Speech: George Washington's Farewell Address

Overview and Purpose

George Washington’s Farewell Address, published in 1796 as he prepared to retire from the presidency, is a public letter offering guidance to a young republic. It affirms his decision not to seek a third term and sets out principles he believed essential for the nation’s survival: unity, constitutional fidelity, civic virtue, fiscal responsibility, and an independent foreign policy free of entangling partisan and international pressures.

National Union as Keystone

Washington presents the Union as the country’s “palladium, ” the safeguard of liberty, prosperity, and security. He urges Americans to value a common identity over geographic loyalties and warns that sectional jealousies, North versus South, East versus West, could be manipulated by demagogues or foreign powers. The Union, he argues, enhances collective defense, sustains economic growth through interdependence, and elevates national character.

The Perils of Faction

Acknowledging that political parties arise from human nature, he warns that the “spirit of party” inflames animosities, distracts government, and tempts leaders to prioritize factional victory over the public good. Parties, he cautions, can pave the way for despotism by enabling a dominant group to suppress opposition and invite foreign influence. He calls for moderation, vigilance, and prioritizing shared constitutional principles over partisan passions.

Constitutional Fidelity and the Rule of Law

Washington urges steadfast obedience to the Constitution and the laws enacted under it. If changes are needed, they must come through the amendment process, not through usurpation or expedient shortcuts. Even well-intended violations erode liberty by setting precedents for arbitrary power. He emphasizes separation of powers and a balanced system in which each branch respects the rightful sphere of the others.

Civic Virtue, Religion, and Education

Political prosperity, he argues, rests on civic virtue supported by moral habits. He contends that religion and morality are indispensable supports for public and private conduct, cautioning against assuming morality can be sustained without them. He urges the diffusion of knowledge, since a republic depends on an informed citizenry capable of judging policy and holding leaders accountable.

Public Credit, Debt, and Taxes

Washington’s economic counsel is sober and practical: cherish public credit, avoid unnecessary debt, and promptly retire obligations incurred by war. He insists that borrowing must be exceptional and that taxes are a necessary and honest price of self-government. Leaders should be candid about fiscal burdens, and citizens should accept them when authorized by law and directed to the common defense and general welfare.

Foreign Policy: Independence and Caution

He advocates a foreign policy of impartial goodwill toward all and enmity toward none. The young nation should avoid habitual hatred or fondness for other countries, because such attachments distort judgment and invite manipulation. Commercial relations are desirable, but permanent political alliances should be avoided except under extraordinary circumstances. Independence requires resisting foreign influence and maintaining the freedom to choose peace or war based on national interest and justice.

Military Power and Civil Authority

While accepting the need for defense, Washington warns that overgrown military establishments threaten liberty. A prudent posture combines readiness with restraint, ensuring that military power remains subordinate to civilian control and constitutional limits.

Parting Sentiments

Washington closes with gratitude and humility, acknowledging his imperfections and asking indulgence for any errors. He expresses confidence that the American people, guided by these principles, can preserve their independence and happiness. His farewell is both a personal leave-taking and a durable civic catechism, urging unity, virtue, and disciplined self-government as the surest guardians of the republic.