LAD #7: Washington's Farewell Address

Henry Cabot Lodge, referring to George Washington's Farewell Address, said"...no man ever left a nobler political testament." Not only did Washington tell the new nation that he was stepping down from his position in government in this address, he stated his views one last time before he left back to Mount Vernon for good. Although he was against political parties in government, his views leaned towards the Federals' ideas. For example, he talks about the benefits of having a central government. He wants the states together under one federal government, while local state governments also exist. Washington wanted a even fifty fifty split in power in the government, half for state government and half for federal government. In his address, the most important topic I think is the emphasis that Washington makes on the topic of war. He does not want the nation to form permanent alliances with other countries. Also, he does not want the military to have too much power and take over the government. He wrote this important document to warn the people to avoid war at all cost.