Summary Of George Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington’s Farewell Address began as a statement announcing his decision to withdraw his name for the upcoming Presidential nomination, stating his wish to return to retirement from which he was previously called (Washington, 1796). Washington served two terms, and with his refusal to serve a third term set a precedent for his future presidents. His farewell address, written with the assistance of James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, was published on September 19, 1796. In his farewell address, Washington not only said farewell to “his friends and fellow citizens” (Washington), but he also used the opportunity to give advice and inspiration to his successors, as well as warnings of the dangers America and its people would face as a young nation. He stated, “a solicitude for you welfare, which cannot end but with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much reflection, of …show more content…
Constitution, domestic unity, and foreign policy. Washington’s Farewell address became a statement of political principles. Unfortunately, as a nation, we have not always followed George Washington’s advice. We have political parties that are always at odds, creating a division in government; we are involved in foreign conflict beyond free trade as can be seen in the military and monetary support we give to foreign governments, and we have taken the religion out of government. If our nation would have listened more to the advice and warnings presented by George Washington in his farewell address, we would be a better, more unified, financially stable nation