George Washington's Farewell Address Theme Essay

Introduction On September 17, 1796, George Washington’s Farewell Address was published. It was not a document that was read in Congress but a document that was published in the newspaper. In George Washington’s Farewell Address, there are many relevant themes that unfold in the document, but there are three distinct themes that are more prevalent and stick out in the readers mind as well as what Washington wanted to get across to his readers. Setting the stage for all future presidents, George Washington makes his announcement that he would not be seeking a third term of presidency. Following his announcement that he will not be seeking another term of office and retires, he summons for National Unity. He then offers advice on how to accomplish this ultimate goal as a united country. The three major themes in George Washington’s Farewell Address are his retirement, his warning against the danger of factions of political parties, and warning against permanent foreign alliances.
First Major Theme The first major theme Washington begins with is his retirement from office. He decides not to run for another term. Washington says, “Not unconscious in the outset of the inferiority of my qualifications, experience in my own eyes, perhaps still more in the eyes of others, has
George Washington says, “It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” This sets the tone for isolationism. Isolationism is “the policy or doctrine of isolating one’s country from the affairs of other nations by declining to enter into alliances, foreign economic commitments, international agreements, etc., seeking to devote the entire efforts of one’s country to its own advancement and remain at peace by avoiding foreign entanglements and responsibilities” (Dictionary.com, n.d.). He felt that foreign policy should be based on