Sentimental Values In George Washington's Farewell Address

In the book of His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis, the author introduces Washington, the Father of the United States, in a fresh portrait focused on the characters of Washington. This book is an impressive biography of Washington's remarkable dedication to the United States history. According to the author, George Washington is an omnipresent figure as he was growing up, described as the man in the moon who was aloof and silent. This book focuses on Washington's wartime service which became some of his major contributions to the United States, rather than merely telling the true story of Washington, its main thesis is focusing on analyzing his contributions and how his governorship had affected the American history. Washington's life is divided into three areas in this book.

George Washington was correct in his warning about the political parties. Washington had spoken of the dangers in his farewell speech. He also “warned that political factions gaining enough power could seek to obstruct the execution of the laws that were created by Congress and could prevent the three branches from properly performing their duties that were outlined in the Constitution”.

President Washington gave advice for the future of the U.S. in his farewell address. Washington decided not to run for a third term, but he set a precedent by giving a farewell address with valuable advice for the U.S. to take into consideration. He also had a concern for the U.S. that would last until the end of his life, causing him to give this particular advice. Washington had to deal with the conflict between Hamilton and Jefferson, the Whiskey Rebellion, and the clash between France and Great Britain. Staying united, following the Constitution, and staying neutral is the advice that Washington gave based on his experiences because he loved and worried about the future of the U.S. Fearing that the newly formed U.S. government would divide, Washington first gave advice on the U.S. staying united.

Political parties, Democratic Republicans and Federalists, started in the U.S. because of differing views of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, and the influence of newspapers. Jefferson’s and Hamilton’s different ways of thinking(mostly on issues that was beneficial for the country) played a huge part in the start of political parties. They fought about economy. Jefferson liked farming while Hamilton preferred manufacturing and trade. Interpretation of the Constitution was another thing they fought upon.

George Washington had a vision for the United States of America that seems to be unattainable. In his Farewell Address, he gave a strong warning to the nation: don’t create political parties, and don’t create alliances with other nations. While Washington had good intentions, there was little possibility of his warnings being heeded. Political parties were established before Washington even left office, and permanent alliances with foreign militaries show no signs of disappearing. Washington acknowledged that political parties are a part of human nature in his Farewell Address, and that still holds true today.

To the contrary, Hamilton believed that all the power should go to the federal government. Today in all elections, we have democratic beliefs and republican beliefs. It is discussed in (Document 4 ) that George Washington opposed the idea of different political parties because he thought two views would agitate the community, stir up riots, and start rebellions in our states. Therefore, Washington did not support the idea of two separate political beliefs. However, his beliefs were not accepted and instead different political parties were implemented and still exist today.

Washington’s inauguration took place on April 30, 1789 at Federal Hall in New York City. He was the first man to take the oval office, and was the first the say the words, “ So help me God,”, establishing the very first presidential president. Washington traveled extensively during his presidency deliberately visiting every state in the new union. Along the way he bought American landscape paintings, many of which still hang at Mount Vernon.

“Political parties” did not begin until the late 1600s, yet It all really began in 1787, when the so called “political parties” started calling themselves Federalists. This was when the first political party started in the United States. In 1796, everything got bigger and more productive. That’s when everyone gathered around Jefferson, those members called themselves Democratic-Republicans. A political party is a gathering of individuals who meet up to contest elections and hold control in the government.

Intro Growing up, we have all heard the many stories of George Washington. While many recognize him as one of the most important figures in U.S history, others only recognize him by one of his multiple accomplishments; he was the 1st president of the United States. With presidency comes the variety of duties and responsibilities, the main being a president 's inaugural adress. In George Washington 's very 1st inaugural, he uses three rhetorical strategies: personification, amplification, and last but not least, repitition to convey what he truly wants for the States and why a successful Constitution should be in order.

On September 17, 1796, George Washington gave his farewell address (Milestones). Looking through the meticulously crafted address, one underlying factor was left blatant to the eye: do not let our great country be down-taken by debt. Flash forwards to America 2017, a country almost twenty million dollars in debt. What would Washington say about our country now? What would Alexander Hamilton, a man who established an independent national bank and tax system for the United States, say about our country now (Avalon Project)?

A lot of the problems and concerns he was dealing with during his presidency are still relevant in todays day in age. George Washington’s Farewell Address does a great job highlighting the problems he fears will affect the future of our country. The four areas of his concern were unity, not devising into stronger separate political parties,

George Washington also acknowledge that he made mistakes himself and is far from a perfect individual but made clear to be open minded of criticism and corrections and to seek challenges by taking the easy routes in life. Washington’s Farewell Address is important part of our history and is taught up till this day to young American children in our schools and by Historians but few people understand the meaning and the importance behind the Farewell Letter. The Farewell Address the federal government, warnings against the party systems, the importance of religion and morality, warnings against forming a permanent foreign alliance, and a powerful military. George Washington has an overwhelming reputation by his military service, his position as our first president of the United States of America, and by leaving his position in office by leaving behind his Farewell Address to give present and future Americans insight on the history of our country and what it’s known for. It’s well encouraged to research what American history is about and how we can apply the Farewell Address into our life by living in peace, exercising our freedom of speech and choice or religions, along with respecting our governments and live in unity to achieve success.

Before even stepping into office, Washington’s actions were being watched carefully. After his victory in the election, he rode a coach through celebrating crowds to New York. The celebrating crowds contributed to the fact that his welcome represented one a king would have. This was not a good start of his presidency as he was a president trying to distance himself from associations with a king. During his inauguration, he took an oath in which he vowed to uphold the Constitution during his presidency.

Washington, like the “good king” Hrothgar, was also generous. He devoted time at the end of his presidency to making sure that America was still guided without him. He created the Farewell Address, and “its implications for an isolationist foreign policy and a bipartisan brand of American statecraft” (Ellis 122). Out of concern for his nation, Washington created the Farewell Address to establish basic principles that the country could follow after his presidency was over. Despite the fact that the creation of this address was not one of his presidential responsibilities, Washington created it to ensure that the country would not fall into disarray after he was out of power.

Before and during George Washington’s presidency, he felt as if he was unqualified for the job and in fact was worried about his presidency. Washington’s farewell address was meant to thank his audience and friends for support through his presidency even though he did not feel as he was the right person for the job. Headed for retirement, Washington penned the address to an audience to assure them that the new country would still prosper even without his leadership. It was meant to give his audience peace about his stepping-down and understanding that his retirement was made possible by an immense amount of supporters and friends who cared for the country.