Washington's Farewell Address Dbq

Ryan Darrow

History 111

1/20/2017

Document Source Analysis

Documents Name: Washington’s Farewell Address

Documents Author: George Washington

Year document was written: 1796

Chapter that this document is relevant: Chapter 8

Analysis:

The Great George Washington paved the way for our American lifestyle today. A man so great to lead the nation from oppression and break the bonds of the British that held them captive. Washington won the first ever election of the Unites States by a landslide and bestowed his views to make the greatest country that the world has ever seen. On his last day of office, he gave one of the most important farewell addresses that would shape the mindset of Federalism and the incoming challenges of the new government.

The American people would need to rally together and share the same unified mindset in order to overcome these roadblocks. This document was important during this time and years to come because of the way the next years of presidency and government would align its goals to the american people and those who ran the country.
Washington and America risked everything in order to create this vision of a country.

War was fought and an uneasy tension was set over the minds of the americans. Washington stated, “Taking care always to keep ourselves by suitable establishments on a respectable defensive posture, we may safely trust to temporary alliances for extraordinary emergencies.” He knew that the country could not be self-sustaining right away and would have to depend on outside forces such as Spain and France. The government and its people would need to allow to open themselves up to the idea of friendship to the people that may have caused harm to their well-being and family. Anything that these nations can offer can and will be temporary and not give in to the demands as they fought so hard to overcome. Washington also warns that “Real patriots who may resist the intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.” Outside forces or greedy members within will take this new found country and try to capitalize on its interests. This was what President Jackson saw with the Bank of the United states. He saw how the rich and powerful would take this opportunity to only gain power from themselves and push those underneath down even further. Jackson took this mindset and weakened the the bank considerably. This would usher in a democratic system using Washington’s vision. With Washington not going for re election, the Federalist party needed to find someone that kept the same ideals as him. John Adams was chosen for his deeds of offering diplomatic relations for other nations. Adams had served in the Continental Congress, been a part of the committee to draft the Declaration of Independence, served as representative to France,... and served as vice president.”(Oakes et al., 2015 pg:244) He was so closely aligned with the principles that Washington fought for that he was

the clear candidate. With his ventures to seek peace in france, Adams transcended what Washington spoke out upon. However, failing partnerships had Adams hurrying to try and find peace with France and keeping to the ideas that he fought so hardly to keep. This temporary peace with the French ended as their ambassador was kicked out. Know from Washington that these temporary alliance would come and go, he sought to reclaim respect from the French and worked diligently. “In the Convention of 1800, France and the United States agreed to end these hostilities.”(Oakes et al,. 2015 pg:247) Adams manages to squash the skirmish between the two nations and another example of “temporary alliances” was kept by the American Government.
George Washington wanted to keep the ideals and principles strong with the ending of his presidency. He knew America was destined to achieve greatness following the ideas that so many risked their lives upon. His farewell address shaped the upcoming leaders on how to act and how to keep America strong.
References:
Washington, George. "Avalon Project - Washington's Farewell Address 1796." Avalon Project - Washington's Farewell Address 1796. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Jan. 2017.

Oakes, J. (2015). Of the people: a history of the United States. Oxford: Oxford University Press.