The Inspiring Nature of George Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington wrote his Farewell Address as a way to say goodbyes as he stepped down from his presidency and to give warnings of what to do and whatnot to do in his absence regarding foreign and domestic policies . The address was created “to inspire and guide future generations,” and “set forth Washington‘s defense of his administration’s record and embodied a classic statement of Federalist doctrinei” George wanted the citizens of America to feel as if they are all connected, like one big family He believed that by laying it all out for the people they would feel more inclined to follow the ideas and fight harder to keep their new gained independence Washington felt the desire to write his farewell speech just before his presidency was terminated, he described himself as, “worn out by burdens of the presidency and attacks of political foes,” he felt that this was the right occasion to announce to the country that he would not be running for a third term as president.

After the end of his first term he already felt the weight of the burden of president heldi Unfortunately he realized that the infant nation was not one that could stand alone without his lead, When George Washington wrote the farewell address he made it one of his key points to include everything he accomplished and tried to do while in office Washington says that he would always fight for and believe in liberty the same way he did in office.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified

Proficient in: Culture

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

“After deliberate examination with the aid of the best lights I could obtain, I was well satisfied that our country, under all the circumstances of the case, had a right to take-and was bound in duty and interest to take-a neutral position. Having taken it, I determined, as far as should depend upon me, to maintain it with moderation, perseverance, and firmness.”At the end of his speech he admitted he was not a perfect president but that was because he was human and humans make mistakes.

Some of the rhetorical devices that Washington used were similes, repetition and metaphor, Washington uses an example of simile when stating, “Urge me, on an occasion like the presentt” This simile is explained by the way he hopes that the people of America will only call upon him for help while he still remains in office because once he leaves he is done. He uses repetition when he said “Of your safety, of your prosperity; of that very liberty you so highly prize,” By restating “of” at the beginning of every statement he drill the idea that everything Americans have fought for can be taken away because they are simply dreams and ideas that were created, Washington also utilizes metaphor when he stated “The unity of the government is a main pillar or independence.” Washington explains that the establishment of a central government may not be what is wanted to control the people, as they fear it will turn into another monarchy, but it is a necessary step to gaining and keeping their independence that is highly prized Washington strongly supported that natural God given rights should never be taken away.

“With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together. The independence and liberty you possess are the work ofjoint councils and joint efforts- of common dangers, sufferings, and successes.” This shows that even ifAmericans are seen as different between religions, social classes, or race, the one thing that unites us all is our fight for freedom. Washington believes that this is a right that should never be taken away and should always be protected by the federal government The principles that made this speech one that is highly studied is that Washington inspired people to appreciate freedom because it is something they must work for together as a population “You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together…1nterwoven as is the love of liberty with every ligament of your hearts, no recommendation of mine is necessary to fortify or confirm the attachment.”

Washington is trying to explain to the people that he sley did not fight for what they treasure but the people did it themselves He wants the people to believe that they do not need him in office to stay inline with their beliefstWashington also gave sound advice to the future presidents of the United States Unfortunately to this day most presidents still ignore this advice. These words help restore my pride in our nation.While reading Washington‘s Farewell Address I thought it to be inspiring, His word choice made the reader strongly reflect upon what freedom and liberty truly are and how we control, shape and use it in our daily lives. No matter how small the fight for freedom may seem as long as we still have people fighting it shall be achieved. “It is of infinite moment, that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national Union to your collective and individual happiness;

That you should cherish a cordial, habitual, and immovable attachment to it; accustoming yourselves to think and speak of it as of the Palladium of your political safety and prosperity; watching for its preservation with jealous anxiety; discountenancing whatever may suggest even a suspicion, that it can in any event be abandoned; and indignantly frowning upon the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest, or to enfeeble the sacred Lies which now link together the various parts” This quote resonated with me because it really outlined the entire mentality that Americans need to carry with them as Washington leaves officer The people must keep fighting and realize that a central government was established for the benefit of the people and we can not let it’s ideals tear us apart even if we do not agree with laws. If we split then we leave ourselves vulnerable to more influence from foreign lands which is what we tried to avoid breaking away from Britain.