George Washington's Farewell Address Theme Essay

Introduction On September 17, 1796, George Washington’s Farewell Address was published. It was not a document that was read in Congress but a document that was published in the newspaper. In George Washington’s Farewell Address, there are many relevant themes that unfold in the document, but there are three distinct themes that are more prevalent and stick out in the readers mind as well as what Washington wanted to get across to his readers. Setting the stage for all future presidents, George Washington makes his announcement that he would not be seeking a third term of presidency. Following his announcement that he will not be seeking another term of office and retires, he summons for National Unity. He then offers advice on how to accomplish this ultimate goal as a united country. The three major themes in George Washington’s Farewell Address are his retirement, his warning against the danger of factions of political parties, and warning against permanent foreign alliances.
First Major Theme The first major theme Washington begins with is his retirement from office. He decides not to run for another term. Washington says, “Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has
strengthened the motives to diffidence of myself, and every day the increasing weight of years admonished me more and more that the shade of retirement is as necessary to me as it will be welcome” (Washington, 2000). Washington’s intent is to set a precedent for the future presidential candidates. The people wanted to make him king but Washington felt that others should share in the leadership of our country. He made it very clear that he was not influenced by anyone to make the decision to retire. He also states that, “I have, with good intentions, contributed towards the organization and administration of the government the best exertions of which a very fallible judgment was capable” (Washington, 2000). He also offers his gratitude to his “beloved country” for all of the honors it has given him and supported him by.
Second Major Theme The second major theme Washington addresses is a warning against the danger of factions of political parties. He urged all Americans to avoid such political parties. He claimed that the danger of political parties comes in excess and when it does, at that point, it becomes dangerous. Although they could never give up parties all together, the excess is what would need to be warned against. Washington was worried about factions, political parties, and how people could be persuaded by their personal interests as well as their passions. He worried that through this it would cause a divide among each country. He also worried about sectionalism. Sectionalism is “excessive regard for sectional or local interests; regional or local spirit, prejudice, etc” (Dictionary.com, n.d.).
Third Major Theme The third major theme George Washington addresses is a warning against permanent foreign alliances.
George Washington says, “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” This sets the tone for isolationism. Isolationism is “the policy or doctrine of isolating one’s country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one’s country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities” (Dictionary.com, n.d.). He felt that foreign policy should be based on
virtue.

Conclusion
George Washington wanted unity and justice among every nation. He urged nations to “cultivate peace and harmony with all” (Washington, 2000). He calls for national unity as he gives his warnings against political factions and the danger of permanent foreign alliances. Washington also felt that religion, morality, and virtue were all keys to freedom. He felt that liberty could be lost, but it is our job to protect it. He did not feel that one man should lead the nation forever. He did not want one man to be king of the nation, but to allow other men to step up and lead by example just as he had.