(Summary)
Washington opens his Farewell Address with a summary of his decision to leave office and not be in the running for the next election, citing that a new president may be a more proper representation of the public voice. He goes on to reassure the public that his own intentions in resigning from the presidential office are not at all meant as harmful or uncaring to the people, and that he is very interested in the country’s future affairs. He explains his motivations for retiring a bit more, and adds that he hopes that no one will think badly of him for this decision. He moves from this into his relationship with the American government, people, and country itself, and states that he is thankful for having such a place in that. He expresses high hopes for the future of the country and praises the system of government that they Constitution has employed.
The next section describes Washington’s plans, hopes, and above all warnings for the future of the country and freedom of the people. Before anything else, he acknowledges and praises the national identity and patriotism of the American people. He takes the unity of government and of the citizens into consideration, and suggests that the American people aim to preserve this.
He then moves on to specific warnings that have to do with various territories in the United States. He breaks down the interterritorial relationships that exist, references the maritime industry that is important to the United States as a whole, and outlines the strengths that each territory has when it comes to trading. Washington warns against disputes that could lead to civil war, which could have brought about America’s fall as a global power. He points out some specific conflicts in America’s history thus far and warns the government and the people to settle such disputes quickly.
Washington moves on to talking about their government on a grand scale, and warns American citizens against committing infractions for the sake of the country. He reminds the citizens that they are the basis of the government and that the government exists to defend their rights. This all emphasizes his point of national unity.
In the next bit, Washington warns heavily against believing in factions and parties, as they tend to be a persuasive minority of the population that has the potential to upset the balance of power. He is, however, optimistic about the state of the government and through that the future of the country, praising the efforts of the government and the Constitution in preserving the people’s rights and liberty.
Washington continues to focus on the efforts of political parties, and instructs that the government stay away from them, referring to political parties and factions as government’s worst enemy. He more specifically warns about inter-party rivalry and bitterness and the adverse effect this type of competition could have on the government and the country as a whole. Washington states several more reasons for staying away from the idea of political factions, especially in international relations. He also addresses and shuts down the opinion that parties are useful for checks and balances in government.
Washington broadens his topic to the government as a whole, and exalts the checks and balances system with suggestions for ways to maintain it. He briefly discusses religion and morality, and cites how each can help in governing a people. These ideas are what make a popular government. He also advises about expenses and taxation, and the use of public credit.
In foreign affairs, Washington suggests that the United States maintain a policy of neutrality, and to serve as an example of justice and benevolence to other nations. He advises that the nation make no particular alliances and to remain on good, fair terms with all nations. Special sympathy for one nation in particular often causes animosity with another nation, which is exactly what he wishes to avoid. A policy of neutrality also helps citizens retain an idea of national identity without unnecessary outside influence. He mentions England and its controversies with other nations in particular. He believes that a policy of neutrality will garner respect for America in the long run. In emergencies, a defensive stance is his preference, and in wars temporary alliances would be acceptable if necessary. He continues to recommend a neutral, friendly foreign policy from an economic standpoint.
Washington completes his address with a humble showcase of his own presidency and asserts that he believes that he has ruled by the principles he believes in. He reminds the people of his Proclamation of Neutrality and strongly suggests that it stay in place, and states that he believes that a policy of neutrality is the best thing for the development of the United States. A reflection on his time in office and a reminder of all he has given to this country back up his ideas once again. The last paragraph is an optimistic, proud, and patriotic look at America as a nation, praising America’s good laws and free government.
In the next bit, Washington warns heavily against believing in factions and parties, as they tend to be a persuasive minority of the population that has the potential to upset the balance of power. He is, however, optimistic about the state of the government and through that the future of the country, praising the efforts of the government and the Constitution in preserving the people’s rights and liberty.
Washington continues to focus on the efforts of political parties, and instructs that the government stay away from them, referring to political parties and factions as government’s worst enemy. He more specifically warns about inter-party rivalry and bitterness and the adverse effect this type of competition could have on the government and the country as a whole. Washington states several more reasons for staying away from the idea of political factions, especially in international relations. He also addresses and shuts down the opinion that parties are useful for checks and balances in government.
Washington broadens his topic to the government as a whole, and exalts the checks and balances system with suggestions for ways to maintain it. He briefly discusses religion and morality, and cites how each can help in governing a people. These ideas are what make a popular government. He also advises about expenses and taxation, and the use of public credit.
In foreign affairs, Washington suggests that the United States maintain a policy of neutrality, and to serve as an example of justice and benevolence to other nations. He advises that the nation make no particular alliances and to remain on good, fair terms with all nations. Special sympathy for one nation in particular often causes animosity with another nation, which is exactly what he wishes to avoid. A policy of neutrality also helps citizens retain an idea of national identity without unnecessary outside influence. He mentions England and its controversies with other nations in particular. He believes that a policy of neutrality will garner respect for America in the long run. In emergencies, a defensive stance is his preference, and in wars temporary alliances would be acceptable if necessary. He continues to recommend a neutral, friendly foreign policy from an economic standpoint.
Washington completes his address with a humble showcase of his own presidency and asserts that he believes that he has ruled by the principles he believes in. He reminds the people of his Proclamation of Neutrality and strongly suggests that it stay in place, and states that he believes that a policy of neutrality is the best thing for the development of the United States. A reflection on his time in office and a reminder of all he has given to this country back up his ideas once again. The last paragraph is an optimistic, proud, and patriotic look at America as a nation, praising America’s good laws and free government.
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