Paper Sample on Farewell Address: Unveiling George Washington's Principles and Persuasion

Introduction

After serving two terms as the first president of the U.S., George Washington addressed the Americans for the last time. He had spearheaded the American Revolution and the development of the United States as a country from a nestling nation. The majority of the American people adored him and wanted him to run for a third term. However, Washington desired to retire and live a simple life away from the public eye. Before retiring, he wrote his last letter to the U.S. people which is titled “Washington’s Farewell Address”. It was distributed throughout the U.S. and perceived as an intimate letter from a beloved friend. George Washington emphasized the importance of the Americans remaining united. He urged them not to split on account of their political parties, geographic location, or foreign affairs (Washington, 2020). George Washington uses timing, and rhetorical accessory to inspire patriotism through the principles in Americans using his “Farewell Address”.

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The Principles

The first principle that he emphasized was unity. After explaining why he preferred not to run for the third time, Washington persuaded Americans not to set their regional interests above the country's interests (Pruitt, 2020). He reminded the Americans that they fought for a common cause and won together, and the independence and liberty that they had was a result of their joint effort. Washington stated that the regions should focus on their common interests instead of their differences.

The second principle in "The Farewell Address" was that the greatest enemy to the government is loyalty to political parties over loyalty to the Country (Pruitt, 2020). Washington foresaw that this would lead to factionalism or the rise of competing political parties. He feared that if the American people voted as per their party loyalty instead of the common interest of the United States, it would breed an “atmosphere of revenge,” and facilitate devious and dishonest men (Pruitt, 2020). These men would take over the government and destroy the foundations of the country. The political parties, the Federalists and Republicans, which were emerging during the time withdrew. As the second presidential term was coming to an end, Washington was experiencing bitter attacks from the upcoming political parties, and his farewell address represented his feedback on the assaults and his principles.

The third principle is the danger of foreign entanglements (Pruitt, 2020). Washington believed that foreign influence would divide the country. He pushed for solid relations with the other countries, especially commercial connections, he was against passionate attachments. Washington insisted that United States foreign policies should be neutral in order to maintain national unity and stability. Even though he saw the need for the country to engage in foreign matters in times of war, he emphasized that the country had to avoid making permanent alliances with any country.

Timing

Washington chose a particular time to give his last speech. It was written in 1796, a time at which the United States was establishing its space in the world. During this era, Washington was adored and admired by the Americans to the point that they saw him as the father of the U.S. and a role model (An Analysis of George Washington's Farewell Address 2015). He was popular, and the people were asking him to serve another term, but he wanted to retire. Washington ensured that his letter was circulated at a time that his message would be favorably received. All citizens paid attention to Washington's message because he had earned the public's favor, and it was his last public address to the American people. If it had been distributed earlier, the people would be less swayed by the message. Similarly, if he had waited, there would be another president; thus, his message would appear less important. Washington chose the most opportune time to deliver his "Farewell Address".

Rhetorical Devices

George Washington uses personal pronouns, allusions, and descriptive adjectives alongside rhetorical devices. Using a few rhetorical devices makes them more noticeable and effective. They work together to establish a spirit of patriotism that convinces the readers to back up the argument. Washington constantly and abundantly uses the first personal pronoun to humanize himself and minimize the gap between the power of the presidency and ordinary citizens (Washington, 2020). He adds the second person pronoun to connect with his audience, easing their internalization of his idea. Washington uses plurals like “we” and “us” to create a group mentality, uniting the American people. That way, the audience feels that they have to stay united for them to survive. When he mentions “our country”, he builds a sense of shared ownership, pride, and empowerment. He also uses complementary adjectives like "our beloved country" to trigger the feeling of pride in Americans (Washington, 2020). Washington uses rhetorical devices to recreate a sense of unity and remind the American people how much they can achieve when they are united.

Conclusion

George Washington uses timing and rhetorical devices in his "Farewell Address" to emphasize the three principles. These principles are unity, political party loyalty was the greatest enemy to the government, and foreign entanglements are dangerous. He optimized his popularity and timing when delivering his message. The message was well-received because it was his last public address. He humanizes himself, connects with the audience, and minimizes the gap between the power of the presidency and the ordinary citizens, thus facilitating the internalization of the message. Washington’s speech is relevant today, as it foresaw the current national challenges, and it triggers pride and patriotism.

References

An Analysis of George Washington's Farewell Address. (2015, April 12). Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://smorgasbordexperience.wordpress.com/2015/04/12/an-analysis-of-george-washingtons-farewell-address/

Pruitt, S. (2020, February 10). George Washington Warned Against Political Infighting in His Farewell Address. Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://www.history.com/news/george-washington-farewell-address-warnings

Washington, G. (2020, February 03). Washington's Farewell Address. Retrieved September 11, 2020, from https://www.senate.gov/about/traditions-symbols/washingtons-farewell-address.htm