Washington's Farewell Address
What were George Washington's last words as president?
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The 5W's of Washington's Farewell Address
What is Washington's Farewell Address?
At the end of President Washington's second term in office, he wanted to speak to the American people before he retired to Mount Vernon. 
When was it given?
President Washington's Farewell Address was first published on September 19, 1796. It was soon reprinted in other U.S. newspapers. 
Who wrote his address?
James Madison 
Alexander Hamilton James Madison wrote George Washington's final address at the end of Washington's first term when he was thinking about retiring. However, Washington chose to run for a second term, so he did not deliver the address. At the end of his second term and eight years as president, Washington decided not to run again. At that time, he revised the address with Alexander Hamilton's help. 
Why was this address given?
President Washington wanted to give his thoughts on the country, defend what he did as president for eight years, and give advice to the American people about the future.
Why is this an important document?
President George Washington's Farewell Address helped influence the U.S. For example, he warned against alliances with other countries, which kept the U.S. out of the French Revolutionary Wars between France and Britain. The U.S. did not join any alliances until 1949 when America joined NATO. |
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