LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Washington's Farewell Address

Summary: Washington began the address by explaining that he is comfortable retiring because he feels the country is in much better shape than when he assumed office, and because he believes it is not unpatriotic for him to end hiss service in favor of another president. He then discusses several key topics, including the Preservation of the Union. Washington explains that it is necessary for America's survival that the nation remain one, united, entity. Additionally, the 1st President warns the people about the danger of factions (political parties) and urges them to avoid partisan politics (advice we could use today!). Finally, Washington explains what he believed would be the best course for America in the future - to be friendly with all nations, but politically/militarily allied with none. Washington wished to set an example of a free democracy for the rest of the world, and was adamant in his support of US-Foreign trade, but he truly feared the US becoming too attached to foreign nations, and thus suffering the consequences of that attachment (like being dragged into foreign wars).

(Almost 100 years after Washington's presidency, the Union Army fought to keep America together as one. They, like Washington, feared that disunited the whole nation would collapse or be overtaken by foreign powers).