In his Farewell Address, Washington explains that he chose to abandon the idea of retiring after his first term because of his deep concern for the stability and future of the young country. He believed that the success of the American experiment depended on the unity of the states, and he feared that if he were to retire, it could lead to disunity and factionalism among the people. Additionally, he believed that he could use the influence and prestige of his office to help guide the country through the challenges that lay ahead, such as issues of foreign relations, economic development, and the preservation of democratic values.