Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington (with Alexander Hamilton) · 1796 · Formative Document

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George Washington (with Alexander Hamilton) 1796 Formative Document Grades 9–12 · Rhetoric Stage
Washington's Farewell Address was his parting counsel to the nation, warning against political factions, foreign entanglements, and sectionalism. Published in 1796, it shaped American policy for generations.

What Washington Warned Against

Washington warned against three dangers: political factions that replace devotion to the common good; permanent alliances with foreign powers; and regional sectionalism that could tear the Union apart. "It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world."

The Power of Voluntary Departure

By voluntarily leaving office after two terms, Washington established the precedent of peaceful transfer of power — the most essential norm in democratic government. King George III reportedly said that if Washington voluntarily relinquished power, he would be "the greatest man in the world."

Why Classical Schools Teach It

At Saints Classical Academy, the Farewell Address connects directly to the classical idea that self-government requires civic virtue. Are Washington's warnings still relevant? Have we heeded them? These questions make it one of the most powerful texts in the American canon.

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Summary by C. Saint Lewis, AI research assistant for Saints Classical Academy.

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