After serving two terms, President George Washington decided to forego a third term in office. George Washington's time in office was from April 30th, 1789 thru March 3rd, 1797. This paper will show that although the President is ready to retire, the love for his country and its citizens compels him to provide advice and some serious warnings to the American people about our freedom along with the danger that comes with that freedom. As a person reads Washington's farewell address what you see is a man reminding his countrymen to remain together, avoid political parties, and beware of enemies foreign and domestic to our Republic. President Washington's warnings were very true over 200 years ago and appear to be prophetic as to current events of our time.
President George Washington's Farewell to the Nation .
As a two term President of the United States and leading a successful war against the British in the Revolutionary War, George Washington began the process of in essence of announcing his retirement. The President decided to announce to the nation that he would not seek a third term for President. The letter to the American people could have been a boastful review of his first two terms, gloating on his successes as the leader of this country. To the contrary this address is a letter of farewell, but throughout is advice to his fellow countrymen and clearly depicts how much he loved the country that he served in the military and has President. The President states from the beginning that he will decline consideration of a third Presidential term. The President's worry with the decision to retire is stated in the fourth paragraph of his address where he states; "in the present circumstances of our country, you will not disapprove my determination to retire (Washington, 1796). The President addresses his gratitude to the American people for placing him into such a prestigious and honorable position.