George Washington, our first President, continues to be a hero to many, highly esteemed in both United States and world history. He's an almost mythical figure, and was even one in his own day. So what was it that made him so great?
I want to argue that of his many admirable traits, his entire reputation was defined by a singular action. Had he acted differently he wouldn't be the man fondly remembered today. It's this that makes George Washington completely unusual and special in the realm of political power. Let's run through some options.
Was it his skill as a business man and farmer? Washington's home, Mount Vernon (a place just outside DC everyone should visit) is a fine example of a well-to-do 18th century plantation. His letters show a consistent interest in how the farm operated and profited, even during his Presidency. In 1797 a distillery was built on site, the largest in the country, producing rye whiskey and more in a successful venture. Washington also, often aggressively and recklessly, speculated on vast chucks of other land (including west in the Ohio Valley) that began with payment for his role in the French and Indian War. He may have been the largest landholder in the country at the time of his death. Considered the 'richest' man in America, his wealth was constantly tied up in land and contained other holdings (including a majority of the slaves) technically owned by his wife Martha. This was never what defined him, though it positioned him well in colonial American society.
How about his military leadership? This is certainly more well known, especially his service during the American Revolution, and where he started to be considered a man of destiny. He saw action as a colonel and regimental commander during the French and Indian War, and in fact he may have started it. Even then he led soldiers from the middle of the fighting and the bullets always somehow missed, something that continued through the revolution.
'The right wing, where I stood, was exposed to and received all the enemy's fire ... I heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound.'
- George Washington, in a letter to his brother, 1754 (link)
Due to his record in the only other war of the time, a lack of other options, and his prominence in the colonies, Washington was the prime contender to lead the Continental Army after revolution broke out. He clearly knew this, showing up to the Continental Congress wearing his military uniform. Throughout the war he greatly wanted to be aggressive. After a few early successes like Boston and Trenton however, he was largely forced to avoid major engagement against the British between the loss of New York and the eventually decisive victory at Yorktown. So while he played a hugely important role, as the face of the revolution, the force behind the organization of the army, the head of an impressive intelligence ring, and more, he also wasn't some sort of strategic or tactical genius. The military record is clearly a big part of Washington, though it wasn't everything.
His time as President, then? Just like he was the right fit for head of the Continental Army, no one else could've reasonably been our nation's first President. He was the only person that could unite the very disjointed states. His leadership during the first eight years of the young country was certainly invaluable, but policy wasn't a huge strength of his and the machinery of government had to be built from scratch. Like during the revolution, Washington in office did show a natural talent for decision making and an uncanny ability to elevate talented individuals while moderating any more extreme tendencies. Alexander Hamilton was just one, though the most prominent, example of this and he dominated domestic policy in Washington's first administration. Washington also had to overcome the increasingly fractured politics of the country, and he likely handled differences with Thomas Jefferson and the 'Republicans' better than anyone else could've. Still, he was there to hold the country together, not because of pure political skill or inclination.
It was something else altogether. It was the capability, through foresight and humility, to give up the power he had gained. Earlier I said it was a 'singular action' but he actually did this twice, making him all the more remarkable.
In 1783, after the Treaty of Paris officially ended the war, Washington rode to the Continental Congress meeting in Annapolis, Maryland and resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He was easily the most powerful individual in America at the time, and at the head of the army likely could've seized control of the young and now independent country. According to the so-called Newburgh Letter, this was a preferable outcome to some. But like Cincinnatus before him, Washington retired and returned to life as a farmer. He thought he was done with public service.
'I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act of my Official life, by commending the Interests of our dearest Country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping. Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of Action; and bidding an Affectionate farewell to this August body under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my Commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.'
- George Washington, December 23, 1783 (link)
Of course he wasn't done. Elected in 1788-89, and re-elected in 1792, he served eight years as President under the newly ratified Constitution. Once again Washington realized the country was greater than himself, and that the country needed to learn to live without him, so he declined to run for a third term in 1796. (He certainly could've won the office as long as he lived.) In doing so he established two things. First was the peaceful transition of power that's always been a hallmark of American government. Second was a precedent that a President would serve no more than two terms, ensuring regular turnover. Only one man broke his example, though another came close. Following FDRs death, the 22nd Amendment codified the precedent going forward. Washington's Farewell Address is an all-time great document, which includes expressions of gratitude for his years of public service and prescient warnings on how the spirit of the age, of American republicanism, may be lost.
This part caught my eye:
'The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge, natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism. The disorders and miseries, which result, gradually incline the minds of men to seek security and repose in the absolute power of an individual; and sooner or later the chief of some prevailing faction, more able or more fortunate than his competitors, turns this disposition to the purposes of his own elevation, on the ruins of Public Liberty.'
George Washington in his Farewell Address, first published September 19, 1796
The revolutionary generation was wise to put George Washington in charge. Even as he left office, and the public sphere, he had the best interest of the American people and their new and fragile government in mind. I think what I'm seeking to describe here is Washington's character. As a boy, he said 'I cannot tell a lie.' As a man he attained the pinnacle of power and gave it up, twice. That's what defines him, more so than his many other talents. That's what made the man, the myth, the legend.
If you're wondering, yes, this is essentially a massive subtweet. The implicit contrast being made here should be easy to figure out.
I love GW! Without a doubt on of the most amazing men to have ever walked the planet. We can definitely use a man like him these days.