Analysis Of George Washington's Farewell Address

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George Washington served two terms as the first president of The United States from 1789 to 1797. When asked to extend his reign as president for a third term, Washington respectfully declined due to the years of exhaustion and his advanced age. In his farewell address, Washington defines how important the roles of liberty, political parties, morality, and religion are to the unity of the young and growing country. Washington explains that in order to be successful each of these aspects is essential along with an attitude of loyalty. Washington first addresses the importance of Liberty. He defines liberty as “The unity of Government, which constitutes you one people...It is justly so; for it is the main pillar in the edifice of your real independence, the support of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity” (Washington, 99). He explains that in order to preserve this…show more content…
Washington concludes that the formation of political parties is dangerous to the prosperity of the young nation, however, he states that the formation of political parties is inseparable from our nature (Washington, 103). Washington defines the formation of political parties to be the “domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities” (Washington, 103) Washington believed that political parties turn citizens against one another and in certain cases cause riots and insurrection. He also believed that political parties fuel animosity and open the door to foreign influence and corruption (Washington, 103). Because the formation of political parties can not be prevented Washington extended cautions to prevent the demise of the nation from political parties. With certain precautions and a spirit of morality political parties can exist without causing

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