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George Washington, “Farewell Address,” 1796
George Washington, “Farewell Address,” 1796
George Washington used his final public address as president to warn against what he
understood as the two greatest dangers to American prosperity: political parties and foreign
wars. Washington urged the American people to avoid political partisanship and
entanglements with European wars.
In looking forward to the moment which is intended to terminate the career of my
public life, my feelings do not permit me to suspend the deep acknowledgment of that
debt of gratitude which I owe to my beloved country for the many honors it has
conferred upon me…
Here, perhaps, I ought to stop. But a solicitude for your welfare, which cannot end but
with my life, and the apprehension of danger, natural to that solicitude, urge me, on
an occasion like the present, to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to
recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of much
reflection …
In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of
serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties
by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western;
whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of
local interests and views….
I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State, with particular
reference to the founding of them on geographical discriminations. Let me now take a
more comprehensive view, and warn you in the most solemn manner against the
baneful effects of the spirit of party generally.
This spirit, unfortunately, is inseparable from our nature, having its root in the
strongest passions of the human mind. It exists under different shapes in all
governments, more or less stifled, controlled, or repressed; but, in those of the
popular form, it is seen in its greatest rankness, and is truly their worst enemy.
The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of
revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has
perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at
length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries which
result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute
power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more
able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of
his own elevation, on the ruins of public liberty…
Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and
morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of
patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these
firmest props of the duties of men and citizens. The mere politician, equally with the
pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their
connections with private and public felicity. Let it simply be asked: Where is the
security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert
the oaths which are the instruments of investigation in courts of justice ? And let us
with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion.
Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar
structure, reason and experience both forbid us to expect that national morality can
prevail in exclusion of religious principle.
It is substantially true that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular
government. The rule, indeed, extends with more or less force to every species of free
government. Who that is a sincere friend to it can look with indifference upon
attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric?
Promote then, as an object of primary importance, institutions for the general
diffusion of knowledge. In proportion as the structure of a government gives force to
public opinion, it is essential that public opinion should be enlightened….
Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me,
fellow-citizens) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since
history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of
republican government. But that jealousy to be useful must be impartial; else it
becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense
against it. Excessive partiality for one foreign nation and excessive dislike of another
cause those whom they actuate to see danger only on one side, and serve to veil and
even second the arts of influence on the other. Real patriots who may resist the
intrigues of the favorite are liable to become suspected and odious, while its tools and
dupes usurp the applause and confidence of the people, to surrender their interests.
The great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations is in extending our
commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So
far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good
faith. Here let us stop. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to
pursue a different course…
Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon
foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe,
entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship,
interest, humor or caprice?
Washington’s Farewell Address, delivered September 17th, 1796 (New York: 1861), 5-6,
10-, 13-14, 16-17, 20-21.
Available through the Internet Archive