George Washington Farewell Address

George Washington

Analyzing the warnings George Washington gave the United States

Multiple Select

What precedents did George Washington establish while in office?

• Mr. President

• First political party

• Creation of the Cabinet

• King George

George Washington's Farewell Address

In his farewell address, Washington warned of possible dangers ahead.

• As a class we will read and analyze this address and the concerns Washington had for the new country.

Washington's Farewell Address

In September 1796, worn out by burdens of the presidency and attacks of the political foes, George Washington announced his decision not to seek a third term. With the assistance of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, Washington composed in a "Farewell Address" his political testament to the nation. Designed to inspire and guide future generations, the address also set forth Washington's defense of his administration's record and embodied a classic statement of Federalist Doctrine.

Open Ended

What was the goal of Washington's Farewell Address?

Washington

Washington's principle concern was for the safety of the eight-year old constitution. He believed that the stability of the Republic was threatened by the forces of geographical sectionalism, political factionalism , and interference by foreign powers in the nations domestic affairs. Writing at a time before political parties had become accepted Washington feared that they carried the seeds of the nation's destruction through petty factionalism. (problems/differences amongst them)

Open Ended

List and describe the concerns that Washington had for the new country

1.

2.

3.

4.

Washington

Washington did not publicy deliver his Farewell Address. It first appeared on September 19, 1796, in the Philadelphia Daily American Advertiser and then in papers around the country. The address was first read in regular legislative sessions of the Senate in 1888 and the house in 1899.

Washington

Since 1893 the Senate has observed Washington's birthday by selecting one of it's members to read the Farewell Address. The assignment alternates between members of each political party. At the conclusion of each reading, the appointed senator inscribes his or her name and brief remarks in a black, leather-bound book maintained by the Secretary of the Senate

Open Ended

Why do you think Washington's Farewell Address Is read in the Senate , alternating (changing) between parties each year?

Poll

Do you agree with Washington's warnings?

• Yes

• No

Poll

Do you think some of his warnings truly came to life in present day America?

• Yes

• No

Any Questions?