[Providence Forum] On September 19, 1796, retiring President George Washington established the American precedent of giving a Farewell Address. The 32-page, over 6,000-word handwritten address was printed in Philadelphia’s American Daily Advertiser. Below is a synopsis of President Washington’s thoughts, concerns, warnings, and love for his country.WASHINGTON’S RETIREMENT. (Paragraphs 1-7)
After explaining that he would not serve a third term, and had actually wanted to retire after his first term, he thanked the nation for its support that had encouraged him in the face of challenges and criticism. With the transition of leadership, Washington promised that he would pray for the country for the rest of his life that the union would be preserved under the Constitution, administered by wise leaders who would preserve liberty. He primarily wanted to give his advice concerning lurking dangers and the top priorities for national wellbeing.
THE NEED FOR NATIONAL UNITY. (Paragraphs 8-16)
Knowing that the new nation loved liberty, he insisted that national unity was necessary to preserve American independence and peace. Unity was facilitated by America’s common religious, cultural and political values. The main reasons he identified for maintaining American unity included patriotism, the great benefits of each section supporting the others to share in the success of commerce, and the reduced need for an expensive army since civil war would then not be likely. Thus the things that separate like regional interests and misrepresenting the aims of others should be avoided. United government is necessary for an effective permanent union rather than a mere alliance as this is why the Articles of Confederation were set aside. The Constitution should be kept until consciously changed by the vote of the people.
PARTISAN POLITICS ENDANGERS NATIONAL UNITY UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. (Paragraphs 17-25).
Obstruction of authority is destructive to constitutional government and will lead to its demise. Thereby minorities gain artificial political power over the delegated power of government. These methods aid unscrupulous politicians to subvert popular rule by usurping power. If the Constitution cannot be overthrown, some will attempt to bring innovations to weaken the Constitution. A wise nation will guard against partisan politics. Rival factions often seek revenge producing tragedies that lead to permanent despotism and the loss of liberty as people yield absolute power to an individual so that they can be relieved of their disorder and misery. Partisan politics distracts and weakens government by agitation, fomenting riots and even insurrection that enables foreign influence and corruption. Partisanship is like fire—it is valuable for warmth, but if it gets out of control it will burn down everything.