George Washington's Farewell Address

Is it possible for such a large and diverse nation to ever exhibit the kind of unity that Washington calls for in the “Farewell Address”? In the present day, when the US is vastly more ethnically and religiously diverse, in what ways should Americans regard themselves as one people? In your answer, address how (or whether) your concept of unity differs from Washington’s.

Washington’s silence on American slavery is noteworthy, especially because he uses the term “slave” to describe a nation that is too closely intertwined with another, whether by friendship or animosity. Though he himself enslaved others, Washington apparently became more critical of it later in life—yet he never condemned slavery publicly. Is there any way Washington could have dealt with the issue of slavery without sabotaging his own case for national unity? If so, explain how. If not, explain why not.

Washington appeals to both sentiment and interest to convince Americans to value their national identity above state or local identities. Which do you think is more effective—to be loyal to your country out of instinct, as one might feel for a family member or close friend, or out of a calculation that loyalty is likely to pay off?