Before Viewing Washington's Farewell Address Tell students When Washington made his Farewell Address to the United States many internal and external forces were beginning to play upon the development of the new Republic's political identity at home and to the world at-large. The advice that Washington delivered to the representatives of the United States over two hundred years ago is traditionally read each year in the
the U.S. Senate. Ask Do Washington's words have any bearing on conditions facing our country today? Do
these words only reflect a bygone era of our history? Or do they reflect current foreign and domestic problems for our leaders and ourselves? Distribute the copies of Washington's Farewell Address so that students can follow along with the text during the viewing.
While Viewing Washington's Farewell Address on C-SPAN C-SPAN's coverage of Senator George Voinovich's reading of the Address from February 22, 1999.
The following focus questions may aid in guiding the student work groups.
1. What major events were occurring in the world during Washington's presidency? How did these
events impact America?
2. How did Washington's administration deal with the problems of the Native Americans in the
Northwest Territories, and the Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania? What do these two
events tell us about the problems facing the new government?
3. What was the importance of Hamilton's "Three Reports to Congress." How did the Reports on Public
Credit, National Bank and Manufacturers give rise to the two-party system? In what respects did these reports show the link between the American economy and the world? In which ways do they point to a rise in sectionalism?
4. Pick out the five main points of Washington's speech. Why does he warn about the dangers of
sectionalism? Why is the rise of political parties of such concern for him, and what does he fear
about political parties? What does he mean by "entangling alliances," and why are they to be avoided? What events in the world could have caused this focus for his foreign policy?
5. Could a government really be expected to function debt-free? Does his warning negate any of Hamilton's plans?
After Viewing Washington's Farewell Address on C-SPAN
Call the students back from their work stations and go over the questions. Record the student feedback so the entire class can see it (i.e. use an overhead, chalkboard, etc.) Debrief the major sections of Washington's Address, using the above guided questions. Discuss Does Washington's Farewell Address have any validity in the present day? Why do you think a member of the Senate reads it each year during a legislative session? What do you think was the purpose of this Address? List feedback. Additional Exercises
1. Have students construct a map showing the major powers in the world during Washington's
Presidency. Show the various alliances that resulted in the wars in Europe during his Administration.
Then, have students construct a map of the world today showing the various alliances that exist today. (example: NATO, SEATO, OPEC, etc., as well as new coalition forces against Iraq.)
2. Students can write and present their own State of the Union Address, showing what they think are the major issues facing the nation today, and their plans to address these problems.
3. Have students compose and send a letter to their Senator or Representative, asking for his or her view on the importance of the annual reading of Washington's Farewell Address.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Purpose, objectives and necessary materials
C-SPAN's coverage of Senator George Voinovich's reading of the Address from February 22, 1999.