George Washington's “Farewell Address”



Abstract

This paper highlights important points of George Washington's “Farewell Address”. This study also highlights arguments and differing views against the sectionalism, political factionalism, foreign interference, patriotism, and political stability, which are the main points of George Washington's letter to “Friends and Fellow Citizens”

George Washington's “Farewell Address”

Introduction

George Washington is one of the most influential presidents of United States, during the end of his second term he wrote a letter to “Friends and Fellow Citizens” in which he announced his retirements and his sentiments to farewell his nation. In this letter, “Washington warned that the forces of geographical sectionalism, political factionalism, and interference by foreign powers in the nation's domestic affairs threatened the stability of the Republic” (www.senate.gov). The letter published in the newspaper in September 1796 (www.pbs.org). This letter also reflects the concern of President Washington for the union of the nation and patriotism for the success of United States.

Thesis Statement

George Washington's “Farewell Address” is the warning for the nation about sectionalism, political factionalism, foreign interference, patriotism, and political stability of the nation.

Discussion

Geographical Sectionalism

Unity and geographical sectionalism are the most significant and major point of this address. This speech mainly highlights the concerns associated with the independence, safety and prosperity with the unity of States. He warned the people of United States to be united so that no one can break the unity of States. Therefore, he emphasized that people must accept their identity as American only. He emphasized the need for people to avoid discriminations on the grounds of social, cultural, religious, and political discriminations. He also mentioned that sectionalism results in the increase, in distrust and rivalries.

Interference by Foreign Powers

George Washington was also against the interference of the foreign powers in the domestic or internal matters of State. In this letter, he also informed his nations that they must not allow wars and attacks from foreign nations and neighboring rivals. During 1796, there were major foreign threats from France and Britain. These were major political powers and have influence and major role in, “empire building in North America” (www.pbs.org). During that period, the world is also facing war and all the countries were open threat for the stability for other states. This was the major reason that nations of America were already divided into two major groups, one that was supporting France and the other was in favor of Britain. George Washington warned his ...