In September 1796, worn out by burdens of the presidency and attacks of political foes, George Washington announced his decision not to seek a third term. With the assistance of Alexander Hamilton and James Madison, Washington composed in a "Farewell Address" his political testament to the nation. Designed to inspire and guide future generations, the address also set forth Washington's defense of his administration's record and embodied a classic statement of Federalist doctrine. The practice of reading the Farewell Address did not immediately become a tradition. The address was first read in...
In September 1796, worn out by burdens of the presidency and attacks of political foes, George Washington announced his decision not to seek a third t...
There was a time when how to use finger bowls and napkin rings was part of education. In dispensing with archaic manners, we seem to have also dispensed with the common sense sensitivity that among other advantages made possible political discourse without viciousness. Decorum has been jettisoned, often with the excuse that the times are different. The end result has been stress instead of kindness, the evaporation of care and consideration, and gross inefficiency in solving problems rather than any alleged streamlined savings. The quality of our political life has deteriorated and the upshot...
There was a time when how to use finger bowls and napkin rings was part of education. In dispensing with archaic manners, we seem to have also dispens...
Perhaps no other revolt against the mother country, giving birth to a land, parallels the American Revolution. For, from this revolution on a land separated by thousands of miles and an ocean, new ideas and identities were born. These ideas have sparked the call of freedom around the world as the American Revolution has inspired self-determination seekers for over two hundred years. We hear their voices as we read their words, untainted by historical speculation of scholars and promoters of historical theories. Their words and actions set the stage for the making of the American government,...
Perhaps no other revolt against the mother country, giving birth to a land, parallels the American Revolution. For, from this revolution on a land sep...
As October 1779 became November, George Washington realized that autumn had advanced too far for a combined Franco-American assault against the British forces in New York City that year, and he curtailed preparations. After a large British expedition departed New York in late December, Washington concentrated on settling his Army for the winter, which already had become unusually snowy and brutally cold. Troubles confronting the army and the incipient nation did not erode Washington's sense of humanity. When Elizabeth Burgin, a widow who had assisted American prisoners in New York City,...
As October 1779 became November, George Washington realized that autumn had advanced too far for a combined Franco-American assault against the Bri...
International issues occupy much of Washington's attention in volume 18 of the Presidential Series, which covers 1 April through 30 September 1795. Peace agreements were made with Morocco in August and with Algiers in September. Thomas Pinckney traveled to Spain to renew negotiations over use of the Mississippi River. The fall of the Netherlands to France and the creation of the pro-French Batavian Republic there raised concerns about American finances in Europe. Washington also contended with new violations of American neutrality by British naval commanders. Washington's biggest...
International issues occupy much of Washington's attention in volume 18 of the Presidential Series, which covers 1 April through 30 Septemb...
