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An Analysis Of Washington's Farewell Address

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On September 19, 1796, a letter appeared in the American Daily Advertiser entitled “The Address of General Washington To The People of The United States on his declining of the Presidency of the United States.” What became known as “Washington’s Farewell Address” would emphasize the dangers of factions, foreign entanglement, Constitutional adherence, adherence to morality, and the importance of a balanced budget. One hundred ninety-one years later on June 12, 1987, President Ronald Reagan delivered the Brandenburg Gate Speech. Although his advisors pleaded with Reagan to tone down his remarks, he approached the podium and delivered a direct sharp toned speech that earns its place in history. Reagan emphasized the duty of American presidents and the people of the world to destroy the darkness of tyranny with the light of liberty. There exist parallels between these two great speeches by two great American presidents. …show more content…

Washington emphasized the danger of factions, whether by geography, political party, or petty differences. Washington furthered suggested, “The name of American, [sic] must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.” Likewise, Reagan emphasized the danger the factions of communism and democratic ideologies. Reagan suggested, “Standing before the Brandenburg Gate, every man is a German separated from his fellow men.” The difference is foreign entanglement. Washington was speaking about “fellow Americans” while Reagan was extending the philosophy of Washington to an international audience aided by the Marshall Plan. Washington warned against meddling in the affairs of foreign powers. “So likewise, a passionate attachment of one nation for another produces a variety of evils.” Additionally, before Gorbachev stepped down from power he phoned President Bush to express his desire for a new alliance with the United

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