Compare And Contrast Lincoln And George Washington's Farewell Address

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While both Abraham Lincoln’s “House Divided” speech and George Washington’s Farewell Address talks about the government and people uniting, Lincoln’s speech speaks more about slavery and Washington’s address advised warnings about the liberties necessary for the country/nation to survive. On June 16, 1858, Abraham Lincoln gave the speech at the State Republican to more than 1,000 delegates. He told them that they have to decide whether all states in the country will either promote slavery or end it completely. He states that the “government cannot endure, permanently, half slave and half free” because the house would not be able to stand. On the other hand, Washington’s address was published in the newspapers across the country on September …show more content…

Washington speech made the people feel patriotic in participating in their government by saying “unity of government” is the “main pillar in the edifice of our real independence”. He caused the audience to have a sense of responsibility in their civic duties, economic prosperity, and defense for their country for their own “tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity” and “liberty”. Although, Lincoln appealed to the peoples’ conscience on the subject of slavery by quoting “a house divided against itself cannot stand”, making them feel guilty for the division of the states not coming together to decide on keeping slavery or ending it. Also, he appeals to the conscience of the people by questioning “Have we no tendency to the latter condition?” referring to slaves going to states that have abolished slavery still being a claimed as a slave. As a result, slavery was “in effect allowed in every state”. Both Washington and Lincoln emphasized their argument by using ethos. Since they were both presidents, their argument had a strong effect on the audience. Also, they both addressed the problems of the nation at the time of their tenure. Washington explains that it is ethical for a citizen to be loyal and dedicated towards their country by saying “citizens, by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections”. On the other hand,