Who said “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”?

Verified

George Washington. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceFirst Annual Address, to both Houses of Congress (8 January 1790).

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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“To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.”
VerifiedFirst Annual Address, to both Houses of Congress (8 January 1790). · evidencePeace

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: First Annual Address, to both Houses of Congress (8 January 1790)..

APA

Washington, G. (n.d.). To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32178-to-be-prepared-for-war-is-one-of/

MLA

Washington, George. “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32178-to-be-prepared-for-war-is-one-of/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Washington, George. “To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/32178-to-be-prepared-for-war-is-one-of/.