Summary Of Washington's Inaugural Address

In “Washington’s Inaugural Address of 1789”, President George Washington gives a humbling speech on what the American people were to expect during his term. Washington defines the different aspects of his new position to the presidency, and overwhelmingly assures the American people their involvement is essential. He also establishes the notion that the peoples voice matters, and in other words, he’s available to serve the people. Throughout his address, Washington also mentions his acceptance of his presidential status was not an easy decision. In addition to all of this, he openly preached on his religious stances. Lastly, Washington defines the presidency with the great idea of freedom, and expands on how he will further this ideal through his term.

“Among the vicissitudes incident to life, no event could have filled me with greater anxieties than that of which the notification was transmitted by your order, and received on the fourteenth day of the present month” (Washington’s Inaugural Address of 1789, par. 1). Although he accepted this immense obligation to the people, throughout his address it was clear that he felt he had a great responsibility to up hold. In the midst of establishing his feeling of understandable nervousness, Washington was extremely humble. This established the type of character the president emits, as well as him establishing a connection with the American people. He goes on to say, “…one, who, inheriting inferior endowments from nature and unpractised in the duties of civil administration, ought to be peculiarly conscious of his own deficiencies” (Washington’s Inaugural Address of 1789, par. 1). He appears to put himself down a lot but it seems to be a way of relaying to everyone else that he’s only human but will try his