Psy 202 Reflective Essay
The Major Points of George Washington’s Farewell Address
Wendy Spady
GOVT-200-S02
Professor John Spohn
George Washington was a very powerful figure in our American history. His works such as winning the Revolutionary War, creation of the United States Constitution, and the establishment of a new government is some of the works that we remember him for (Earhart, Poele, & Dethier, 1932). Not only did he contribute great works, but he also wrote many famous and well-known speeches. One of his famous speeches was his farewell address. This farewell address noted many major points such as patriotism, liberty carries responsibility, importance of preserving the Constitution, relying on God, honesty and money matters, avoidance of foreign influence, and favors from other nations. Now, in examining George Washington’s Farewell address, a major point that it addressed was patriotism. In his address he noted that “the name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation,” which shows that he demanded patriotism, as well as provides a glimpse of his thought process ("Avalon Project - Washington 's Farewell Address 1796," 2008). Not only did he demand patriotism, but, through his address, he let us know that liberty included responsibility. He told us that “respect for authority, compliance with laws, acquiescence in its measures, were duties that were enjoined by fundamental maxims of true liberty” ("Avalon Project - Washington 's Farewell Address 1796," 2008). He informed us that our liberty did not grant us a license to do what we wanted without restrictions. George Washington told us that our liberty should cause us to be responsible to our conscience, and that we should give our full support to our government. Who could know about liberty better than George Washington? Being one that was instrumental in the Revolutionary War, George Washington knew
Wendy Spady
GOVT-200-S02
Professor John Spohn
George Washington was a very powerful figure in our American history. His works such as winning the Revolutionary War, creation of the United States Constitution, and the establishment of a new government is some of the works that we remember him for (Earhart, Poele, & Dethier, 1932). Not only did he contribute great works, but he also wrote many famous and well-known speeches. One of his famous speeches was his farewell address. This farewell address noted many major points such as patriotism, liberty carries responsibility, importance of preserving the Constitution, relying on God, honesty and money matters, avoidance of foreign influence, and favors from other nations. Now, in examining George Washington’s Farewell address, a major point that it addressed was patriotism. In his address he noted that “the name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation,” which shows that he demanded patriotism, as well as provides a glimpse of his thought process ("Avalon Project - Washington 's Farewell Address 1796," 2008). Not only did he demand patriotism, but, through his address, he let us know that liberty included responsibility. He told us that “respect for authority, compliance with laws, acquiescence in its measures, were duties that were enjoined by fundamental maxims of true liberty” ("Avalon Project - Washington 's Farewell Address 1796," 2008). He informed us that our liberty did not grant us a license to do what we wanted without restrictions. George Washington told us that our liberty should cause us to be responsible to our conscience, and that we should give our full support to our government. Who could know about liberty better than George Washington? Being one that was instrumental in the Revolutionary War, George Washington knew
References: Avalon Project - Washington 's Farewell Address 1796. (2008). Avalon Project - Washington 's Farewell Address 1796. Retrieved from http://avalon.law.yale.edu/18th_century/washing.asp Earhart, W., Poele, R. D., & Dethier, J. V. (1932). George Washington. Music Supervisors ' Journal, 18(3), 76. doi: 10.2307/3384479 McClellan, J. (2000). The First Amendment. In Liberty, order, and justice: An introduction to the constitutional principles of American government. Indianapolis, IN: Liberty Fund.