Analysis of George Washington’s Farewell Address
Amanda Rhodes
GOV 200-B07
Professor Michael Anthony
February 7, 2022
In 1796 George Washington addressed the American people, via publication in the
American Daily Advertiser, with his Farewell Address to advise he would not seek another term
in office due to his want for a more private life. Washington went on to express his wishes and
hopes for future presidents and the way that elections should be handled, which then gave the
presidents going forward term limits. He warned of the dangers the country was still under
regarding debt, rise in political party affiliation and hostility among the different regions.
Washington explained his reasoning for wanting to retire from office by advising that this
was not the first time he had contemplated retirement, but he refrained due to “critical posture of
our affairs with foreign nations” (Washington, 1796). He proceeded to stress the importance of
unity among the citizens to protect against foreign nations and political affiliations. These
warnings and exhortations were followed since Washington’s presidency by setting standards for
the way the military operates, political control, and foreign and economic policies. The
difference today is the breakaway to different political parties, which he touched on later in his
address.
Threats of foreign influence and corruption were heavily discussed in Washington’s
address. His concern for the war in Europe and their need for the United States to assist them
lead him to encourage the citizens of the United States to stay neutral. As stated, “The duty of
holding a neutral conduct may be inferred, without anything more, from the obligation which
justice and humanity impose on every nation, in cases in which it is free to act, to maintain
inviolate the relations of peace and amity towards other nations”. (Washington, 1796). He
encouraged the citizens by assuring them that a neutral approach would protect their freedoms
and liberties. Washington had just successfully lead the American revolutionary war, and was
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very well respected therefore I feel the American people were left to feel let down and scared of
what would happen to their freedom after his term came to an end.
Washington had ill will towards political party affiliation, he felt it was brought about to
“distract the councils and enfeeble the public” (Washington, 1796) and he further encouraged
each citizen to resist picking a side. Although he was leaving office, he had a duty to protect the
citizens in what he felt would end up in protest if they chose sides in the political nature. In a
modern day society and government, this could not and would not be accepted. Washington’s
fear were the corrupt who would try to remove the freedoms and liberties he fought so hard to
establish due to his loyal nature and his wantonness to protect the American People.
In my view, Washington’s items of upmost importance are as follows: unity, kindness,
and honestly. Unity, which is still important today, due to the significance of the revolutionary
war and the freedom provided by a united front; Kindness, also still important today, by way of
loving your neighbor and helping when in need whether it be a daily chore or assisting our
foreign neighbors in war. As stated “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate
peace and harmony with all”. (Washington, 1796); and finally, honesty, which is what he built his
life and presidency around. The infamous quote “honesty is the best policy” (Washington, 1796)
speaks volumes and should prove that we as American people and as Christians can still learn
from our Founding Fathers.
In conclusion, George Washington gave our country the map for a better life, liberty and
freedom. It is clear he loved his country, he loved being its leader and he loved the people. He
was well respected and while he did not openly proclaim to be a Christian, I feel he respected
God and religion. I feel he was guided by God when he led our country to war, and finally when
he addressed the nation regarding his retirement. I believe he was before his time in a lot of
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ways, he predicted the treacherous turn of events we have faced decade after decade and closed
urging the Americans to heed his warnings. As God’s Word states “Let us therefore come boldly
unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”.
(King James Bible, 2008, Hebrews 4:16).
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References
Washington, G. (1796). Farewell Address. Retrieved January 10, 2022 from
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=15&page=transcript
King James Bible. (2008) Oxford University Press. (Original work published 1769)
