LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington's "Farewell Address" was written for the people of the United States more than it was for himself. He served two terms, but even thought that that was too long. He worked for over 30 years for his country and he was ready for retirement after his second term ended, in which he would move to his house on the tope of Mount Vernon to spend time with his wife, Martha. He would have retired sooner, but felt obligated to his country. He was grateful towards the Unites States and happy that so far, the Constitution was a big success. Washington originally wrote the letter before his second term with the help of James Madison, but didn't end up using it until after his second term because he believed that there was greater troubles rising in the United States and because of this, people needed his help as a leader. Alexander Hamilton helped him revise his address after his second term was finished. Washington tells the people how wonderful the new government is and how it will continue to grow and flourish without him. He felt that his services as both a president and a leader were simply not needed anymore by the people because the nation had become a lot stronger. He also told the people that he never believed that he was truly qualified to be president, but his accomplishments were because of the support of the people. He believed that the states must remain peaceful and help each other. This was the only way for the United States to truly become successful. Similr to his famous Proclamation of Neutrality, Washington said that the United States had to stay neutral and not get into any wars and that the states should trade economically, not politically. This Farewell Address set multiple precedents for future presidents and addressed multiple issues of the time period.