George Washington

George Washington’s farewell address of 1796 was basically a letter to “Friends and Citizens,” (Washington 1796). This letter was written as a means of advising the citizens of the United States. The most important advice given by Washington in this address is neutrality. In fact, on April 22, 1793, he issued the Proclamation of Neutrality. This was to declare the nation neutral in the war between Great Britain and France. In his farewell address, he warns against attachments and entanglements with foreign nations. He states in his address, “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements,” (Washington 1796). In this, he is basically stating that it is best to keep out of the affairs or business of another country. By not taking sides and remaining neutral, there will be no bitterness or ill will towards the nation. It is best to stay out of war if it is not necessary. With foreign alliances also comes foreign influence and corruption.

According to Washington, Americans were to maintain unity and devotion to the ideals of the American Revolution by protecting the Constitution of the United States. In his address, he states, “If, in the opinion of the people, the distribution or modification of the constitutional powers be in any particular wrong, let it be corrected by an amendment in the way which the Constitution designates. But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed. The precedent must always greatly overbalance in permanent evil any partial or transient benefit, which the use can at any time yield,” (Washington 1796). The unity of the government is also important according to Washington. It is essentially the glue that will...