Washington’s Farewell Address
Thomas Truitt
GOVT200_D03_202340
Darryll Dowell
11/20/2023
Introduction
George Washington may be one of the most influential people in the history of the Unites
States. Appointed commander of the Continental Army in 1775, presided over the convention
that drafted the Constitution, and become the first President of the United States in 1789.
Nearing the end of his second term, he would deliver his farewell address on September 19,
1796, informing the country that he would not seek re-election and give his compatriots advice
on issues to look out for in the coming years. What items did Washington feel of utmost
importance as he left office and were the warning signs followed?
Washingtons Warnings
In the 7,641 address, George Washington gives us at least three areas to be mindful as we
move forward as a country. “He cautioned against three interrelated dangers that threatened to
destroy the Union: regionalism, partisanship, and foreign entanglements.” (Lurie, 2022) Even in
a time before internet and mass communication, Washington could see the need for unity as a
country and not one’s state or region. “The name of American, which belongs to you, in your
national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.” (Washington, 1796)
Washington is reminding the country that they fought together as a county and not as separate
states to ensure the liberties they now possess.
Washington also warned against siding with a political party or strictly voting on party
lines. He feared American would be more inclined to vote or side with party loyalty rather than
the best interest of the nation. “The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened
by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissention.” (Washington, 1796) He knew the greed of
men and the viscous attacks they would cast against one another to gain power and control.
“They are likely, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men.”
(Washington, 1796) Parties will become more focused on fighting each other and gaining control
of the government than having concerns for the well-being of the country.
One of the final topics Washington felt was important was foreign interference and
corruption. Washington believed that the foreign interest of the United States should be natural
for stability and the help maintain national unity. “It opens the door to foreign influence and
corruption, which find a facilitated access to the government itself through the channels of party
passion.” (Washington, 1769) Washington knew that the county would be vulnerable to outside
influence and interest, if the United States was busy arguing over who should be in office.
Modern Day Government
A little over two centuries since Washington’s Farewell address, our country and
government are still functioning. But functioning can be a misleading term. The electoral process
can be defined by red and blue states, republicans and democrats argue across party lines and the
United States would appear to have more interest internationally than on its own soil. How well
is our government functioning and have the warnings of George Washington been followed?
“Republican and Democratic states aren’t exactly sure what they are for, but they know
what they’re against.” (Ehrenhalt,2021) The United States hasn’t physically been at war with
each other since the civil war ended in 1865. That does not mean the states have gotten along and
relied on each other either. Each state has its own rules, regulations, and constitution. During
times of the presidential election the term blue wall can be heard quite often on the radio or
television. Citizens today are more inclined to vote based on their geographical area rather the
good of the country or morals of their party. Those from California or New York would be
identified as democrats whereas someone from Texas or Alabama would be considered
republican.
Republicans, democrats, independents, green party, etc. If one were to recall the 2016
election, Donald Trump beat Hillary Clinton to become the 45 President of the United States.
th
Shortly after riots broke out in several states and over 100 arrests were made. Where people
protesting because Trump won of because a democrat lost? Fast forward to the 2020 election and
the now President Joe Biden is recorded saying “If you have a problem figuring out if you’re for
me or Trump, then you ain’t black.” (Hall, 2020) The writer of the article later goes on to agree
with the statement. It would seem that a republican or democrat ballot could be handed out and
the majority would vote along party lines despite the nominee’s resume.
World War 1, World War 2, Vietnam War, Dessert Storm, Iraq War, Russia vs. Ukraine
and Israel vs. Hamas. From 1914 to the present, the United States has had some or total
involvement in wars across the globe. Oil, money, exports, and even our military are available to
our allies or other countries in need if our leaders see fit. $75 billion in aid to Ukraine since its
war with Russia began and over $260 billion to Israel since World War 2. There is nothing wrong
with helping our allies, but at what cost to the American people. The aid to Ukraine would be
better spent on the needs of Americans. “Millions more Americans didn’t have enough to eat in
2022 compared to 2021.” (Thornton, 2023) The focal point seems to be outward on saving the
world versus saving America.
Conclusion
American has changed a lot since 1796. Some for the better and some for the worse.
Washingtons letter warned us of regionalism, partisanship, and foreign entanglements. The
United States would seem to be more divided today than it was 40 years ago. Citizens are
classified by the state they live in, voters pick by party over morals and The United States could
be defined as the worlds ATM. It would do the United States well to remember how it got its
name, freedom and independence.
Bibliography
Lurie, S. (2022). . George Washington’s Mount Vernon. George Washington’s Farewell Address
https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/george-
washington-s-farewell-address/
Washington, G. (1796). . Washington’s Farewell Address
https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GPO-CDOC-106sdoc21/pdf/GPO-CDOC-
106sdoc21.pdf
Ehrenhalt, A. (2021, August 3). Governing. What Painted Us So Indelibly Red and Blue?
https://www.governing.com/assessments/what-painted-us-so-indelibly-red-and-blue
Facebook, Twitter, options, S. more sharing, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Email, URLCopied!,
C. L., & Print. (Hall, 2020). Opinion: Biden says if you’re black and don’t vote for him,
you’re not black. He’s right. Los Angeles Times.
https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2020-05-22/biden-says-if-youre-black-and-dont-
vote-for-him-youre-not-black-hes-right
As prices soared and government assistance dwindled, more Americans went hungry in 2023.
(Thornton, 2023). USA TODAY.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/10/25/us-food-insecurity-rose-
2022/71313026007/
