LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

George Washington addressed the country prior to stepping down from being the US's president for two terms. He used the opportunity to benefit the country by giving his advice about how America should be run. He emphasized the Proclamation of Neutrality, stating that remaining uninvolved and not making any permanent alliances would be the the most successful in the long run. He believed that pursuing only personal interests and keeping relationships between countries economic rather than political was the way to go. He also mentioned the party system, claiming that if the country became divided due to differing political ideas, the US would fall apart. Washington stressed the importance of the national government and praised its stability, while also advising the country against building up its army too much. His speech inspired the country, and set the precedent for many presidents to follow him.