George Washington recognized that a nation with excessive debt would struggle to survive. Washington also knew from experience that all nations did what was in their own best interest, and encouraged America to be a friend to all and an enemy to none.

George Washington understood that for our great nation to succeed it must remain united. Although differences of opinion were to be expected, Americans could not allow these disagreements to split us apart. Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses Washington’s thoughts on unity, delivered in his Farewell Address, and why it still matters today.

One of our nation’s most significant documents, George Washington’s Farewell Address, was not really an address but rather a letter written by Washington to his fellow citizens as he neared the end of his second term. Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses the reasons that drove Washington not to seek a third term, and why it still matters today.

The Pinckney Treaty ended a border dispute with Spain, opened the Mississippi and New Orleans to commerce and helped bring our nation closer together.

During his second term, George Washington kept the United States at peace and improved our nation’s economy. But most importantly, at the end of his term, he willingly gave up the power of the Presidency, something leaders at that time did not do.

When the United States Constitution was created, one innovation was a more powerful executive. Everyone knew there was only one man conscientious enough to be entrusted with the job – George Washington. However, there was no guide to follow and no predecessor to lean on.

It is important to understand the challenges faced by the Founders in creating our new federal system. As James Madison wrote, "the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”

It is important to understand the challenges faced by the Founders in creating our new federal system. As James Madison wrote, "the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”