Time in Office
Though Washington longed to return to Mount Vernon, it was not to be.
Instead, he was unanimously chosen as the president in 1789.
John Adams, the runner-up, was designated as vice president. Washington had no roadmap to follow. Instead, he went about building one.
Even the basic question of how to address him as president was debated.
George Washington delivering his inaugural address in April 1789, in the Old City Hall. Image Courtesy: Library of Congress
Washington finally determined that the mere ‘Mr President’ would suffice.
He shook hands with no one and returned salutations with a bow. Washington regarded himself as being above politics.
He filled out his Cabinet with luminaries such as Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton Henry Knox and Edmund Randolph.
When war broke out between France and England in 1793, he charted a course of strict neutrality.
Washington was not keen on a second term, but agreed for the good of the nation. Unfortunately, his term was dominated by rancour between Hamilton and Jefferson.
When he finally decided to leave office, Washington issued a heartfelt plea for unity. Washington returned to Mount Vernon.
Less than three years later, Washington would pass away.
Legacy
Washington is widely regarded as the Founding Father of America.
He is also thought to be among the greatest, if not the greatest, presidents in US history. Washington could have had a third term if he’d like. Perhaps even a fourth.
Instead, he chose to cede power and walk away. In doing so, he set an example for his successors – and the entire country.
He gave the country a firm hand and a sober temperament when it needed it the most.
His stance on slavery is a little more complicated. Though Washington knew that the institution was an abomination and freed his slaves in his will, he did little to take it on.
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Publish date : 2024-10-20 04:30:00
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