One key passage from Washington's farewell address is:
"...against the insidious wiles of foreign influence (I conjure you to believe me, fellow-citizens,) the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake; since history and experience prove, that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of Republican Government. But that jealousy, to be useful, must be impartial; else it becomes the instrument of the very influence to be avoided, instead of a defense against it..."
In this passage, Washington emphasizes the importance of being aware and cautious of foreign influence. He urges the American people to remain vigilant and understand that history and experience have shown foreign influence to be detrimental to a republican government. By calling it a "bane of Republican Government," he highlights the seriousness of the threat and the need to guard against it.
Washington also stresses the need for impartiality in one's vigilance and jealousy. He recognizes that while it is natural to be suspicious of foreign influence, this suspicion should not be used as a tool to further certain interests or agendas. Instead, it should serve as a defense against foreign influence itself.
This passage reveals Washington's deep understanding of the potential dangers that foreign influence can pose to a nation's sovereignty and democratic governance. He acknowledges that foreign powers may attempt to influence domestic affairs, and unless the American people remain impartial and vigilant, they risk succumbing to this influence and compromising the principles of a republican government.
Overall, this key passage from Washington's farewell address highlights his concerns about the vulnerability of the young nation to foreign influence and the necessity of maintaining vigilance and impartiality to safeguard its republican principles.
Analyze a key passage from Washington's farewell address
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