George Washington and America’s Future

Found in: George Washington: A Collection

In this brief passage, George Washington discusses the fortuitous circumstances both of America’s founding and its physical characteristics almost ordained by God for success:

Revolution

The Citizens of America, placed in the most enviable condition, as the sole Lords and Proprietors of a vast Tract of Continent, comprehending all the various soils and climates of the World, and abounding with all the necessaries and conveniencies of life, are now by the late satisfactory pacification, acknowledged to be possessed of absolute freedom and Independency; They are, from this period, to be considered as the Actors on a most conspicuous Theatre, which seems to be peculiarly designated by Providence for the display of human greatness and felicity; Here, they are not only surrounded with every thing which can contribute to the completion of private and domestic enjoyment, but Heaven has crowned all its other blessings, by giving a fairer oppertunity for political happiness, than any other Nation has ever been favored with. (FROM CIRCULAR TO THE STATES, Head Quarters, Newburgh, June 14, 1783)

Thoughts

Here America’s first President uses language that in some ways foreshadows his “Farewell Address” some 13 years later as he was stepping down after serving both as the nation’s chief executive and head of the military during the War of Independence. Both addresses show Washington as focused on America itself and its position removed from direct connection to Europe, albeit it still linked historically and commercially. Interestingly, here he hints that America’s land and resources promise great economic and political success, although as political economists now know, resource wealth can very well create problems in political and economic development - so called Dutch Disease. His reference to “all its other blessings” is clarified as the letter continues to discuss the unique historical and philosophical traditions that were emerging from Europe, particularly the rise of the individual and the Enlightenment, which helped fertilize the ground for the new nation.

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