LAD #6: Washington's Farewell Address

Although Washington's Farewell address was not a speech, in that it was a written document, it still had a lasting impact on American history. After Washington's second term in office, he wanted to retire, therefore creating a precedent for later presidents. In his long, Farewell Address he talks about many aspects of American Society. He first warns the society about forming party systems. He says that they are distractions, and unnecessary. He also talks about religion. He states that religion is extremely important in society, and is necessary to make America succeed. Thirdly he talks about taxes, and how the country needs to have taxes in order to pay of debts. He says that if the country wants revenue, it must have taxes. He also talks about foreign relations. He states in the document that he is against permanent alliances, because they can sometimes get you into trouble. He finally talks about how having a over-powerful military is unimportant and America should not have one. George Washington set many precedents throughout his presidency, and was extremely important in creating our nation.