Summary of George Washington's farewell address

1. 201320 Spring 2013 GOVT 200-B14 LUO 1
Farewell, America
Farewell, America
A final piece of advise from George Washington
Berenice Martínez Gutiérrez
GOVT 200 – B14: Constitutional Government and Free Enterprise
Dr. John Sterling
Liberty University Online
Spring 2013
02/27/2013
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Farewell, America
Farewell, America
A final Piece of Advise from George Washington
“Good bye!” “So long!” and “see you later!” are commonly used ways to bid
farewell, however, any of these phrases would have left many things unsaid had
they solely been used by George Washington as he retired from the United States’
presidency in 1796. Aswell-known, George Washington was the first U.S. president
and served two terms, which lasted from 1789 to 1797. Although his efforts and
accomplishments towards gearing up and strengthening the nation are undeniable,
there was still much to be done before gaining stability as a republic when
Washington retired. George Washington’s memorable farewell address advised
Americans about political parties, foreign involvement, and the important role of
religion in government to prepare the nation for the challenging years to come.
President Washington first urged the states to uphold their unity as strongly
as possible. Although this advice may seem obsolete in modern days, it was based on
the fact thatU.S. citizensexhibited allegiance more so to their state of residence than
to the core of the country. He also perceived political parties to be one of the
greatest threats to the union of America; in fact, all parties are a bad idea. Theyare
infested with ambitious men who will cross the line to win over the admiration and
support from the people. This can be a great danger to the country as ambition
becomes the ruler, while reason, logic, and the well-being of the nation are no longer
the focus points. This can potentially have very detrimental effects in the nation
(especially in with regional parties), as it can cause a division based on political
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Farewell, America
affiliation. For this, Washington emphasized a strong central government: the
people should feel as Americans first, and as citizens of their state of residence
second. Aside from state and political differences, he foresaw that the country might
attempt to dividegeographically, and from ruralto industrialized. He urged America
to collaborate as a whole and not be hesitant to provide to the other regions what
they might lack. In short, George Washingtonemphasized the benefits of staying
united as a nation, and encouraged the people to help each other, while avoiding
party formation and affiliation at all costs.
Now that the U.S. was an independent country, America must remain neutral
of any international political conflict. Washington strongly emphasized this point; he
knew the nation was not strong enough to get politically, socially, or economically
involved with any of these other nations, and saw great dangers in pursuing any
kind of relationship with them. He insisted on the avoidance of any type of
permanent rivalry, as this will lead the nation’s leaders to make irrational decisions,
possibly out of spite. There are also the more obvious reasons, such ashaving to go
to war with an enemy, which could be fatal for a young and fragile nation as the
United States was. Additionally, he warned us against forming any permanent
alliances, and with very good reason. He wanted the nation to avoid conflicts of
covetousness, disloyalties, and also to refrain from being disadvantaged in having to
favor a nation at our own expense. There were many conflicts going on in Europe,
and the best thing to do for America, as a young emerging nation, is to stay clear of
conflict and to support neither side in an attempt not to create unnecessary or allies.
Of course, it is imperative that we uphold the promises we have made to other
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Farewell, America
nations, but we must avoid making any new binds. Instead of meddling with
international affairs, the U.S. should focus on striving to be self-sufficient and
require as little as possible from overseas. Maintaining distance and peace among
nations can only be beneficial.
Possibly the most important piece of political wisdom that we can gain from
this document is George Washington’s perception of religion and its role in
government. He inspires us with the quote: “Of all the dispositions and habits which
lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
Washington emphasized that our leaders must have a religious base. He realized the
importance that the freedom to choose a religion is, therefore he did not enforce a
specific religion. He did, however, considered it imperative that the leaders of the
nation must be ruling not only with knowledge and experience, but also with Divine
grace and inspiration. Morality and religion are correlated and dependent of each
other. One cannot be moral without a religious background to hold as truth,
because then morality becomes relative. Political leaders, though they must remain
true to religious liberties granted by the nation, must use their religion as a base
through which to filter every instance of governing the nation. They must make and
interpret laws based on God-given guidelines, and enforce them with kindness and
utmost respect. George Washington felt religion and morality were key ingredients
to a successful national leadership.
George Washington’s farewell address was more than just a resignation
speech. It is a timeless reference for leaders of any kind, who may find guidance and
become enlightened by the otherwise unclear truths expressed therein.
3/8/13 Berenice Martínez Gutiérrez LUO