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Washington's Farewell Address Analysis
Constitutional Government and Free Enterprise (GOVT 200)
Liberty University
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Washington’s Farewell Address
Candace Gohs GOVT 200: Constitutional Government & Free Enterprise October 14th, 2019
In 1796, during what would be his final term as president of the United States, George Washington drafted his Farewell Address to the American people. With the assistance of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, Washington outlined to the American people his desire to retire from the public and political arena. Rather then closing his Farewell Address at this explanation, Washington went on to convey many principles he hoped would provide direction for the future elections, presidents, and the country as a whole. This Address has become a widely recognized statement of American political purpose and has continued to be read annually in Congress to commemorate Washington’s birthday (ushistory, 2019).
The first seven paragraphs of George Washington’s Farewell Address focus heavily on the reasoning behind his decision to retire. In these passages, Washington acknowledges this was not the first time he considered retiring. Near the end of his first term as president, Washington felt compelled to retire and commissioned James Madison to draft a farewell address to the American people (ushistory, 2019). In his 1796 address, Washington explained he reconsidered the decision to retire after his first term due to the foreign climate of the time and nearly unanimous call from the American people for his reelection. By the end of Washington’s second term, the political and public pressures had taken their toll on him and he could no longer ignore his longing for the solitude offered at Mt. Vernon. Washington then commissioned Alexander Hamilton to revise the original farewell address (ushistory, 2019). After Hamilton finished his revisions, the draft was reviewed by Washington and his cabinet; after many deliberations the final draft of the Farewell Address was written and delivered by George Washington himself (Hoth, 2017). Though a collaborative effort, the sentiments and advice given in Washington’s 1796 Farewell Address were not only endorsed by Washington, but his true core beliefs.
States but avoid any permanent alliance with the foreign world; such alliances would only be entered in the self interest of the foreign nation. Instead, Washington advised to enter commercial relationships with minimal political connection. To avoid any potential pitfalls in these types of relationships, Washington provided clear instructions in his Farewell Address, “.. commercial policy should hold an equal and impartial hand; neither seeking nor granting exclusive favors or preferences” (1796). Through his entire address, Washington maintained that a neutral approach to foreign affairs would protect American liberties and freedom.
The entirety of the 1976 Farewell Address maintained a sense of duty and interest for the betterment of the country that was befitting of a great leader such was George Washington. By exalting the patriotism and unity of the American people, Washington fostered that same sense of duty among his supporters and hoped this would enable them to stay on the virtuous path he set forth.
Reference Hoth, D. (2017, January 17). A Documentary Dilemma: Editing the Farewell Address. Retrieved October 14, 2019, from gwpapers/documentary-dilemma-editing- farewell-address/.
Washington, G. (1796). Farewell Address. Retrieved on October 9, 2019, from avalon.law.yale/18th_century/washing
ushistory. (2019). Farewell Address. Retrieved October 12, 2019, from ushistory/us/17d.
Washington's Farewell Address Analysis
Course: Constitutional Government and Free Enterprise (GOVT 200)
University: Liberty University
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