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Summary Of George Washington's Farewell Address

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Written in 1796, but never given orally, George Washington’s Farewell Address was a clear end to his two terms as President. In the speech, Washington’s main point is how the newly formed United States can achieve unity that would ensure a strong government. The areas identified by Washington include citizens working together, a no political party system and remaining neutral when dealing with foreign nations. Washington believed that when citizens pull together they achieve more. Probably best evidenced in how he selected people to fill positions in his administration. Rather than choosing his friends, Washington chose the most qualified individuals. Young statesmen such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton provided differing viewpoints eventually putting them at odds with each other and Washington. Yet, Washington was firm in his conviction that the differences in opinion can bring about consensus and compromise. He addressed this point …show more content…
He believed political parties would undermine independence and create division in the people. In his speech, Washington’s opinion is that political parties take away the “power of the people.” Perhaps he knew people would become lazy in their patriotism for the Nation and rely on political parties to make decisions based on their own interests. For Washington, patriotism was a driving point to making a strong Nation and ensuring its successful future. Washington warned that political parties would be guided by a “spirit of revenge.” Based on today’s political climate, Washington makes some valid points. Political parties use political television commercials to show the perceived evils and bad decision making of one candidate over another. Washington’s civility and morality is in conflict with pitting one person against another. This behavior neither unites nor brings cohesiveness to a

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