Study Notes on Washington's Farewell Address

Washington's Response to the Jay Treaty

The reaction to the Jay Treaty deeply wounded George Washington. Washington felt that his reputation for fairness and disinterestedness was at risk of being compromised. Consequently, he decided against running for the presidency again in 1796.

Washington's Retirement and Farewell Address

To announce his retirement from politics, Washington published a pamphlet in 1796, which was crafted with the assistance of Alexander Hamilton. This pamphlet is known as his Farewell Address, and it became a bestseller. Within this address, Washington articulated and defended his views regarding the presidency.

Key Excerpts from the Farewell Address

Excerpt 1: National Identity Over Local Identity

Washington stated, "The name of American which belongs to you in your national capacity must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations."

Interpretation of 'Discriminations': In this context, "discriminations" refers to distinctions or differences among various local identities, such as those based on state affiliations (e.g., Virginia or New York). Washington conveyed that one's American identity should supersede local identities.
Federalist Perspective: As a Federalist, Washington prioritized national unity above local interests, insisting that he governed in favor of the common good, while expressing concern over the polarization that characterized the 1790s.

Excerpt 2: Duty to Obey Government

Washington emphasized the idea that the power and right of the people to establish a government is fundamentally linked to the duty of each individual to obey the established government. He stated, "All combinations and associations with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities are destructive of this fundamental principle and a fatal tendency."

Meaning of 'Combinations': The term "combination" held more sinister implications in the eighteenth century; it implied conspiracy rather than mere association.
Concern Over Conspiracies: Washington suggested that there were conspiracies (combinations) within the public sphere attempting to unduly influence the constituted authorities, undermining their legitimate governance.

Explanation of the Dangers of Partisanship

Washington elaborated further, explaining how these conspiracies replace the delegated will of the nation with the will of a faction, often a minority within the community. He stated, "They serve to put in the place of the delegated will of the nation, the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community, and to make the public administration the mirror of the ill concerted and incongruous projects of faction rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common councils and modified by mutual interests."

Denunciation of Partisanship: Washington denounced partisanship, arguing that it undermined the broader interests represented by the common councils and the common good of the nation.

Blame for Partisanship

Washington's address implied blame for partisanship and controversy. It's crucial to notice who he appears to blame for this issue; he refers to these associations and combinations that are trying to influence the elected government in a negative way.

Federalist Self-Perception: The Federalists, including Washington, considered themselves the legitimate representatives of the people's will because they were elected. They distinguished themselves from the Democratic-Republican clubs, which were perceived as not representing the real people.
Subversion of the Will of the Nation: Washington implied that the Democratic-Republican clubs were responsible for subverting the will of the nation and acting as factions that were detrimental to the common good.

Historical Context of Political Criticism

Washington's Farewell Address reflects a critical historical context. The act of criticizing the government was relatively novel for Americans during the 1790s. Washington and the Federalists engaged in a serious debate with Thomas Jefferson and the Democratic-Republicans regarding who truly represented the populace and how individuals related to their government. Washington and the Federalists believed that being elected inherently demonstrated representation of the popular will, in contrast to the Democratic-Republican clubs, which operated outside of direct electoral processes.

Implications of Washington's Farewell

Washington's farewell can be interpreted as a subtle rebuke directed toward the Democratic-Republicans, akin to giving them a figurative middle finger. His words reflect both his commitment to national unity and his disdain for the factions that he believed threatened the integrity of the government and the unity of the nation.