Category: George Washington

Essentially, the American President is responsible for the USAs foreign policy. Regarding domestic policy, the President coordinates all internal affairs issues with Congress and the states. Still, as for foreign policy, the Constitution gives the President broader powers: the President can command the armed forces and conclude agreements of the alliance. In general, a good president pursues a foreign policy that meets the national interests of their country. In this essay, the author describes and compares two presidents, George Washington, and John Adams, whose foreign policy is still considered significant in USA history.

Bibliographies and core policies contrast

Notably, George Washington is seen as one of the United States founders. George Washington is the first popularly elected President of the United States of America (1789-1797), Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, a participant in the War of Independence, and the founder of the American institution of the presidency (George Washington  The Founding Father). Meanwhile, John Adams is an American politician, a prominent figure in the US Revolutionary War, the first vice president, and the United States second president. John Adams served one term from 1797 to 1801 and was in the shadow of George Washington (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). Nonetheless, John Adams is also considered one of the United States founding fathers.

In the field of foreign policy, Washington initially established the superiority of the executive over the legislature. Thus, the President advocated the non-intervention of the United States in the confrontation between the European powers, has proclaimed neutrality. From 1752 to 1758, he was in the British colonial militia, fought with the French and Indians, and rose to colonel (George Washington  The Founding Father). In 1775-1783, he participated in the American War of Independence (George Washington  The Founding Father). Consequently, George Washington was leading the Continental Army.

More favorable to politics was Washingtons attitude towards the Pinckney Treaty. In 1795, it formulated the boundaries between the United States and Spanish possessions and gave the Americans the right to freedom of navigation on the Mississippi (Treaty of San Lorenzo/Pinckneys Treaty 1795). Thus, Washington managed to strengthen the position of the United States on the American continent and save the country from harmful interference in European affairs.

On the contrary, Adams presidency has been marked by crises and conflicts such as the XYZ affair, which is a diplomatic incident leading to an undeclared naval war between the US and French fleets, the enactment of aliens, incitement to mutiny laws, and confrontation with Jefferson supporters (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). Therefore, Washingtons foreign policy has brought more significant benefits to state development.

Important to add that Washington was more prevalent among citizens than Adams. For instance, in 1789, Washington became the first popularly elected President in US history, receiving one hundred percent of the electoral vote (George Washington  The Founding Father). Notably, George Washington served two times, as in 1792, he was re-elected unanimously (George Washington  The Founding Father). In his post, he was involved in forming government bodies, consolidating the main provisions of the Constitution in practice. He advocated for the non-interference of the United States in European politics. Washington rejected running for a third term, laying the foundations of the constitutional custom, according to which the American President cannot serve more than two terms.

By comparison, John Adams also played a significant role in the USA founding and formation, political system creation, and gaining independence. John Adams was a follower of Republicanism; thus, he didnt rely on public opinion, which resulted in being disliked by the majority of citizens (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). However, he is regarded as the founding father of the American Navy (Knowing the Presidents: John Adams). Particularly, the core accomplishment is that John Adams avoided war with France during the severe international crisis.

Presidents speeches comparison

In order to compare and contrast George Washington and John Adams, it is necessary to analyze not only political practices but also presidents speeches. Significantly, George Washington and John Adams were not only the founders of the United States of America; they were men of principle and patriots. For instance, in the farewell address, George Washington highlighted his patriotism  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 (George Washingtons Farewell Address 1796). Similarly, John Adams mentioned, I have repeatedly laid myself under the most serious obligations to support the Constitution (Inaugural Address of John Adams 1797). Both presidents illustrated their willingness to act for the sake of the United States.

In addition, Washington and Adams aimed at keeping neutrality regarding European wars. Thus, George Washington affirmed, we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality we may at any time resolve upon to be scrupulously respected (George Washingtons Farewell Address 1796). Correspondingly, John Adams stated his opinion on relations with France  to maintain that good understanding which from the commencement of the alliance had subsisted between the two nations and to efface unfavorable impressions (Special Message to Congress on Relations with France 1797).

Essentially, both presidents supported the idea that the interests and desires of their fellow citizens were of high importance. George Washington promises in the midst of my fellow-citizens, the benign influence of good laws under a free government (George Washingtons Farewell Address 1796). In the same manner, John Adams relied with entire confidence on the firm and enlightened support of the National Legislature and upon the virtue and patriotism of my fellow-citizens (Special Message to Congress on Relations with France 1797).

To conclude, George Washington and John Adams were two of the most crucial American politicians. Important to summarize a few vital differences between politicians to demonstrate that Washington was a better president. First of all, George Washington was more appreciated as he served two terms compared to John Adams. Additionally, Washington protected the USA from disadvantageous interference in European affairs, while despite that Adams avoided the war, his presidency was full of conflicts and crises.

Works Cited

George Washington  The Founding Father. George Washington. Web.

George Washingtons Farewell Address 1796. George Washington. Web.

Inaugural Address of John Adams 1797. Yale Law School. Web.

Knowing the Presidents: John Adams. Americas Presidents. Web.

Special Message to Congress on Relations with France 1797. Historical Speeches. Web.

Treaty of San Lorenzo/Pinckney Treaty 1795. Office of the Historian. Web.

The first farewell address to the nation in US history was made by the countrys first elected president, George Washington. In the fall of 1796, a letter of 32 handwritten pages was published in the Philadelphia Daily Advertiser. This address, which became Washingtons real political testament, is still considered one of the most important documents in American history. Washingtons address contained many ideas that for more than two hundred years continue to have a direct impact on US foreign and domestic policy, as well as on the process of formation of the American nation. The main thing that Washington did was that he refused to hold the presidency for more than two terms, although he had the right to do so: the amendment to the US Constitution that legalized this rule was adopted only in 1947.

Analyzing Washingtons farewell speech, it should be noted that the president not only said goodbye, but also gave instructions to the entire nation. He considered the most important element of the success of the state and society to be the preservation and promotion of peaceful coexistence with all forces. Such forces include not only neighboring states, but also different races and religions. Washington himself repeatedly refers to Gods laws, believing that they condemn any discord or disrespect (Sands, 2019). Just as in the Bible there is a ban on the creation of an idol, so the president did not advise becoming attached to any strong players in the political arena; instead, he insists on Americas independent incremental development.

However, Washingtons position on racial conflicts and divisions is highly ambiguous. On the one hand, the president proposes a respectful and peaceful coexistence of all representatives of the races to create a single full-fledged society. On the other hand, the founding father did not vehemently oppose slavery, which contradicts his stance in farewell (Hayes, 2020). This does not mean that Washington is acting hypocritically or having double standards, because it is worth considering the context of the times. However, there is a point of view in which racial coexistence should not be attributed to the values of the president.

It is also worth noting that Washington has flagged potential red flags for the state, as well as issued several warnings to the nation. Washington warned that the most serious threat to American democracy came from internal disunity rather than outside interference (Sands, 2019). He foresaw the possibility of foreign influence on the American political system and the coming to power of a president who, neglecting national interests, would become the personification of the threat of despotism. He pleaded with the Almighty to ease the impact of presidential mistakes and expressed the hope that America would forgive him (Sands, 2019). Washington has set a standard for its moral wear and tear, fearing that its self-importance could become a threat to democracy.

Washingtons most far-reaching warnings concerned the threat of secession. In his opinion, if one group begins to dominate the other, then this can lead to a more formed and permanent despotism. This explains the point of view that it was defying Washingtons warnings that Donald Trump became president (Sands, 2019). First, such thoughts are common among Trumps opponents, which is argued by the presidents hostile attitude towards Mexicans. The rise of the despot will be fueled by turmoil and suffering which will eventually push the citizens to seek security in the form of absolute power of one person (Sands, 2019). Thus, Washington most of all warned the nation against possible mistakes leading to the modification or destruction of the democratic system of the state.

Based on the foregoing, Washington is not only a president who said goodbye to the nation for the first time before leaving, but also a kind of visionary. He repeatedly reminds society of the importance and uniqueness of democracy, the essence of which is to ensure a better quality of life. At the same time, the president warns citizens about potential mistakes that could lead to radical negative changes. Finally, modern history shows that some of Washingtons words were prescient.

References

Hayes, K. J. (2020). George Washington. A life in books. Oxford University Press.

Sands, K. M. (2019). Americas religious wars. The embattled heart of our public life. Yale University Press.

George Washington was a Father of our country, and his farewell address is full of advice that he gave us and urge us to follow them as part of one nation. Some advice was: We must rely on GOD. He believed from the starting that we must seek GOD’s help in every matter, and religion and ethics are essential for good Government. In his farewell address, he clearly said: ‘Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. The mere politician, equally with the pious man, ought to respect and to cherish them’.

The other advice was honesty; he served our country in war and peace and gave guidance that as a nation, we must abide by the rules of honesty. He said: ‘I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs that honesty is always the best policy.’ Even Washington urged that our Government always be righteous in money matters. He wished our country to take and use as little money as required and to keep away from piling up significant debt. He notices that in emergencies, such as inescapable wars, it would necessitate us to borrow, but he urged that the debts would be paid off as quickly as possible. Washington said that negligence to do this means we will be putting on our children’s shoulders to pay the debts as we should pay. Here are his words from his Farewell Address: ‘…avoiding likewise the accumulation of debt, not only by shunning occasions of expense but by vigorous exertions in time of peace to discharge the debts which unavoidable wars have occasioned, not ungenerously throwing upon posterity the burden which we ourselves ought to bear.’

Washington saw the danger of enduring union between the United States and foreign nations; that is why he warned us. He saw a rising of political parties and sectionalism as a warning to the national union. Even during his time, Federalists and Republicans were divided by being pro-British and pro-France. He wished England would conquest France as his primary purpose was to neglect a war the country could not bear. We as a nation are not following Washington’s advice as we are still facing cultural divisions that are tearing apart our national unity. He urges Americans in his farewell address to put aside their brutal likes and dislikes as he said: ‘The nation which indulges toward another a habitual hatred or a habitual fondness is in some degree a slave.’

Washington’s comments have set out as an ingenuity for American solitude, and his counseling against connecting a permanent alliance was worth paying attention for more than a century now. George Washington’s guidance is part of our American inheritance that should be known to all our citizens.

Although, the Farewell of Washington was to be expected, the citizens still wanted his leadership to continue. The Farewell Address, was just a strong reassurance that what was started by a man, will not end with his absence. Freedom was founded, the laws were laid, but the man needed his rest. Setting a precedent for two terms per president, by acknowledging that presidency takes its toll, the Farewell Address” might have been a “goodbye” for then, but it is still the most relevant and loud “Hello world, this is America, the land of the free!” that echoes through the ages today. The Farewell is a lineup of the major duties and threats that everyone in this country needs to be aware off, so the freedoms can be forever maintained: union, provincialism, the constitutional rights, danger of political parties, accounting, economy, foreign relationships.

A goodbye letter, a teaching material, a behavior example and a loving advice. That is the farewell from 1796, of our 1st President. There is no better way to leave your country, but with support, encouragement and a reminder of what is important. Washington was our 1st President, and he hoped that all future Presidents will follow in the same steps for the benefit of our free land. After clarifying the reasons of his farewell and making sure it is understood he will not run for a third term, Washington drew some strong points for the people and some fair warnings, as follows.

He made it clear that there will always be differences of opinion on how some things should be done. The purpose of unity is to have an absolute moral basis that everyone adheres to, because it is perfect. Maintaining the unity of the core beliefs, regardless of the afflictions, is knowing that liberty can not prevail if there is division:” The unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you”.

But with unity comes opposition. Sectionalism or provinciality is the division of the Republic by smaller territories for better governing. These were matters argued by some others, which prompted a good warning from Washington. He stated, that by forming smaller groups in the entity, they can be more easily influenced toward the evil. Breaking little pieces from a whole makes it less noticeable that they are missing. The same way, political factions can be ways of pretense interest in the civic benefit, but in fact, looking to change the freedoms that are set in the Constitution. Multiple political powers can easily influence people toward innovations that can lead away from the Constitution.

Staying focused on the goal, can be weary for the human heart, when it deals with the temptation of power. Washington argued that benches that try to take control of other benches are looking for power gain and consolidation. It is an ever present evil that harmed humanity as history is witness. He warned that the Constitutional way should always be used if a desire to change the Constitution is reached, and that is by the complete vote of all people.

Washington was secure in his knowledge that without faith and the moral values that come from it, there is no justice and truth. The judicial system will fail its duty of rightfully judging matters. Having a knowledge of God from the school years, would model the next generation towards good and truth and government needs to stay oral in order to take good decisions.

This topic is still argued today, but the outline given by the 1st President is as easy as it gets. America does not need to get involved in unnecessary wars which are expensive. Borrowing is a right that government can use but should be limited to necessary outcomes. Debt incurred by a generation should not be left to the next one. However, debt needs taxes to be paid off. A gentle taxation system and thoughtful expenditures will create a good monetary balance. Staying neutral to the wars in Europe, is a good way to save the tax for things that are necessary in this land.

America must avoid giving preference to certain foreign countries above others as it will cause conflict of interest. The fact that America is a new land, away from Europe, should create a needed separation from Europe’s wars and peace dealings. Europe should not be influencing Americas allegiances and in all foreign affairs, morality and good faith policies will shield the country from foreign entanglements.

America has the opportunity to chose freedom and peace. The exact reasons why this new land was set away from Europe. Having served 45 years, Washington left a truth behind him that calls for further study and understanding. Trying to encompass such valuable information with blood and history, is like trying to raise a child into an adult in just 2 years. The Constitution which was set for the preserving of our unalienable rights, is the Bible of government. It should be studied deeply in the school system, but seemly, since the separation of the Church and State, the political factions are slowly usurping America of its freedoms. The farewell is a big arrow pointing to the right and wrong way. America is at a crossroad and if the Constitution is lost in translation for the sake of innovation, the land will become just a further away part of the Europe it once tried to get away from. “In God we trust” must be again the way of the land, until then, the friends and citizens can once more stand for the flag, and once more train a new generation in the direction it should go which is: sailing towards freedom.

In 1796, as his 2nd term in workplace drew to a close, President George Washington selected no longer to are looking for re-election. Mindful of the precedent his behavior set for future presidents, Washington feared that if he had been to die even as in office, Americans could view the presidency as a lifetime appointment. Instead, he determined to step down from electricity, imparting the usual of a -term restrict that might sooner or later be enshrined within the Twenty-Second Amendment to the Constitution.

Washington informed the American humans of his retirement in a public letter that might turn out to be known as his “Farewell Address.” James Madison had written a draft in 1792 whilst Washington had contemplated retiring after his first time period. Retaining only the first few paragraphs of Madison’s model, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton carried out an extensive rewrite, with Washington presenting the final edits.

Washington started out his address through explaining his choice not to are looking for a 3rd time period as president. Washington found out that he had hoped to retire previous to the previous election, but refrained because of the “important posture of our affairs with foreign international locations,” referring to the escalation of tensions with Great Britain over its war with France. But with that crisis handed, Washington assured the united states that his management became no longer wished. The republic would be safe within the arms of a new president. Having completed his pleasant to assuage worry, Washington then supplied his final counsel to the human beings as their president. He harassed the significance of the Union that bonded all Americans collectively and supplied for his or her freedom and prosperity. He reminded them that the “independence and liberty” the nation presently enjoyed changed into the result of the “common dangers, sufferings, and successes” they’d skilled collectively in the American Revolution and early years of the republic. To guard their difficult-won system of republican government in a federal union, the united states of america needed to stay united.

He suggested towards three interrelated dangers that threatened to wreck the Union: regionalism, partisanship, and overseas entanglements. He warned his countrymen now not to let regional loyalties overwhelm countrywide attachments: “The call of American…ought to constantly exalt the simply delight of patriotism extra than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” At this time, many Americans broadly speaking diagnosed with their country or place, however Washington reminded the citizenry not to allow such attachments to divide them, lest “designing men” persuade them that differing nearby interests made the Union unworkable or needless.

In precise, Washington feared that geographic identities could function the foundation for the improvement of political parties. Indeed, this method had already begun with the emergence of the New England Federalists and Southern Democratic-Republicans. While we currently view partisanship as inseparable from the American political system, in the early republic, maximum condemned parties as divisive, disruptive, and the tools of demagogues looking for electricity.

“Factionalism,” as contemporaries referred to as it, endorsed the voters to vote based on celebration loyalty in preference to the not unusual properly. Washington feared that partisanship might result in a “spirit of revenge” in which birthday party men would no longer govern for the good of the human beings, however handiest to gain and preserve their grip on energy. As a result, he warned Americans to shield towards would-be despots who would use parties as “mighty engines…to subvert the strength of the human beings and to usurp for themselves the reins of government.”

The greatest chance to the Union, although, stemmed from the mixture of factionalism and outside invasion. Washington explained that partisanship “open[ed] the door to overseas affect and corruption” as it weakened voters’ abilities to make reasoned and disinterested selections. Rather than deciding on the fine guys for workplace, the human beings might base decisions on “sick-founded jealousies and fake alarms,” and so choose the ones in league with overseas conspirators. To avoid outdoor interference, Washington encouraged a overseas policy primarily based on neutrality and pleasant industrial family members with all.

Washington concluded his deal with with some brief musings on his legacy. Given his 40-5 years of provider, he was hoping that his countrymen might view his past mistakes “with indulgence” and that history could relegate them “to oblivion.” He closed with the aid of expressing his anticipation of a retirement wherein he loved the end result of the state’s “mutual cares, labors, and dangers” over the last several years. That is, “the benign have an effect on of top laws below a unfastened authorities.”

Washington’s Farewell Address spoke to present day concerns that the Union changed into vulnerable and prone to assaults from internal and outside enemies. But even after the uncertainty of the early countrywide duration had passed, his message of unity remained powerful. In the early 19th century, Federalists study the farewell deal with aloud as a part of their yearly commemoration of Washington’s birthday. It continues to be recited annually inside the United States Senate, a lifestyle dating back to the Civil War. The Farewell Address endures as a critical founding document for issues of Union, partisanship, and isolationism.

After his second term, George Washington formally resigned from his role as President of the United Sates. Washington took advantage of his resignation by preaching his political views of how our country should be run. He wrote what is called the Farewell Address as his final statement, or warning, to the American people. Washington’s public adieu embodied his fundamental values and what he believed was the right path for the US. However, Washington was not the sole author of this letter to America. When Washington was considering retirement in 1792, James Madison wrote a set of notes to help him prepare for a valedictory speech; before Washington decided to continue his presidency. Then, in 1796, he used these notes to compile a draft of his farewell address; which was later sent to Alexander Hamilton and John Jay for revision and criticism.

Through this collaborative effort, Washington’s Farewell Address developed into a mix of beliefs from the nation’s leading nationalists. It is the core ideas of the most influential and prominent political figures in our history. These men lived in the period of time when our free states were just colonies, our people were not unified, and when we eventually gained our independence. They built our land from the ground up and continuously fought for the rights of the American people. Seeing our country flourish was their dream, so it was important to them that their future generations maintained and progressed their important values. Unfortunately, we did not heed their warnings and we have suffered because of it. In Washington’s Farewell Address, he cautions the American people to be civil towards one another, steer clear of political parties, and avoid relations with foreign countries. Still, they did not listen.

One of the very first points made by George Washington was that our Country needs to remain united. He claims that the only reason we currently have liberty and freedom is because we are all working together. Every region of the country must contribute to its needs individually and preserve the union as equals. Washington warns not to let the differences between the North and the South lead to division, but let our differences make us stronger. These two portions of our country benefit off of each other; the North gets crops from southern states and the South obtains machinery and other industrial tools from the North. Despite Washington’s forewarning, a civil war broke out in 1861 over the enslavement of black people and didn’t end until 1865. During this time period, the southern states of America attempted to secede from the nation and become their own country, a notion that Washington specifically frowned upon in his Farewell Address. He refers to a recent dispute involving western farmers and their right to ship goods along the Mississippi river in which two treaties, Jay’s treaty and Pickney’s Treaty, were established. He uses this disagreement as an example that the federal government is looking after the American people and to emphasize the underhand motives of sectionalists. Washington presents the idea that anyone who attempts or strives to divide the American states is not to be trusted. If the northern and southern states had worked together instead of dividing and listening to sectionalist ideology, a civil war could have been preventable. Alas, separation between regions was not Washington’s only caution that involved disunion within the country.

In his Farewell Address, George Washington also discusses the many problems concerning political parties. Political parties began forming around 1787; now the United States has two major parties, the democrats and republicans, and about two dozen third parties. George Washington feared that political parties were unhealthy for our nation and would open the doors to other countries attempting to infiltrate our systems. The jealousy and demand for power invites corruption and further divides not only our government system, but the citizens of the country as well. Political parties prioritize themselves instead of the American people meaning that their primary concern is having control. However, they should be focused on the prosperity of the country and keeping the same principles that lead our nation to its freedom. Political parties put a group in front of the individual which deprives people of their own opinions. Their ideas are generalized and changed to fit one specific party; so, the people are never truly getting what they want because their thoughts aren’t being directly displayed. Washington acknowledges the idea that political parties can provide a checks and balance system to ensure that power isn’t concentrated into one group. However, he neglects this statement by mentioning the natural evil of political parties. While they might have some benefit, the cons will always outweigh the pros. This statement also rings true when dealing with relationships and alliances with foreign countries.

One of Washington’s major arguments in his address is the strong interest in remaining neutral and keeping involvement in foreign affairs minimal. He expresses that peace with others is common sense and a basic human decency. Following this good policy sets ourselves as an example of an enlightened nation and can only benefit us. Permanent rivalries and passionate alliances are our greatest threats. Rivalries have created disputes and wars with lingering effects. For example, The Cold War resulted in a nuclear standoff between the US and Soviet Union known as the Cuban Missile Crisis. This threat caused many problems for the US and Cuba including an embargo on Cuba that was established in 1958, effecting the economy and accounting for billions in losses for both parties. Alliances are also a major issue for the Americas. Washington discusses how sympathy towards another country can cause a lot of damage to our own. Alliances make us feel obligated to help others in situations we don’t want to be in and can bring more enemies than friends. Also, aiding one country and withholding help from another can be very corrupt and cause resentment from the other country. This is why Washington warns us to remain neutral and not meddle in foreign affairs. If we stay low key, we create less problems for ourselves and we can prosper without worrying about the issues in other nations.

George Washington’s Farewell Address was a combination of his core beliefs and desire to see the United States grow and prosper. He is straightforward in his decision to end his term as president but his patriotism still resonates throughout the rest of his letter. While he may have seemed cold or bitter, Washington’s words had substance and urgency. He fought for his country for his whole life and does not want to see it fail or turn into something he tried so hard to avoid. As the first president of the United Sates, Washington had a duty to warn the citizens of the evils he had witnessed and how to prevent them in the future. Washington encourages the American people to avoid division of the country geographically or politically and to keep relationships with foreign nations minimal. As years passed, people neglected Washington’s words and disobeyed all of his formalities. The dishonorable behavior continues today and we will soon regret not heeding the warnings of George Washington’s farewell address.

George Washington was America’s first president that served 2 terms consecutively. Ending his second term, he decided to write a letter in Philadelphia in 1796 that became later known as the Farewell Address. The letter started as a draft that was based off of James Madison’s old notes and drafts, and then was revised and edited by Alexander Hamilton. Although Hamilton revised the letter, he made sure to keep the main points of the letter and then the letter was passsed on then finalized by Washington. The letter warned the nation of forming any alliances with foreign nations and the importance of prioritizing America before anyone else because we must prosper instead of getting dragged down by the selfish needs of other alliances. Although Washington explicitly described numerous meanings, the main aspects of the Farewell Address included: strengthening the religion, limiting the political power, and avoiding too many foreign alliances.

Strengthening the religion is important because it is “a necessary spring of popular government.” The main reason that Washington believes religion should be incorporated into a government is because he believes that religion shapes a person’s morals and ethics. So, enforcing a certain religion would lead a nation full of similar morals which reduce conflict. On the contrary, I firmly believe that government who advocate and enforce a certain religion or belief will only cause further tension within the nation itself. You can change the minds of few, but you may never change the viewpoint or mindset of everyone. Limiting the political power was stated in the Farewell Address by dividing power into separate branches of government to prevent a single ruler to overpower all the other branches leading to misuse of powers that could ultimately harm the nation. Washington stated “a customary weapon by which free government is destroyed” is practically stating that power should be fairly and equally divided among numerous branches of government. I agree with this statement because there have been many instances where a single ruler, democracy/monarch, can misuse their power and completely destroy a nation due to their ignorant and selfish desires.

Lastly, the main concern that George Washington repeatedly states is avoiding forming permanent foreign alliances. Washington stated “have with them as little political connection as possible” because they simply take advantage of America for its supplies and strong alliance but may never repay the favor. More alliances also simply means more affairs to deal with and minor complications could soon lead to larger complications between different nations and if war breaks out then you must form an alliance with your allied partners. This could lead to America fighting a war against a foreign nation you don’t know simply because you’re biased towards the group that you have already formed an alliance with. Loyalty will quickly turn into an unfair war because America decided to be biased so we must not form permanent alliances. Another category that falls under the topic of foreign alliances would be to avoid emotional attachment to another nation. This emotional attachment could lead to them taking an advantage of America because we were weak-hearted and gave them everything they desired. So as a foreign nation prospered due to America, America itself would slowly wear itself out.

Overall, George Washington created the Farewell Address because he knew that finishing his term as president would mean America would have a new president that may not be knowledgeable about all the quirks and responsibilities of caring for an entire nation. So, Washington decided to write the letter to warn and inform the citizens and government of possible future complications that may be overlooked. There may have been numerous issues and concerns stated in the Farewell Address but the main aspects of the letter were about strengthening the religion, limiting the political power, and avoiding too many foreign alliances.

Introduction:

George Washington, the first President of the United States, is often hailed as a great leader and revered for his role in the American Revolution. However, like any human being, Washington had his fair share of weaknesses and shortcomings. This informative essay aims to shed light on some of George Washington’s weaknesses, providing a balanced perspective on his leadership and contributions to American history.

Body:

Military Inexperience:

One of Washington’s notable weaknesses was his lack of extensive military experience prior to the American Revolution. Although he had served in the French and Indian War, his military command skills were limited compared to some of his contemporaries. This inexperience occasionally led to tactical errors and misjudgments on the battlefield, particularly during the early stages of the Revolutionary War.

Strategic Decisions:

While Washington demonstrated strong leadership and resilience during the Revolutionary War, he also made strategic mistakes. His decision-making process was often slow and cautious, which sometimes led to missed opportunities. Additionally, his insistence on fighting conventional battles against the British army, rather than embracing guerrilla warfare tactics, resulted in several defeats for the Continental Army.

Challenges in Commanding a Diverse Army:

Leading an army composed of soldiers from various backgrounds and with differing levels of discipline and training posed a significant challenge for Washington. He struggled to maintain discipline and order within the ranks, particularly during the harsh winter at Valley Forge. Some soldiers viewed Washington as distant and aloof, leading to morale issues and instances of low troop morale.

Political Challenges:

Throughout his presidency, Washington faced challenges in navigating the complex political landscape of the new nation. He had to balance the interests of different factions and manage conflicting viewpoints among his advisors. Washington’s attempts to maintain neutrality in foreign affairs, while admirable, sometimes resulted in criticism and accusations of indecisiveness.

Slavery and Limited Vision for Equality:

One of Washington’s most significant weaknesses was his inconsistent stance on slavery and his limited vision for equality. While he expressed concerns about the institution of slavery, Washington did not take decisive action to free his own slaves during his lifetime. His vision for the country, while instrumental in establishing a strong central government, did not extend to advocating for the full equality and rights of all individuals, including enslaved African Americans.

Conclusion:

While George Washington is rightly celebrated for his leadership during the Revolutionary War and his pivotal role in shaping the early years of the United States, it is essential to recognize his weaknesses and limitations. From his military inexperience and strategic missteps to challenges in commanding a diverse army and navigating the political landscape, Washington’s weaknesses humanize him and remind us that even great leaders are not without flaws. Acknowledging these weaknesses provides a more nuanced understanding of Washington’s contributions to American history and encourages a critical examination of his legacy.

Joseph K. Ellis addresses the various number of obstacles that the revolutionary generation faced at home and abroad, as well as how the founding brothers’ relationship influenced the new nation after the fight for independence from Britain in 1776, in his book ‘Founding Brothers’. Joseph Ellis is an expert writer and American historian who focuses his works mainly on the early stages and development of the American nation. Of which, ‘Founding Fathers’ is one of his most successful works of art known for Ellis’ clarity in analyzing and explaining how personal relationships, mass challenges and instability, diversity, and general shortcomings of the Founding Fathers shaped the platform for the survival of democratic principles and the governmental framework that still exists to this day.

To establish stability and impose order, the founding fathers took many initiatives to the common issues that erupted during the nation’s years of inception including failure to come to an agreement on the issue of slavery, George Washington’s Farewell Address which stated the stepping down of Washington from office, America’s debt and public credit, the choosing of America’s capitol city, the major contested presidential elections, and so on. Ellis takes the reader back to 1790, when the general public’s credit has been ruined by the colonies’ debt after the American revolution. Alexander Hamilton’s solution was known as assumption, which was based on the premise that the central government would pay the colonies’ debt as a singular central body. James Madison, on the other hand, worked to thwart Hamilton’s scheme. Madison argued that the colonies had failed to pay their respective debts equally, and that Hamilton’s plan would cause certain states to cover the debts of other states and resulting in unfairness. On June 20, 1790, Thomas Jefferson held a dinner for James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, asking them to put their disagreements aside and find a way forward. According to Ellis, “the dinner invitation he had extended to the embattled Madison and Hamilton was perfectly in keeping with his character” (Ellis, 67). Madison then agreed to approve Hamilton’s financial plan and in return the capitol of the union would be established in Virginia, Madison’s hometown. With sixteen possible locations being proposed, choosing a location for the capitol of the nation was previously a struggle. Ellis claims that “Madison and Jefferson wanted the capital site to be close to them to be able to keep an eye on the capital” (Ellis, 71). Ellis stresses the frailty caused by the tension between the federal and state government and emphasizes on how important trust was between the founding fathers to the sacrifices reached for the union to succeed.

One major issue that early America struggled to rid of or come to an agreement on was slavery. The Constitution of the United States of 1787 established America’s national government and fundamental laws and focused primarily on the establishment of a union of states, which was almost impractical because of the southern states’ refusal to abolish slavery. In the month of February in 1790, Quakers petitioned the House and Congress to set slaves free, but the southern states threatened to leave the union. James Madison felt that he needed to save the Union, but the outcome ultimately came down to the issue that the “Constitution of the United States, only recently ratified, specifically prohibited the Congress from passing any law that abolished or restricted the slave trade until 1808” (Ellis, 82). James Madison and his representatives went silent. Thus, slavery continued to surge in America.

In ‘Founding Brothers’, Ellis also speaks upon George Washington’s Farewell Address. Washington, who was elected as president in 1789, was leaving office after his two-term presidency. Ellis described Washington as “The Father of the Country” since 1776 which is to say, before there was even a country (Ellis, 120), which explains the popularity of him within the people and how his stepping down from office revealed the nature of the American union and how the nation refused to become a monarch. In order to promote national peace, Washington believed that the nation had to abstain from foreign affairs. He argued that war was expensive and needed to be avoided. This idea was condemned by many people including Madison and Jefferson, who excoriated Washington for his decision to remain neutral within French and British affairs, and sequentially creating the ideological disagreements between the federalists and republicans. Ellis points out his agreement with Washington’s decision, and that it undoubtedly strengthened his legacy as the greatest of the revolutionary generation.

Washington’s resignation from office forced the necessity of choosing a new leader, causing the Americans to feel concern and confusion on who would be the next president. According to Ellis, choosing between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in the election of 1796 was like “choosing between the head and the heart of the American Revolution” (Ellis, 164). Although the two were very different in many ways, they developed a decade’s worth of friendship after their initial involvement in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. They traveled overseas on diplomatic missions and had an intimate relationship like no other—until politics finally drew them apart. The public in the early years of the nation chose their leaders not based on political beliefs and values, but rather by their revolutionary credentials and contribution. In this case, Adams was practically bound to win the election. During Adams’ presidency, he signed the Alien and Sedition Act in fear of imminent French invasion. Ellis refers to this decision as Adams’ biggest blunder. In addition, suspicions of Adams’ plan to create a monarch further ruined his reputation. The republicans saw Adams’ acts as a contradiction to the very characteristic of the American revolution that Americans fought for—liberty. Adams’ policies were harshly criticized by the republicans, which ultimately led to the failure of his reelection and Jefferson’s election to presidency in 1801. Adams saw this as betrayal of their comradeship and they stopped speaking, but due to the intimacy of their friendship they eventually began to correspond again. In the end, their views on politics remain dissimilar in which Jefferson believed American’s freedom to succeed are based on their own merit and the continued belief of Adams that the sublimation of individual states to the union was necessary. This is a prime example of how politics, even in the earliest stages of America, can influence just about anything. These fraught relationships and bitter feuds between the founding fathers have truly brought the light on the erratic and constantly changing nature of the nation.

The book ‘Founding Brothers’ allows for a comprehensive, multi-perspective examination of the people who drafted our Constitution and the values that Americans aspire for even today. Ellis explains all facets of the key incidents that occurred during the formation of America using hindsight and foresight techniques. He offers us insight into the minds of the founding fathers, their major accomplishments, how their complex relationships helped shape governmental foundations in the earlier years, and the origins of the American nation. Ellis also presents the various challenges after the revolutionary war, namely those surrounding the national debt and disagreements on the idea of slavery, etc. Despite achieving the one thing they wanted and boasted most about—freedom, the revolutionary generation were left in shambles and were deeply conflicted in their contrasting views on economic, social, and political aspects. ‘Founding Brothers’ broadens our view on the nature of American politics in the nation’s earliest years and offers a thorough understanding of the volatile forces that form history.

George Washington was born in Virginia on February 22, 1732. Unlike his siblings, he was never sent to England for formal education. Instead, he attended a school in Virginia. Lawrence Washington, George Washington’s brother, married Virginia’s greatest single landowner family, the Fairfaxes. Washington’s relationship through his brothers’ marriage provided him with a benefit that he would not have received otherwise. While following George Fairfax on an expedition into the wilderness of the Blue Ridge Mountains, a young George Washington learned about surveying. Washington put his newly acquired surveying abilities to good use. By the age of 18, he was getting more reviewing than he could as a rancher. Washington opted to pursue a military career because he was ambitious and knew that surveying and farming would not provide him with the money and social stature he desired. He applied to join the Virginia frontier state army. Using his connections to the Fairfaxes, Washington was promoted to major and tasked with training militia in Southern Virginia. George Washington, at the age of 21, decided to enter the Freemasons at this point in his life.

George was designated lieutenant colonel and second accountable for the development of an Ohio Valley stronghold. Washington was tempted to attack a small French force on his route to the fort’s construction site. It was a delegation led by an ambassador, not a force. Washington chose to retire to a neighboring meadow and construct a modest fortification known as Fort Necessity. The paucity of resources and the men’s unraveling discipline pushed Washington to surrender, the first and only time in his military career.

In February 1755, Washington joined a mission to go after the French stronghold. In the mission, he didn’t play a tactical part and was simply observing. The British arrangement was lined up like vehicles in rush hour. In view of the blockage, it helped the more vulnerable French and Indian armed forces conquer the British. Washington was able to charge ahead and organize a retreat. As per his story, bullet gaps in his coat and two horses killed from underneath him saved his life. George’s admiration skyrocketed, and he earned a new image. He rose up out of contention as a legend, and Virginia lead representative Robert Dinwiddie elevated him to full colonel (Nevis, 2022).

Towards the end of the conflict, Washington stepped down and withdrew to Mount Vernon. The colonel who was only 30 years old, wedded. His bride, Martha, was the widow of one of Virginia’s wealthiest men, and their marriage provided Washington with the property, slaves, and fortune he had desired. George Washington and his wife were one of the most perceived families in the state. Throughout this period, they settled happily, and he dedicated himself to his governmental job and his farm for 15 years.

He was crushed in House of Burgesses decisions in 1755 and 1757 however won in 1758. Washington was named a Fairfax County equity of the harmony in 1760. During these years, his anger at America’s subjection to England’s interests intensified. When Parliament tried to impose the Stamp Act in 1769, Washington informed someone that Parliament ‘hathe no more right to put their hands into my pocket, without my consent, than I have to put mine into yours for money.’ (D. Ramsay, 2009)

When John Adams nominated him for the role of commander of the new Continental army after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, he was appointed. Washington was noted for his military expertise, elegant demeanor, commanding presence, and reputation as a man of virtue and lofty values. Furthermore, as a Virginian, his involvement as a military commander in New England, where the war began, would help connect his province to the revolt.

In June 1775, Washington assumed control over the Revolutionary armed force and enclosed Boston with a huge number of enlisted people, reinforcing an attack that happened 2 months earlier. However, the British kept control of Boston until April 1776, when Washington broke the stalemate with the assault of Dorchester Heights, forcing the British to flee. The British, under General William Howe, repeatedly pounded Washington’s force in August. British troops followed the splintered Continental army, and the intervention of poor weather and the advent of winter spared the Revolutionary forces from annihilation (Davis, 2008).

An enormous part of Washington’s troubles was the outcome of his newness as a commandant, at this point with all due regard, he took in his encounters effectively. He never again put his entire army in danger in wide combat. After a run of setbacks, Washington found itself in a crisis at the end of December. With countless enlistments coming to an end, he was afraid that unless the army took considerable action, he would be unable to recruit new soldiers. On December 26, 1776, he took a gamble and launched an attack in a blizzard against the British outpost at Trenton. He miraculously surprised the garrison and won the fight.

Despite the fact that Washington did not win many battles during the conflict, he had an exceptional aptitude for leadership. During the winter of 1776-77 at Morristown, New Jersey, he managed to hold his army together. Washington faced mutinies among his troops and plots among his commanders to have him replaced, as well as persistent shortages of men and supplies, yet he never gave up hope. Washington made his most successful decision of the war in 1781, marching his army south from New York to join joint French and Continental forces against Lord Cornwallis’ British army at Yorktown, which surrendered on October 19, 1781. The triumph at Yorktown brought about the finish of the conflict and the marking of the Treaty of Paris, which recognized the United States freedom.