Introduction
Washingtons Farewell Address gives insight into how Americans should approach foreign
conflict and also how they should be warned against political dangers. It was also written to
preserve the Union as the core of American nationhood. This address is very important in a way
by giving the citizens an insights on how to have a sound mind and to keep safe from all foreign
conflicts and issues that may occur after his retirement and once he is gone. In this paper, I will
be discussing how his address mentions how to be warned, as Americans, against political
dangers, how to remain neutral in foreign conflict, and then how to celebrate achievements.
Warning Americans Against Political Dangers
Washington warns in his letter that Americans should watch what they hear and say about
politics and how politics can become dangerous and unjust if not watched and taken care of
properly. In says in the farewell address, “Men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real
difference of local interests and views” (Farewell Address). It is seen as Washington retires and
sends out this letter that political parties have already started to emerge at the start of
Washingtons retirement. Washingtons Farewell Address also shows the way he handled the hate
he received for supporting the Jay Treaty. Keeping Americans aware of political dangers was
very important for Washington and his letter truly shows the importance of it and what to do in
order for it not to occur.
Remian Neutral in Foreign Conflict
Although the main topic of Washingtons Farewell Address was to write to the Americans
about domestic issues, it also talked about foreign issues and how Americans should remain
neutral in the foreign conflicts. In the address, Washington’s states, “a passionate attachment of
one Nation for another produces a variety of evils” (Farewell Address). This clearly shows that if
Americans side with just one nation, evils will occur and violence and war may occur due to
picking favorites and not seeing both sides of an issue. Having temporary alliances would be
acceptable under “extraordinary emergencies” which should be determined correctly and with
complete understanding and awareness. Washington also argued for impartial commercial
treaties, but also of treaties with permanent alliance. If America slips up and favorites one
particular country, the entire treaty and permanent alliance would become screwed over and of
least importance in the times of war. He makes is clear to be careful and aware of what is going
on.
Celebrate Achievements
Washington writes in his farewell address that we should not only be aware and warned,
but also celebrate American achievements like the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. He
states that, “I shall carry it with me to my grave, as a strong incitement to unceasing vows that
Heaven may continue to you the choicest tokens of its beneficence” (Farewell Address). This
shows that even heaven may be on our side and that we should be happy and excited to know
that Washington will continue to be on Americans side even in the grave and he will hold strong
till the end of time for his country. Just like how Washington states how Heaven is on Americas
side, Jesus says he is also on our side, as Christians, in the Bible. It states in the Bible in Psalm
118:6 that , “The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (English
Standard Version Bible, 2016, Psalm 118:6).
Conclusion
In conclusion, I have found that of all three topics, Washington really emphasizes being Neutral
with nations but also with political dangers. Both topics are super important and serious and
should be talked about, especially from a president of a country. Seeing Washington’s Farewell
Address being used in current day isn’t so often because people have stopped fighting against
political dangers and have almost picked favorites when foreign conflict occurs. World War I and
II, and other wars since have shown the difficultly. Washingtons Farewell Address should be
reviewed and looked at more often by Americans and should be more included in how
Americans handled things, whether domestic, or Foreign.
Reference Page
Psalm 118:6 (ESV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?
search=Psalm%20118%3A6&version=ESV
University of Virginia Press. (n.d.). Founders online: Farewell address, 19 September 1796.
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-20-02-0440-0002
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