George Washington's Farewell Essay

In 1796, after two terms as the first president of the United States, George Washington addressed the American people for the last time. Washington had led the new nation through the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States as a country. He was beloved among the American people, the majority of which wanted him to run for another term as president. Washington, though, craved a simple life in retirement and wished to be out of the public eye. Before he retired, he wrote one last letter to the citizens of the United States. This letter, originally titled “The Address of General Washington To The People of The United States on his declining of the Presidency of the United States” but later renamed “Washington’s Farewell

Address”, was circulated throughout the United States and viewed as an intimate letter from a respected friend or colleague. Within his address Washington did his best to persuade Americans not to split into political parties, not to be divided by geographical location, and not to get involved in foreign affairs. George Washington, in his “Farewell Address”, uses timing, a manner of speech(rhetorical devices), appeals to logos, pathos, and ethos to instill a patriotism in Americans that aids him in conveying his warning message to the American people.
In order to make his argument and message both relevant and effective, Washington chose specific timing to introduce the warning that makes up the majority of his “Farewell Address”.

This speech was written in the 1796, a time period defined by the American Revolution and inception of the United States. During this era George Washington was a loved and respected public figure among Americans. He was a role model and thought of as the father of the United States. As a result of his popularity, Washington was looked up to and asked to serve another term, even though he was interested in retiring. But before he retired, he wrote his farewell letter, which was released purposely at a time when his message would be best received. As a result of this letter being circulated during a time where Washington enjoyed widespread public favor, all citizens had a reason to pay attention to his message. This would be his last message to the American people, so people automatically were more willing to listen to and accept his persuasive essay and the points he addressed in the

letter.
Along with the more obvious rhetorical techniques, George Washington also integrates logos, pathos, and ethos throughout his speech to clearly show why the American people should heed his warning to not split into political parties, not be separated by geographical rivalries, and not involve in foreign policy.

This letter has automatic ethos as it is written by a well respected president. Though he could have relied only on his presidential ethos, Washington continues to build his credibility. He presents himself as an educated and worldly friend who wants to share a piece of good advice with his compatriots. Additionally, he creates ethos by adding some concessions regarding his presidency. Though many would have denied any shortcomings, Washington admits that mistakes could have been made during his presidency but that he would never have committed them intentionally and only wants the best for the United States. Being able to admit something like this creates respect that persuades people to be more willing to accept other parts of his message. Furthermore regarding logos, Washington brings up reasons why the North, South, East, and West need each other, and provides examples of European disputes that the United States wants nothing to do with. He writes, “…a government for a whole is indispensable,”(Washington). By this he means that the government and country are better off united instead of with separate parties or a separated North, South, East, or West. He also,

while writing on why the U.S. should stay out of foreign affairs, states that the U.S. should not, “…entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor, or caprice,”(Washington). As president, he is able to see firsthand the instability of Europe and comes to the conclusion that the United States would be better off on its own. His observations and first hand accounts based on experience provide facts that back up his argument effectively. Finally, Washington adds some pathos to instill nationalism in Americans that serves to push them towards unity and isolationism. He first takes advantage of the pride of the American people by writing about actions that a “good patriot” or a “truly enlightened and independent patriot” would do (Washington). Most, if not all, want to be seen as a good patriot in Washington’s eyes, so they are driven by pride to heed Washington’s warning and advice. In addition to this, Washington uses fear to further his point. He describes relationships between nations by saying, “…a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave…”(Washington). He argues that becoming too involved with another nation, whether in hate or love, is dangerous because it makes the weaker nation nothing more than a slave. This is accurate and effective fear pathos because people, at the time, were terrified of becoming a enslaved or tied to Britain again. In his “Farewell Address”, Washington make smart use of logos, pathos, and ethos; the three work together seamlessly to further his message and purpose.