People usually remark that those who cannot learn from the past are destined to repeat it. However, the past is valuable but it’s not impartial and does not encompass the entirety of history. History is written by the winners, and sometimes, that is enough to change our perception of history. It’s impossible to repeat the past, but I believe that people can learn from it. I ask myself, would America’s history be different if people had followed Washington’s advice regarding factions? In Washington’s Farewell Address, he warned the American people of the “baneful effects of the Spirit of Party.” Washington was aware that there were—or at some point, would be—issues that could split the nation, but he chose to believe that the American people could peacefully compromise. He warned politicians and the American people against factions and parties because a divided nation would give rise to internal conflict and that in order for conflicts to be resolved, compromise was necessary.
He was not wrong; the Civil War began due to the conflict between Northern and Southern states who could not agree on the issue of slavery. Some critics argue that the Civil War was destined to occur because the economy and way of life differed greatly between the North and the South. While that is true, another reason is because the two main political parties, the Democrats and the Republicans, had different ideas about the future of the nation. Furthermore, the Democrats were further split into two platforms: pro-slavery and anti-slavery. This split in ideas and political groups is exactly what Washington had warned against, yet his warning was ignored. Washington was not purposely ignored, but people did seem to have the idea that his warnings were too extreme. America had been born from conflict, therefore conflict was good for America. While those beliefs are true, the Civil War was a conflict that was created and destroyed in America, with thousands of soldiers paying a high price. Peaceful compromise or agreement between the North and the South was impossible, which suggests that the Civil War could not have been prevented. It was impossible for people in the North to have the same ideas as people in the South, and compromise had already been attempted with the Missouri Compromise, the Compromise of 1850, and the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
If the Civil War was destined to occur, why did the Republican and Democratic Party have such different ideas and political platforms? The main reason stems from the difference in economy. The northern and coastal states have traditionally relied on the industrial and stock markets for its money, whereas the southern and central states relied on agricultural-based markets. This difference in markets meant that the needs of the people differ based on location. That is obvious, but it is important to realize that since the creation of America there have been many differences in opinion among the American people. Wars and conflict will inevitably arise, and politically, ideas and opinions will always be divided. However, for the most part, compromise is important because it provides some relief to the polarizing views between the Republicans and Democrats.
Recently, however, it seems that compromise has become nonexistent. Looking at the news and seeing the debates and differing views between politicians and Presidential Candidates makes it clear that compromise is not happening too often. Is this what Washington was warning us about? The danger of factions that he realized before many Americans did—or if they did realize it, they paid no attention to this warning—is that differing views would make it difficult for the country to pass laws that benefit both sides. The Senate is in an eternal deadlock between the Republicans and Democrats. If the Republicans pass legislation, the Democrats or the President vetoes it. If the Democrats pass legislation, the Republicans filibuster so that it does not pass. As a young voter, it is frustrating because I can see that nothing is getting done. Compromising is something of the past, and something that does not seem to be returning anytime soon. I believe in America and all it stands for, but it is hard when I can tell that the Senate is not willing to compromise about important issues that affect the people. Voting counts, but we have elected the senators who refuse to compromise. However, it is not just about voting. When people are frustrated, there are groups and communities that are able to set aside their differences and work together in order to achieve their goal.
These thoughts are why I have started thinking about Washington’s warnings. He was not a prophet. He did not know that the two American political parties would become extremely polarized and unwilling to compromise. It is ironic how Washington is important in history and politics today, yet no one pays attention to his advice to the American people. Polarization and an unwillingness to compromise are issues at the heart of American politics today, and I would like to see Presidential Candidates address this issue. Washington was right: factions are dangerous. I have hope that this segmented political system will change, since America cannot advance if no one is passing any important legislation.
