George Washington addressed this document to the American citizens in the year 1796, just a year before his retirement. He wrote this letter to inform the citizen of the new nation of America of the potential political, social and economic pitfalls that lay ahead of them. He wrote about what the people of America should do to build a successful nation. To date, the Gorge Washington letter is still one of the most important speeches/documents in American history because it contains the vision of the nation’s founding father. This letter contained several things that Washington put across.
Washington addresses the issue of political factions and the constitution. He puts great emphasis on the constitution, arguing that it is the best guide to the nation into political and economic stability. He urges people to respect the constitution and calls for proper and lawful amendments to the constitution whenever there is need to amend. George calls for people with differing political factions to follow the constitutional procedure rather than weaken the democratic foundations through their political activities.
The issue of sectionalism and unity was also given great emphasis by the founding father of the nation. He called for the states to remain united, respecting the constitution that led to the creation of the union. He cautions against potential distraction, both from within and from abroad that could lead to the disintegration of the union of states. Tolerance amongst the people despite disputes and differences and the adherence to the peace and union treaties, he claims, will be crucial to the success of the union.
Washington talks about the issue of political parties mainly to discourage sectionalism in America. He claims political parties will threaten national unity and the government too. This was at a time when new political parties like Federalist Party and the Democratic - Republican Party had been formed. He claimed these parties only represented the views and interests of few people which were likely to lead to divisions and disagreements. He also warned that those parties provided for foreign European powers to interfere with the new nation’s political systems. He adds the aspect of power separation, checks and balances in which he explains his wish for constitutional adherence to prevent few individuals from taking over power. He discourages rebellions and wars that would lead to collapse of governments. Therefore, he proposes that powers should be constitutionally separated and checks and balances be there to guide the kind of governance that will benefit all Americans.
The issue of morals, religion and education was used by Washington to encourage the new nation to be a country of values. Washington argued that the nation would need well grounded systems like education that will help and guide the citizens to eliminate illiteracy and encourage development. To ensure a country of good citizens, Washington urged the people to embrace good morals and a religion that would help and guide people properly.
Finally, the farewell address contained Washington’s view and advocacies on the trade between and within America as well as with the foreign world. He envisioned a free trade system among the member states of the union to enhance economic productivity. He also advocated for a vibrant foreign relations system where Americans could trade with other countries whether poorer or richer as long as it was beneficial to the American economy. He also gave his view on how financial institutions such as credit and the government activities like borrowing should be structured in the federal system so as to ensure equality among states and a stable currency for the American nation.
Therefore, Washington relates all the aspects in his farewell address to the country’s economic, social and political development and stability. Political and democratic integrity through upholding of the constitution is well emphasized. His vision entails political maturity, excellent foreign policies and relations, and encourages nationalism and patriotism among citizens of America.
Works Cited
Clark, Thomas Arkle. Washington's Farewell Address: Webster's Bunker Hill Oration. New Jersy: Hadamard Press, 2008.
Hargrove, Julia. George Washington's Farewell Address. illustrated. New York: Lorenz Educational Press, 2000.
