second term, and asked Alexander Hamilton to rewrite the original draft. (Pruitt, 2020)

Considered by most as a warning against actions that were detrimental to keeping the new nation together, Washington expressed his desire to retire and his opinions about going further as a nation.

Importance of Unity

            “The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people, is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is the main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very Liberty, which you so highly prize.” (Hamilton, 2021)

Washington believed that for the nation to succeed, the people needed to find commonality above geographical and cultural differences. He believed that liberty, peace and prosperity depended on national unity.

 

Today we see politicians using cultural differences to divide us and have the country forget what ties us together.

Partisanship. One of Washington’s strongest warnings was about partisanship. The division of political parties and loyalty to party over nation. He warned that such alliances would turn to despotism when one person could take advantage. People would seek security and comfort by allowing the head of a political party to obtain too much power and ruin liberty.

He warned that it would lead to foreign influence, corruption, and animosity that would turn one against another. It would also lead to riots and insurrection.

Separation of Powers in Government

            When one part of government encroaches on the authority of another part of the government, it would lead to consolidation of power in one branch above the others. We can see this very thing in the amount of power that has been delegated by Congress to the President.  The Supreme court has encroached on Congress and the executive office with the concept of judicial review. Washington believed that it was human nature to seek power and the country should be wary of those that would seek it.

Requirement of Religion, Education, and Morality

            “Of all the dispositions and habits, which lead to political prosperity, Religion and Morality are indispensable supports.” (Hamilton, 2021)

            Washington questioned if the nation could prevail morally without religion. Politicians wouldn’t be able to protect the security, life, and liberty if they weren’t religious or at least respected religious principles. Education should be promoted by the government so that enlightened people would make better choices for the country.

 

National Debt

            At the end of the War for Independence, the nation was in debt and Washington was conscious of that fact. He felt that paying that debt and not incurring more debt was necessary. If the nation did incur more debt through wars or other means, it should be paid quickly. With the national debt now above 30 trillion dollars, we did not follow that advice. The policy of the United States since has been to borrow money for many years.  Washington believed that the country should always maintain good credit to allow the nation to be self-sufficient.

 

 

 

 

 

References

Kaminski, J. P., McCaughan, J. A., & Higginbotham, D. R. (1989b). A Great and Good Man: George Washington in the Eyes of His Contemporaries [E-book]. Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.

Pruitt, S. (2020, April 20). George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting in His Farewell Address. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/news/george-washington-farewell-address-warnings

Hamilton, A. (2021). George Washington’s Farewell Address Annotated. Independently published.