Main Points and Impacts of Washington’s Farewell Address

Washington’s Farewell Address
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Washington’s Farewell Address
Main Points
Towards the end of his tenure as the first President of the United States, George Washington, wrote a farewell letter addressed to the nation in 1796. Granted that Washington was the founding father of the United States, his farewell address remains one of the most famous speeches. Unlike many contemporary political speeches that are full of promises, Washington’s speech was a warning written for future generations (Avlon, 2017). In the address, he exhorted people to pursue peace and unity, respect the Constitution, embrace virtues and education, shun excessive debts, and avoid foreign wars.
Washington had been at the helm of what has been variously described as a bruising tenure. There were divisions and factions everywhere, including his cabinet, and he must have felt obligated to set the basis for a prosperous and united nation (Avlon, 2017). He categorically implored people to shun partisanship and embrace each other regardless of their backgrounds. He also called upon politicians to avoid party factions, which he felt would jeopardize government operations. Additionally, he implored the American citizens to shun local prejudices and promote an identity as American citizens that would ultimately enhance and consolidate national unity and cohesion (Avlon, 2017). Moreover, he encouraged people to follow the Constitution in all their dealings and only change it when necessary through lawful amendments. Just as important, Washington called upon Americans to embrace virtues such as morality and education. He asserted that religion and morality were critical in the pursuit of political prosperity. Washington felt that all people, politicians and citizens alike, had the moral duty of ensuring each other’s happiness (Digital History, 2021). He also exhorted all people to embrace education by arguing that the government relied heavily on peoples’ opinions and those opinions must be informed and knowledgeable. Was...