LAD #6: Washington's Farewell Address 1796

This speech, which was published in all major newspapers in the country, was is a great example of George Washington's foresight, and influence over the country. Much like Federalist paper number ten, he warned of the rise of factionalism in government. At this time it was between the Federalists, and the Democratic-Republican Party. Washington foresaw the problems that we as Americans deal with today, the political polarization of government, due to our two party system. This is one of his central ideas in the the Farewell Address. Another key idea to the Address was the reiteration of the Neutrality Proclamation, that America should not become involved with external powers, such as the Federalist who favored the British government. It states that The United States should never make permanent alliances, so as not to jeopardize the outcome of the political situation in America. A very key idea that was central to the United States Constitution, was also important in the Address. Washington was a very large advocate of separation of church and state. Through the says that religion is important for the morality of the people, it is possible to me moral without the involvement of religion, he is particularly leaning toward the non-involvement of religion in politics. He is not stating that Religion should not exist, just not in the politics of the country. His Farewell Address, has had a lasting impact on the United States political system, though he was completely disregarded in the exclusion of factions in government, he was listened to in his ideas of neutrality. This neutrality wasn't infringed upon until we enter WWI. America also avoided permanent alliances until NATO.