Analysis of Washington Farewell Address

Analysis of Washington’s Farewell Address

In George Washington’s Farewell address there is him leaving his message before he leaves with his “farewell”, his strong need for America to be neutral with other countries, and blames Americans for sectionalism starting. Washington uses apologia, where one defends himself or his actions from accusations.

Washington defends himself against accusations for calling quits when he finishes his 2nd term before elections.        In the address, Washington states, “… it appears to me proper, especially as it may conduce to a more distinct expression of the public voice that I should now apprise you of the resolution I have formed, to decline being considered among the number of those out of whom a choice is to be made...” This is significant in history because it was the start of the 2 term limitations as a tradition to all presidents which could have been pressed by the public, for he was the first president leaving an example for the next to come.

By making this apology in advance, Washington precludes the congress from, had it decided to do so, forcing Washington to be 3rd term president which goes against the rightful tradition of going with the limitations. Furthermore, having Washington only do 2 terms, gave an opportunity for other candidates to line up for the position. To emphasize, this gives us our system that we have every 4 years, or term, and compete for our founding fathers creation. He states, “…my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has conferred upon me;”, which he gives thanks for the awards and honors and that gave a more humble style of the text towards the people.

If Washington would have placed his opening introduction at the end, it would come of more in a negative manner as if he’s tired of the U.S. and would sound arrogant because he already says to be neutral and then starts blaming Americans for sectionalism. Later in the address, the Foreign Policy of Neutrality by Washington offers an apology by keeping the Americans from choosing on more over the other one. “…neighboring countries not tied together by the same governments, which their own rival ships alone would be sufficient to produce, but which opposite foreign alliances, attachments, and intrigues would stimulate and embitter.”, said by Washington. This comes to prove that there is too much clashing with different countries and could not be managed to work smoothly as the same government, and not to mention that the U.S. is weak at this point.

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