Washington's Farewell Address

Originally published as one letter to the American people, George Washington’s Farewell Address circulated in newspapers across the country and was printed in pamphlet form for years after he retired to his Mount Vernon home. Touted as a classic statement of republicanism, Washington’s farewell warned against “entangling alliances” and encouraged the people to remain true to their values. Washington’s address was prepared in 1792 after he was planning to retire after just one term in office, but following the division between the newly formed Federalist and Democratic-Republican parties of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, Washington decided to stay another term in office and work to strengthen the unity of the people. After Washington’s retirement, people feared what the country would be like without his leadership. With the popularity of his final address and the wisdom it provided, future politicians would look back at the first President’s paper and heed his advice.