Introduction
On 4th July 1776, the thirteen states of America gained their independence in a hard fought victory against the British colonialists, in Boston, in a war led by General Washington. The colonialists’ response to punish Boston by closing its port sparked the revolt, after they had boycotted work and destroyed a tea shipment at the Boston Tea party. Even though the northern states had declared themselves independent, the war was still waged for another seven years, ending in 1783 (Foner 23).
In 1788-89 nominations, American leaders made General George Washington the first president by selecting him unanimously. However, independence came with its own challenges, with the post-colonial era being marred with disunity among a few Northern states, despite the fact that the war had joined them. President George Washington, therefore, grappled with the daunting task of trying to bring the nation together. How did he manage to unite the nation? Which techniques did he use? Thus, to answer these questions, this essay, describes literal devices, including allegory, neo-classical imagery and typology that were instrumental in the achievement of the Declarations of Independence’s concept of “We the People”.
Liberty in 1700s
Liberty has many definitions depending on the context in which it is used. My version of liberty is emancipating oneself from the colonial masters. Pre- and post- independence Americans perceived “liberty” as a combination of specific rights and privileges that were determined by one’s social status and nationality (Foner 18). The freedom, which included self-governance and the ability to pursue a particular trade, unfortunately, was only a preserve of a few.
The colonists also viewed liberty as living a sinless-life, a moral life, guided by the Biblical principles regarding the way of life. The revolution expanded the “liberties” to “English liberties”, that were applicable to all men, unlike the former. The British colonialist idea of freedom was that of “English liberty”, in which no man was above the law and enjoyed some fundamental rights as a person and property-wise, which even the king could not deny as long the individuals in question were in British colonies (Foner 27). The newfound freedom endowed the American citizens with the ability to freely elect their nations’ heroes to power, control their own resources, self-governance, and erase unconstitutional taxation.
George Washington and Unity
Artistry contributed immensely towards the achievement of the United States’ oneness by using literary and visual works, such as allegory, typology, and neo-classical imagery. These literary devices were vital in the resolution of problems that had the power to disintegrate the nation.
Use of Allegory
In his letter, dated 6th February 1778, to Governor George Clinton, George Washington fronts himself as a future father of the nation by showing his concern over the devastating impact of famine on the army (The United States History par. 1). He further appeals to people in positions of authority, including Governor Clinton, who wanted the Revolution’s success to come to their aid by providing food. By doing this, he reckons, one would have made a great contribution to a common service.
The fact that he stresses the army has been impossibly patient is indicative of his leadership abilities to keep the army intact in the face of tribulations, despite the fact that the soldiers were from all of the thirteen states, including those that were at loggerheads.
In the “THE FAREWELL ADDRESS” of 1796, George Washington prayed that the states be united and that their union last for eternity, not forgetting their brotherly love. He dedicates a great part of his speech to talking about national unity, after he beseeches the people to understand his decision not to contest the next presidential election. He then proceeds to urge the populace to re-evaluate the importance of the state’s union, which was their source of peace, happiness, prosperity, both at home and abroad.
He begs the citizenry to endeavour to preserve the merger of the states and shun any attempts that would lead to the alienation of some parts of the country (The United States Senate Historical Office 7). He reminds the nation of the trials and tribulations they have gone through as a people, but concerted efforts have made them triumphed together, despite their small disparity in religion and political ideologies.
George Washington continued to warn the nation of the potential dangers that threaten public unity such as political ties with foreigners and division of states based on geographical discriminations. George Washington spoke plainly, when he lectured the public on the destructive spirit of political parties by citing that leaders of some powerful factions would use them for self-aggrandizement, putting liberty in jeopardy (The United States Senate Historical Office 16).
Though the existence of multi-parties was probably important in monarchies because they checked the administration and upheld freedom, he warned the opposite was true in democracies. Throughout the speech, George Washington is depicted as a concerned patriarch, who does not want to see a new nation perish because of disunity. He believes the clamour for independence and he appeals to the intellect to heed to reason and subvert the vices that pose a threat to the country’s social fabric.
Neo-classical Imagery and Symbolism
Portrait of George Washington at the battle of Princeton in 1784 is one that borrows from English portraiture because the artist, Charles Wilson Peale, studied and painted in England for two years. He, however, avoids classic symbolism, but instead portrays a realistic and near accurate imagery of General George Washington. According to Princeton University Arts Museum, George Washington stands in front of three soldiers, one lying on the ground and another one bending over to help him stand, while the other waves the American flag (par. 2).
George Washington’s pose depicts a man oozing with confidence, with a subtle smile despite having a bruise under his eyes, a raised sword in his right hand and left arm gently placed on his hips. In the background, there are dark clouds with the sun starting to penetrate, and American soldiers, on horsebacks and on foot, raising their swords.
The painting shows the spoils of a war in which George Washington emerged victorious, as evidenced by his raised sword and the wave of the American flag behind him. The artist presents George Washington as a war hero, and the soldier trying to help another injured soldier behind him is indicative of the spirit of brotherliness and oneness that has seen them through the battle (Princeton University Arts Museum par. 3). This presentation is particularly true bearing in mind that George Washington’s army comprised soldiers drawn from thirteen states and he had to keep them intact when they went to fight with warring states. The sun permeating the dark clouds is symbolic of the break of a new dawn, the realization of liberty. The sword and American flag are symbols of national unity.
The Difference between Literary Texts and Neo-classical Imagery
As is evidenced in the Farewell Address, George Washington acknowledges the existence of disunity in some states and asserts the importance of togetherness by reminding the nation of what they underwent as a united people. His concerns and warnings exhibit him as a father and a war hero, who wants nothing but the best for the country in all its endeavours. In Farewell speech, President George Washington used allegory to remind the people of historical happenings that have shaped them as a nation, including the war and happenings in England.
He shows his concern for the possible abuses of liberty by establishing political parties for George Washington did not rise to power on any political party, yet he formed a strong central government and political ties with foreigners. George Washington uses speech to send a message and present himself as a symbol of unity, thanks to his experience as both a war hero and president.
In neo-classical imagery, Charles Wilson Peale, in his painting of George Washington at the battle of Princeton, depicts a man, who sacrificed a lot for his country. The painting is symbolic of a nation that went through trying times, but the unity of the people in tribulations finally made them achieve their greatest goal, liberty. Though speech is not used, the painting speaks volumes about George Washington’s ability to unite and lead Americans.
Conclusion
Artists in post-colonial era America used different literal devices to instil the notion of “We the People”, as evidenced in the speeches and portraits of George Washington. Both devices were used to assert the importance of unity, where allegories in speech were used to make Americans realize that they should first be loyal to the United States, then their individual states and uphold the letter and spirit of the American constitution, which was founded on liberty. The neo-classical imagery is used to symbolize the struggles and triumphs of people, who are united by a great political leader and a servant, George Washington. These literal works, therefore, were key in the realization of “We the People”, as captured in the Declaration of Independence.
Works Cited
Foner, Eric. “The contested history of American freedom.” History 137.1 (2013):13-31. Print.
Princeton University Arts Museum. George Washington at the Battle of Princeton, 1783–84. 2015. Web.
The United States History. Washington’s Letter to Governor George Clinton. 2011. Web.
The United States Senate Historical Office. Washington’s Farewell Address. 2000. Web.