Instead of undertaking particular recommendations on this subject, in which I could be guided by no lights derived from official opportunities, I shall again give way to my entire confidence in your discernment and pursuit of the public good; for I assure myself that whilst you carefully avoid every alteration which might endanger the benefits of an united and effective government, or which ought to await the future lessons of experience, a reverence for the characteristic rights offreemen and a regard for the public harmony will sufficiently influence your deliberations on the question how far the former can be impregnably fortified or the latter be safely and advantageously promoted. He shows syntax through anaphora, repetition, and parallelism. He supported the idea of the creation of a centralized bank of the United States to help make the economy strong with the use of paper currency. [3][4], George Washington's First Inaugural Address Analysis, Introduction After the failure of the Articles of Confederation, Americans not only needed a stronger Constitution they also needed a strong leader, enter George Washington. Documents, President George Washington's First Inaugural . Sadd, N.Y. Prints & Photographs [1] However, logistical delays prevented the actual start of the operations of the Executive Branch on that day. Aware of the importance of this It includes an essay While the final price tag for Trumps inauguration could be upwards of $200 million,[18] the first such event was a more frugal affair. Washington's first inauguration. in Federal Hall in the nation's new capital, New York City. 1948-1957. George The Presidency Lincoln gives this address during the American Civil War, when politics were highly debated and there was a lot of disagreement. of Kansas, 1974. [7], Along the way, Washington received triumphal welcomes in almost every town he passed through. The present situation of the world is indeed without a parallel and that of our own country full of difficulties. Lincoln accomplishes this by making use of Kairos, which having his argument being at the opportune moment. of the United States. Why Founding Fathers Were Strapped for Cash", "11 strange moments from past US presidential inaugurations", "George Washington Gave Shortest Inaugural Talk", "Washington National Cathedral: Presiential Inaugural Prayer Services", Text of George Washington's inaugural speech, Text of Washington's First Inaugural Address, Initiated, co-wrote, 1769 Virginia Association, 178889 United States presidential election, Longfellow HouseWashington's Headquarters National Historic Site, George Washington and the Revolutionary War Door, General George Washington Resigning His Commission, George Washington Taking the Salute at Trenton, Washington and Jefferson National Forests, WashingtonRochambeau Revolutionary Route, United States Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Jefferson Memorial Committee of Five pediment, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=First_inauguration_of_George_Washington&oldid=1148827418, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. The new President then lists principles he will use to guide him through the challenges of his new position, including maintaining neutrality, fostering a spirit of independence, and respecting the rights of states. I walk on untrodden ground.. Inaugurating the Republic: Congress and George Washington's First Previous to the execution of any official act of the President the Constitution requires an oath of office. With one exception, his first inaugural address did not contain Running only 134 words in length it was marked as the shortest inaugural address in American history. Millions of people from around the world tuned in to watch the president give his address. In 1796, Jefferson, a powerful advocate of liberty, assumed the role as a leader of the, George Washington became the first president under the new Constitution on April 30, 1789. This ratification granted personal freedoms such as the right to bear arms, free speech and the right to a just trial. First Inaugural Address by Thomas Jefferson In these my confidence will under every difficulty be best placed, next to that which we have all been encouraged to feel in the guardianship and guidance of that Almighty Being whose power regulates the destiny of nations, whose blessings have been so conspicuously dispensed to this rising Republic, and to whom we are bound to address our devout gratitude for the past, as well as our fervent supplications and best hopes for the future. A variety of boats surrounded him during the voyage, and Washington's approach was greeted by a series of cannon fire, first a thirteen gun salute by the Spanish warship Galveston, then by the North Carolina, and finally by other artillery. Martha was not pleased about the prospective move to New York City undercutting her dreams of a well-deserved retirement. I sincerely, for my part, wished all set ceremony in the hands of the dancing masters, and that this first of men had read off his address in the plainest manner, without ever taking his eyes from the paper, for I felt hurt that he was not first in everything. On the morning of April 30, Washington took the oath of office in the second-floor portico at the top of Broad Street. When people are instructed, they have capacities to do evil and blind obedience sometimes leads to disasters. Washington Papers. Proofs of this were seen in the improvements of agriculture, in the successful enterprises of commerce, in the progress of manufacturers and useful arts, in the increase of the public revenue and the use made of it in reducing the public debt, and in the valuable works and establishments everywhere multiplying over the face of our land. and the New Nation, 1783-1793. Do Solemnly Swear" Inaugural Materials from the On GovInfo, these addresses are included within the daily and bound versions of the Congressional Record. of Congress, American Boston: Little, Brown, Intro 1-86-NARA-NARA or 1-866-272-6272, Advisory Committee on the Records of Congress. Humphreys had the advantage of proximity. It concerns myself, and will therefore be as brief as possible. Thomson announced his discovery . Obamas purpose is to express his gratitude for his opportunity to become president and discuss his plans for economic advancement. [11] Afterwards, Livingston shouted "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!" Lincolns reelection showed the faith of the people in Lincolns ability to lead, and to bring the nation back under one banner. He takes full responsibility . This was the first inauguration to take place in Philadelphia ( then the nation's capital ), and took place exactly four years after the new federal government began operations under the U.S. Constitution . While many recognize him as one of the most important figures in U.S history, others only recognize him by one of his multiple accomplishments; he was the 1st president of the United States. Fellow-Citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my Country to execute the functions of its Chief Magistrate. In his speech he mentions the constitution's, executive department, and the system that most citizens dont like.honesty and generosity leads to great leads to great things. This unexceptionable course could not avail against the injustice and violence of the belligerent powers. In this conflict of emotions all I dare aver is that it has been my faithful study to collect my duty from a just appreciation of every circumstance by which it might be affected. January 20, 2001. One month before the end of the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln stood and delivered a very unique Inaugural Address, not only because it was his second, but because it was structured very different from others. The points being his decision not to be considered for a 3rd term, his advice to the country to stand united, and his advice to the future leaders of the country concerning foreign policy., Unity was needed, and George washington had delivered it during his inaugural speech. The Senate first achieved a quorum on April 6, and elected John Langdon as its first president pro tempore. [7] Thousands had gathered on the waterfront to see him arrive. Once the inaugural was completed, with the streets too crowded to accommodate coaches, Washington waded through the cheering crowd to give a prayer of thanksgiving at St. Pauls Chapel, then attended a private dinner at New York Chancellor Robert Livingstons house followed by a night of fireworks in a strange city that he would now call his own. First inauguration of George Washington - Wikipedia Second inauguration of George Washington - Wikipedia He wants his audience to realize that this division will only persist if no one settles the current issues in society. Its actual operation was a blank slate. his first In George Washington 's very 1st inaugural, he uses three rhetorical strategies: personification, amplification, and last but not least, repitition to convey what he truly wants for the States and why a successful Constitution should be in order. Being the first president of the United States presented many challenges because there were no precedents here to for to follow, it was a constant learning situation with many trials and tribulations. American Elements of the ceremony set. But the source to which I look or the aids which alone can supply my deficiencies is in the well-tried intelligence and virtue of my fellow-citizens, and in the counsels of those representing them in the other departments associated in the care of the national interests. Discuss their answers. Washington: A Biography. No other president, when giving an inaugural address, had thought to talk on the state of the union, instead feeling content with just a smile and a quick thankyou speech to their voters. The people who voted for and against him are both wanting to hear what the president has to say. On April 30, 1789, George Washington delivered his first George He said: "Fellow citizens: I am again called upon by the voice of my country to execute the functions of its chief magistrate. In the following years after George Washington's administration was John Adams and succeeding him was the Third President of the United States Thomas Jefferson. precedents during his first inauguration: the swearing-in Such being the impressions under which I have, in obedience to the public summons, repaired to the present station, it would be peculiarly improper to omit in this first official act my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect, that His benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the people of the United States a Government instituted by themselves for these essential purposes, and may enable every instrument employed in its administration to execute with success the functions allotted to his charge. I may, however, be pardoned for not suppressing the sympathy with which my heart is full in the rich reward he enjoys in the benedictions of a beloved country, gratefully bestowed or exalted talents zealously devoted through a long career to the advancement of its highest interest and happiness. [22] Accordingly, the Right Rev. Although flattered by such suggestions, was not interested in the. 1st United States presidential inauguration, Annals of Congress, Vol. Former Illinois State Senator and soon to be Forty-fourth president of the United States, Barack Hussein Obama, recounts what happened in the past to make America what is today and how he intends to maintain the ideas of Americas founding fathers throughout his term of presidency. [11], Upon his arrival at Federal Hall, then the nation's capitol and the site where the 1st United States Congress met, Washington was formally introduced to the House and Senate, after which Vice President John Adams announced it was time for the inauguration (Adams had already assumed the office of Vice President on April 21, when he began presiding over the Senate sessions). He crossed the Hudson into the capital city on a barge surrounded by tall ships and celebratory cannon fire, accompanied by the strains of God Save the King. The city boasted a population of 50,000 people, but its character was already established. The first major theme of Washington's address involved the role he and others . Further, the peaceful transition from his presidency to the presidency of John Adams established a tradition that continues into the 21st century. . Of those of my immediate predecessor it might least become me here to speak. He didn't want the money. Washington's relationship to Mary was rocky, but he mourned her death. New York: Penguin Press, 2010. In tendering this homage to the Great Author of every public and private good, I assure myself that it expresses your sentiments not less than my own, nor those of my fellow- citizens at large less than either. "[21], Three days before George Washington took the oath of office as the first president of the United States, Congress passed the following resolution: Resolved, That after the oath shall have been administered to the President, he, attended by the Vice President and members of the Senate and House of Representatives, shall proceed to St. Pauls Chapel, to hear divine service. It had to appeal to all of the people, and the wealthy and the poor in order to gain the votes of the different states. One month after this speech, Robert E. Lee would surrender at Appomattox, and only forty days after the speech, Lincoln would be shot at point blank range by John Wilkes Booth, whom had been within eyesight of Lincoln when he gave this address, starting one of the largest man hunts of the time., The story is told of a union soldier who during the early days of the Civil War in America was arrested on the charges of desertion., This document is written by the new President of the United States of 1977, Rutherford B. Hayes at his inaugural address which it addresses the citizens of the United States informing them what he is going to do while he is in office. Rhetorical Analysis Of George Washington's Inaugural Address The Library of Congress digital collections include a wide variety of primary source materials documenting presidential inaugurations. Washington replied immediately, and set out two days later for New York City,[6] accompanied by David Humphreys and Thomson. While John Adams took his side as Vice Presidendent. He oversaw the creation of a strong, well-financed national government that maintained neutrality in the wars raging in Europe, suppressed rebellion, and won acceptance among Americans of all types. Inaugural Address, "I Do Solemnly Swear": Washington was hailed as "father of his country" even during his lifetime. George Washington passed through several cities -- including State Papers, House New York: Scribner, Two main themes characterized the April 30, 1789 inaugural address of President George Washington. Washington to Henry Knox addressing the quality of While John Adams took his side as Vice Presidendent. Obedience has many functions. As a president of America, the credibility of Lyndon Baines Johnson is well-established. And throughout these tumultuous times, tensions were high among all Americans. George Washington was elected president in 1789, leading the country in a new direction. In addition to the Constitutionally-mandated Oath of Office, Presidents since George Washington have customarily given inaugural addresses upon assuming office. Madison pronounced it so strange a production and quickly decamped to Mount Vernon for a week, where they worked on a new, slimmer draft. Ask the students to write a newspaper article about Washington's first or second inaugural address. George Washington was not looking forward to his first inaugural. In fact, Washington confided in his nephew that at least part of the reason he took the job was the salary, as my means are not adequate to the expense at which I have lived since my retirement. George Washington I dwell on this prospect with every satisfaction which an ardent love for my country can inspire, since there is no truth more thoroughly established than that there exists in the economy and course of nature an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness; between duty and advantage; between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous policy and the solid rewards of public prosperity and felicity; since we ought to be no less persuaded that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained; and since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican model of government are justly considered, perhaps, as deeply, as finally, staked on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people. He wore white stockings and a modest brown broadcloth suit specially ordered from the Hartford Woolen Manufactory in Connecticut, with metal buttons adorned with eagles, while a ceremonial sword hung by his side.