 |
| Inaugurating the Tradition (Washington's First
Inaugural) |
|
|
In April of 1789,
George Washington was elected unanimously by the
Electoral College as the first president of the United
States. As he took the oath of office, George Washington
became the leader of a new nation guided by an as yet
untested Constitution.
Selection from
Washington’s First Inaugural Address:
“Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have
been awakened by the occasion which brings us together,
I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting
once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in
humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to
favor the American people with opportunities for
deliberating in perfect tranquillity, and dispositions
for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of
government for the security of their union and the
advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing
may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the
temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which
the success of this Government must depend.”
 Complete text of George Washington's first
inaugural address
 George
Washington biographer Richard Brookhiser describes this
inaugural address (3 min 51 sec)
Richard
Brookhiser describes George Washington’s physical
appearance at his inauguration (1 min 24 sec)
|
| Discussion
Questions |
|
|
Historical
Significance:
Consider
the state of the nation in 1789. As a primary
source
document, how does George Washington’s address help us
understand this period of history?
Language: Using
specific language from his speech, what was the tone of
George Washington’s address? Why did President
Washington include matters of “humility and providence”?
Setting: Describe the scene in New
York City on April 30, 1789. |
| * Click
Here for Photo Credits
|
|
|
|
|
