A Sacred Union of Citizens: George Washington's Farewell Address and the American CharacterOn the two-hundredth anniversary of George Washington's 1796 Farewell Address - one of the most influential but misunderstood expressions of American political thought - this book places the Address in the full context of American history and explains its enduring relevance for the next century. Generations of American political leaders have invoked the authority of the Address to shape foreign and domestic policy. With discussions about national character and personal responsibility dominating the current political landscape, there has been a resurgence of interest in the character of the nation's founders, particularly Washington's. The authors show how the Address expressed Washington's ideas for forming a national character that would cultivate the habits, morals, and civic virtues essential for stable republican self-government. An insightful and provocative analysis of the past, present, and future of American democracy and its most important citizen, this book will be of value to anyone concerned about the current state of American citizenship and the future role of the federal government. |
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affairs affection American American character argued become believed Britain British called cause character circumstances citizens command common concerns conduct Congress considered Constitution defense domestic draft duty essential establish European example exist experience expressed faction Farewell Address Federalist final follow force foreign policy France French George Washington give Hamilton happiness hoped human ideas important Inaugural independence individual influence ington interest James John justice laws lead liberty Madison March means ment military mind moral nature necessary neutrality never noted opinion particular party passions peace political popular possible present president Press principles proper reason reflected relations republican respect retirement rule Senate sense sentiments serve spirit Thomas Jefferson thought tion Treaty true Union United University virtue Washing Washington wrote Writings of Washington wrote York