Introduction
In George Washington’s “Farewell Address”, he made his official statement to the
country on his presidential retirement following the end of the present term. Part of this address
was written as an example for future presidents to see the civil way of relinquishing power.
Additionally, he advised the American government on ways to keep the United States strong and
united. This advice served the purpose of providing a guide for the future government in order
for it to avoid repeating mistakes made in the past.
Washington’s First Warning
There were several major warnings to the country that George Washington made in his
address. The first warned against sectionalism. Sectionalism is defined as “confinement of
interest to a narrow sphere, narrowness of outlook, undue accentuation of minor local, political,
or social distinctions” (O.E.D.). If certain regions or sections of America became only loyal to
themselves rather than the country as a whole, the foundation and structure of the United States
would fall away and be lost. Similarly, if individuals started placing local politics above the good
of the nation, it would eventually lead to the downfall of America. Due to this fear, Washington
felt it necessary to advise the country to remain loyal and unified.
Washington’s Second Warning
George Washington’s second warning in the “Farewell Address” was about the
proliferation of political parties. He believed that political parties tend to split up and divide the
country. As a result, the United States could be taken advantage of by “tyrants” and individuals
could start prioritizing and placing their political parties over the country. If people voted in
favor of their political views rather than the needs of America, he concluded that it would create
a spirit of rebellion and lead to the ultimate overthrow of the government (Pruitt, 2023).
Washington stated that disagreements between parties weakened the government, therefore
weakening the country itself.
Washington’s Third Warning
George Washington’s third and final warning was arguably the most important point
made in his address. He warned the nation to take heed in becoming close with foreign powers as
they might be influenced or even preyed on by those powers. Foreign entanglements were the
doorway to foreign influence and corruption. While Washington clarified that he hoped for good
relationships between America and other countries, he stated that permanent alliances with other
nations and habits of hostility should be avoided or altogether excluded (Pruitt, 2023). According
to the “Farewell Address”, “The nation which indulges toward another a habitual hatred or a
habitual fondness is in some degree a slave.” If Americans let themselves be controlled by their
positive or negative passions toward a foreign power, they could lead to the American collapse.
America’s Opinions on the Warnings
Unfortunately, George Washington’s fears proved to be true as the nation was later split
apart by its regional differences during the Civil War. However, for the years following his
presidency, the country managed to heed Washington’s words of advice, yet, it was not without
pushback. His efforts to protect the young and fragile country were made rather difficult by
groups such as the pro-French, represented by Thomas Jefferson, and the pro-English
Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton.
Differing Points of View
Both the pro-French and the pro-English Federalists opposed the “Farewell Address”.
The pro-English argued that connections with Britain for trade and cultural purposes were
necessary and should lead to a closer political and foreign relationship between nations.
However, the pro-French, also called the Democratic-Republicans, argued for a closer
relationship with France. When this group saw that a treaty had been signed between Great
Britain and America, they became even more opposed, believing that it had created an
American-British-anti-French alliance (Bill of Rights Institute).
Biblical Explication Regarding the “Farewell Address”
The Bible advises against the repeating of actions such displayed by the pro-France
individuals. Romans 13:2 states, “Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling
against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” As
George Washington was in a position of authority, the nation was meant to take his advice and
not leave his warnings in vain. As evidenced by the “Farewell Address”, Washington only had
America’s best interests in mind.
References
O.E.D. Sectionalism Definition. Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.).
https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=sectionalism
Pruitt, S. (2023). George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting. Hhistory.
https://www.history.com/news/george-washington-farewell-address-warnings
Farewell Address, 19 September 1796. National Archives Founders Online. (n.d.).
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-20-02-0440-0002
Bill of Rights Institute. The XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War With the French. Bill of Rights
Institute. https://billofrightsinstitute.org/essays/the-xyz-affair-and-the-quasi-war-with-
france
Romans 13:2 - New International Version (NIV). Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+13%3A2&version=NIV
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