8.4.2

Explain the policy significance of famous speeches (e.g., Washington's Farewell Address, Jefferson's 1801 Inaugural Address, John Q. Adams's Fourth of July 1821 Address).
             Washington's farewell address, which warned against the dangers of political parties and sectionalism, was written to end his presidency of the United States after his second term in office. Before leaving his powerful position, Washington wished to motivate the United States to unite. He was concerned with the political parties that emerged after the ratification of the Constitution. Washington also advised the Americans to not show preference to any foreign country, and therefore not to make any permanent alliances. He said that taking sides of foreign countries would further divide up the United States, and make America a slave to foreign countries. Washington gave advice that America should fulfill its duties to other countries completely and honestly. Most importantly he wanted America to remain united, and to coalesce. The resulting patriotic pride would make the Americans susceptible to be taken advantage of by the other countries. He wrote that this unity would win the respect of foreign countries and America would be free from other countries trying to get in the affairs of America.
             Thomas Jefferson, who wrote the Inaugural Address of 1801 on March 4, 1801 when he became president, described the United States as a wide and fruitful land ready to expand and advance rapidly to destinies unimaginable. He wrote the inaugural address to tell about his duties as becoming a president, and to express his thanks for the people to choose him to be their political leader. He wrote that there should be equal and exact justice to all men whether they are religious or political, peace, or commerce. He wrote that error of opinion might be tolerated as long as there is reason to it. He hopes to make America a great country and will use his power wisely. If he makes mistakes, which undoubtedly he will, he hopes the people will forgive him.
             John Quincy Adam's Inaugural Address was made on July fourth of the year 1825. He tells about how he will become a great president like his predecessors. He promised to remain faithful in his duties wherever any one needs him, and do his best to preserve, protect, and defend. He would commit with humble but fearless confidence of his fate and the fate of his country.


More Information:

   1.    http://pirate.shu.edu/~luriemax/briefassign2a.htm
          Discusses Washington's Farewell Address.

   2.    http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres16.html
          Talks about Thomas Jefferson and his first Inaugural Address.

   3.    http://encarta.msn.com/encnet/features/home.aspx
          Informs people about anything about the United States' past or any interesting topic.