RESEARCH PROJECT

on

GEORGE WASHINGTON
''RESIGNATION SPEECH''
Submitted to

MAHARASHTRA NATIONAL LAW

UNIVERSITY, AURANGABAD
Submitted by

DEVESH SHUKLA

B.BA.LL.B. (Hons.) Semester-I

Roll No. 2022/BBALLB/75

Paper 1.1: General English (Grammar and Phonetics)

Under the guidance of

Ms. Mahenaz Haque

Assistant Professor of English,

Maharashtra National Law University,

 Aurangabad

DECLARATION
The declaration is made at Aurangabad that this project is
prepared and drafted by me, Devesh Shukla.
It contains the project work that was assigned to me during
my 1st semester period and successfully accomplished from
my side.
This project is a sincere attempt at the compilation of the
aforementioned work.
This has not been submitted, either in whole or in part, to any
other Law University or affiliated Institute under which any
university is recognized by the Bar council of India , for the
award of any other law degree or diploma ,within the
territory of India.

DEVESH SHUKLA

(22bballb75@mnlua.ac.in)
 INDEX
Sr.No. Name of Chapter Page No.

1 DECLARATION 2

2 INDEX 3

3 INTRODUCTION 4-5

4 ABOUT THE SPEAKER 6-7

5 CONTEXT/ HISTORICAL 8-9

BACKGROUND

6 ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPT 10-11

7 SUMMARY 12-13

8 CRITICAL ANALYSIS 14-17

9 CONCLUSION 18 -20

10 BIBLIOGRAPHY 21
INTRODUCTION

George Washington announced his intention not to run for a third term in what is
called Washington's Farewell Address. The significance of Washington's Farewell
Address is monumental; most notably it set the precedent for presidents only
serving two terms, a rule which was not codified into law until 1951. Instead of
running for a third term, he wanted to retire and enjoy his final years in private, at
Mount Vernon.

Washington had actually wanted to retire after his first term in 1792, going so far
as to have James Madison draft a farewell letter for him. He changed his mind
only due to a threat to national security. Tensions between the United States and
Great Britain had been rising, and there was an increasing concern that there
would be a second war between the two countries. Staying in office proved to be a
good decision, as during his second term Washington avoided another war by
negotiating another treaty, which navigated the remaining hostilities between the
two countries following the Treaty of Paris. This second treaty is called the Jay
Treaty.

Washington really uses all three forms of rhetoric, including pathos (as most good
politicians do), but the one he leans on the most heavily is ethos—with a side of
logos.

The fact that Washington dispenses advice while stepping down from the
presidency is a pretty clear sign that his role as president is significant. He plays it
off modestly, but despite claiming inadequacy, he keeps on dishing out the
lessons.

Obviously everyone knew that he was president, but Washington also gently
reminds them that he had wanted to retire earlier, but "mature reflection on the
then perplexed and critical posture of our affairs with foreign nations, and the
unanimous advice of persons entitled to my confidence, impelled me to abandon
the idea".
When he transitions to his giant advice column, he really lays on the ethos:

But a solicitude for your welfare […] and the apprehension of danger, natural to
that solicitude, urge me […] to offer to your solemn contemplation, and to
recommend to your frequent review, some sentiments which are the result of
much reflection, of no inconsiderable observation, and which appear to me all-
important to the permanency of your felicity as a people. These will be offered to
you with the more freedom, as you can only see in them the disinterested
warnings of a parting friend […]. Nor can I forget, as an encouragement to it, your
indulgent reception of my sentiments on a former and not dissimilar occasion.
 ABOUT THE SPEAKER

George Washington was born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family learned the
morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia
gentleman. He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western
expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax.
Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what
grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward
Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses
were shot from under him.

From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his
lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses.
Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and
happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by
British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the
mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the
restrictions.

When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775,

Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of
the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took
command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six
gruelling years. He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British.
He reported to Congress, “we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or
put anything to the Risk, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought
never to be drawn.” Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike
unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies–he forced the
surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.

Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized
that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he
became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at
Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral
College unanimously elected Washington President.

He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution
gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a
Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between
France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations
of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his
Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he
insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.

To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term.
Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his
resignation speech, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and
geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term
alliances.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Regarded as one of the greatest leaders in American history, George Washington

was also an amazing speaker. Find out what you can learn from his resignation
speech. George Washington was the first President of the United States.That alone
is enough to tell you just how influential the man was. A decorated military
leader, Washington earned the trust and support of an entire nation. He had the
unenviable task of guiding the United States through its first years of
independence. And he did it spectacularly.

In fact, he was so effective as a leader that many felt the country couldn’t survive
without him. Washington knew about this sentiment when it was time for him to
step down. And with his resignation speech, he showed people why it was so
important for the country to march forward without him.

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 resignation speech. 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 passed
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 resignation speech 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 favour. 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.

Overall, George Washington created this resignation speech 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.
ORIGINAL TRANSCRIPT

Mr. President, the great events on which my resignation depended, having at

length taken place, I have now the honour of offering my sincere congratulations
to Congress, and [&] of presenting myself before {Congress} them, to surrender
into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring
{request permission to retire} from the Service of my Country. Happy in the
confirmation of our Independence and Sovereignty, and pleased with the
opportunity afforded the United States, of becoming a respectable Nation {as well
as in the contemplation of our prospect of National happiness}, I resign with
satisfaction the appointment I accepted with diffidence— A diffidence in my
abilities to accomplish so arduous a task, which however was superseded by a
confidence in the rectitude of our Cause, the support of the supreme Power of the
Union, and the patronage of Heaven. The successful termination of the War has
verified the most sanguine expectations- and my gratitude for the interposition of
Providence, and the assistance I have received from my Countrymen, increases
with every review of the momentous Contest. While I repeat my obligations to the
Army in general, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge in
this place the peculiar Services and distinguished merits of the Gentlemen who
have been attached to my person during the War. —It was impossible the choice
of confidential officers to compose my family should have been more fortunate. —
Permit me Sir, to recommend in particular those, who have continued in service
to the present moment, as worthy of the favourable notice & patronage of
Congress.— I consider it an indispensable duty {duty} to close this last solemn
act of my Official life, by commending the Interests of our dearest Country to the
protection of Almighty God, and those who have the Superintendance {direction}
of them, to his holy keeping.— Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire
from the great theatre of Action, —and bidding an affectionate {a final} farewell
to this August body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer {today
deliver?} my Commission, and take my {ultimate} leave of all the employments of
public life. The words in italics were inserted by Washington as he contemplated
his first draft of the speech. He also crossed out two important words, both
relating to his leave of public office: “a final” farewell and “ultimate” leave. In
doing so, Washington is keeping his option of returning to public life open. In the
speech, Washington also makes a plea for Congress to pay the soldiers with
whom he served and to fund the pensions of his officers, as they had been
promised. This speech is regarded as the fourth most important document in
American history after the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the
Bill of Rights.
SUMMARY

After his second term George Washington was determined to retire, fearing that if
he died in office it would set the precedent that the nation's president served for
life. This time he asked his close friend and advisor, Alexander Hamilton to write
his Farewell Address. His original letter had been written by James Madison, but
four years later, he opted to go with a letter written by his trusted friend Alexander
Hamilton. He told Hamilton that he could either revise the old letter written by
Madison or draft a new one completely. Hamilton, assiduous as ever, did both.
Washington preferred the new letter and had it published in the Philadelphia
newspaper, American Daily Advertise

In this address, Washington warned against the three things he believed to be the
biggest threats to the unity of the nation. First, he warned against geographic
sectional interests, that is, putting local politics or issues above the good of nation.
Secondly, he advised against the proliferation of political parties. He believed that
these parties could divide the nation, and be used by ill-intentioned people trying
to become tyrants. Washington told the American public that political parties
would lead to voters putting the interests of the party over the interests of the
country. The final warning, and the most important to Washington, was that the
United States should remain neutral when it came to the affairs of foreign nations.
He feared that getting involved in the business of other countries could lead to
those nations influencing the direction of America.

The Dangers of Political Parties

Washington saw that threats against the preservation of the union were already
forming, he stressed that the country must not let that happen. Regional
sectionalism, or the placement of local politics and pride above that of nation, was
one of his major concerns. He could see the divide already happening with the
issue of slavery. New England had already begun abolishing slavery, and northern
states were beginning to follow their lead. In the south, however, the economy
was becoming more and more dependent on the use of slaves.
Washington identified a second internal threat: the proliferation of political
parties. It was his opinion that the country would never reach its full potential if
people began to put the interest of their political party over the common interest of
the nation as a whole. In-fighting between the Hamilton-led Federalists and the
Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans had already begun to get in the way of good
governance. He argued that political parties would subvert the will of the people
for the will of the few. Washington saw that political parties were both divisive
and a tool that could be used to deceive the common people by those who sought
power for power's sake.

Neutrality in Foreign Affairs

Washington's final, and arguably his most important warning, was that the country
should not become entrenched in the affairs of foreign nations, especially those
that do not align with the values that America sought to emulate. He advised that,
in getting involved with these foreign countries, there was the threat of allowing
their affairs to influence America's domestic policies, pulling the country away
from the values upon which it was created. He did not, however, advocate for
complete isolation. Rather, he suggested that the United States should be on
friendly terms with other countries, but that it should not become overly close
with any particular nation.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS

George Washington’s resignation speech was made an open letter of warning and
guidance to the American citizens concerning their long-term happiness and
safety. George Washington was a great American leader who voluntarily
relinquished political powers and retired from public life, an act which itself was
seen as unprecedented in the annals of global history since it was the major
milestone to the establishment of the American Republican government (Gregg L.
& Frazer 2012). The words of Washington’s Farewell are highly cherished in the
American History. For instance, Justice John Marshall noted that, “Washington
Farewell words are percept to which US citizens can not too often recur.” This
paper critically views the major points of George Washington’s “Resignation
Speech”171 such as The Preservation of the Union, The Danger of Factions,
Religion and Morality, and America’s Role in the World considering
contemporary government and including differing points of view.

THE PRESERVATION OF THE UNION

The preservation and upholding of the American unity was the general theme of
the farewell Address of the George Washington. The American nationhood was
warned and advised to be ready to deal with…show more content…

It is a vivid reminder that the main aim of this Farewell was to recommend the
Americans for the great code of conduct which would enable the United States to
primarily pursue fruitful commercial relations with other countries (Peter A. &
Lillback 2006). This was supposed to be consistent with its treaty obligations in
such a way that the US would have, “a little political connections as possible.”
Washington categorically warned of the permanent alliances and political
connections however, he did not call for the American withdrawal from the world.
He clearly that America should be clear-headed in regards of its own capacities
under changing capacities especially in a world convulsed by the Fre
Being a strong figure that many looked upon, Washington's intent for his policy of
isolation and neutrality was to serve as a prescription for future years. By using
VALID reasoning combined with hope for his nation, Washington denounced the
idea of favourites and enemies in order to for our nation to be "a free, enlightened,
and, at no distant period, a great nation to give mankind the magnanimous and too
novel example of a people always guided by exhalted justice and benevolence..."
His speech was also addressed at the end of term, in order to serve as a basis for
the future of our country to follow. Despite this GRATUITUS attempt, his address
did not succeed in being the precedent it was designed to.

THE DANGER OF FACTIONS

This analysis will focus on Washington’s insinuations and recommendations for

preserving the Union and staying true to American ideals. Washington’s feelings
in regard to national unity encompass a majority of the points in his address. To
Washington, the creation of political parties would serve only as a means of
breaking the American people away from one another. He feared people would
become so consumed in gaining political dominance for their political party that
parties would forget or overlook the fact that all of them were still Americans and
should be united by this. Washington’s foresight in this matter is an utterly precise
prediction of the current political climates in America.

After thinking he envisioned foreign aid stating, “It is the manifest duty of this
country” (Luce). With all of Luce’s ideas the U.S influence did not have to remain
inaccessible. Luce in the end analysed the difference in the development between
the rich and powerful societies. He considered the contacts and interchanges
between states in capitalistic trade, cultural and western lifestyle, economic and
technologic aid, as well as liberal democracy.

The President emphasizes that the United States would not allow the attacks to
affect the country though his use of rhetorical devices, including pathos.
Roosevelt’s word choice is especially powerful as is seen in his use of the unusual
word “infamy.” He also uses repetition and the way he orders his points to
achieve.

America had not long clutched independence before the American leaders
attempted to proceed down the road of isolation. This can be seen as yet another
huge landmark for the United States. A previous President, George Washington,
proclaimed his farewells in a famous piece, the Resignation Speech, not long
before the famous Monroe Doctrine was spoken by Monroe in an attempt to create
a separation from all foreign powers. These works can be considered courageous
and indeed they are, but they are so much more, these speeches are the
cornerstone of foreign policy. Washington’s speech gave Monroe the courage
almost thirty years later to also also deny further colonization by European powers
and in doing so proclaiming there would be consequences regarding it.

RELIGION AND MORALITY

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.
AMERICA’S ROLE IN THE WORLD CONSIDERING

The president also famously warned that the United States should stay “steer clear
of permanent Alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” Washington didn’t
say that the young nation should be isolationist; in fact, he said that it should
“observe good faith and justice towards all nations.”

But his advice was that any permanent alliance should be considered greatly. “I
hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is
always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in
their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to
extend them,” he added.
CONCLUSION

A Revolutionary Act in many ways, George Washington’s resignation as

commander-in-chief of the Continental Army was the final revolutionary act of
the American Revolution. Many, especially in Europe, had expected that he would
assume power and lead the new nation into the early stages of its independence.
The Articles of Confederation of 1781 created only a loose alliance of the thirteen
states. Congress was weak, and there was no obvious leader waiting in the wings.
But Washington had confidence in the ability of Congress to guide the nation
successfully. It was a revolutionary act of faith and a remarkable milestone in the
history of our nation. By surrendering his power to the civilian authority,
Washington ensured that the United States would become a republic rather than a
monarchy or a nation led by the military. Most importantly, this act established
the bedrock principle of American democracy: that the military is subject to
civilian authority. Before he delivered his resignation speech to Congress, then
meeting in the Old Senate Chamber, on December 23, 1783 Washington made
clear his intent to retire in letters to friends and colleagues. On December 10, he
wrote to his former aide, James McHenry, telling him of his plan to travel to
Annapolis, where Congress was meeting, to “get translated into a private citizen.”
Washington longed to return to Mount Vernon and his family and his life as a
farmer. When Washington arrived in Annapolis on December 19, he wrote to
Congress to ask how they wanted him to present his resignation. They responded
with a request for him to make a brief speech at noon on December 23. While
staying at Mann’s Tavern on what is now Main Street in Annapolis, Washington
set to work composing this speech. At noon on December 23, 1783, Washington
entered the Old Senate Chamber to deliver his brief but emotional speech of
resignation. The protocol for the event had been carefully worked out by a
committee of Congress that included James McHenry, Thomas Jefferson, and
Elbridge Gerry. The members of Congress remained seated and “covered” (kept
their hats on) while Washington stood before them facing the president of
Congress, Thomas Mifflin.
At the conclusion of his remarks, Washington bowed to Congress and briefly left
the room. He then returned to bid farewell to the many people who had crowded
the room for the event. In addition to the members of Congress, the audience
included several of the generals and other officers with whom he had served
during the war, local officials, and prominent residents of Annapolis. The women
in attendance were not allowed to be present on the Old Senate Chamber floor and
had to watch from the “Ladies Balcony” at the back of the room. One of these
women, Molly Ridout, wrote one of the very few descriptions of the ceremony in
a letter to her mother: “the General seemed so much affected himself that
everybody felt for him, he addressed Congress in a short Speech but very
affecting many tears were shed... I think the World never produced a greater man
& very few so good.” As he departed, hoping to be at Mount Vernon in time for
Christmas, Washington handed his personal copy of the speech to James
McHenry. It remained in the McHenry family until 2007 when it was purchased
by the Friends of the Maryland State Archives. The purchase also included the
letter that James McHenry wrote to his future wife, Margaret (Peggy) Caldwell,
describing the ceremony. Both of these documents had been privately held since
1783. There are two official copies of General Washington’s resignation speech:
one in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. and one at the Library of
Congress. The one on display in the State House is the one from which
Washington read as he addressed Congress and contains the changes he made as
he composed the speech, some of which provide important clues to his thinking
about his role in the nation’s future.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/five-lessons-we-can-learn-from-george-
washingtons-farewell-address

https://www.loc.gov/rr/program//bib/ourdocs/farewell.html

https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/documents/farewell-address