Primary Document Report #1-specht

Primary Document Report Name: Chris McKay For Dr. Specht’s Early Republic Course Date: 1/30/09 Title of Document: President George Washington’s Farewell Address Source (please be specific) Our Documents: 100 Milestone documents from the National Archives (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003) Brief Explanation of Document (include who originated the source, the possible audience for which the document was generated, the form of the document (report,letter,diary,etc.), date of the document; any other information you believe pertinent to understanding the document. Answer: This particular primary source is a farewell address given by our first president, George Washington that actually appeared in a newspaper on September 19, 1796. . The main audience in which this document was intended for is the American people, however I believe that foreign countries specifically England and France would also be concerned about what Washington was stating in this speech. Washington was warning the American public that permanent foreign alliances would be harmful to the future the early republic. Washington was also trying to send a message to other countries that the United States wanted to conduct its own business without foreign intervention. It is also important to keep in mind the political ideologies and world events during this time when reading this document. One should know the political beliefs of the Federalists, the views of Alexander Hamilton who influenced the writing of the document, and the foreign policy of France and England during this time. Possible ways in which document might be used in a research paper or in the development of a lesson plan. Answer: There are many ways in which this document could be used in a research paper. Anyone doing a research on American foreign policy during the Washington administration would find this speech very useful in providing insight on Washington’s views on forming permanent alliances and his attitude toward England and France. Anyone who was doing a research on development of political parties could use this document in explaining Washington’s views on political parties and their possible disastrous effect on the early republic. Teachers at the secondary level may use this document in stressing Washington’s warnings for our country. Students could be instructed to highlight the 3 major warnings that Washington gave to our country before leaving office. How does this document relate to other documents you have examined or heard about? I have read other presidential farewell addresses. I have listened to the farewell speeches of recent former presidents. Presidents who are about to leave office want to leave a lasting impression on the American people of their administration’s successes. This farewell address is significant in that our first leader expresses his concerns about the future of our country and warns us of specific things that may destroy our republic.