In the musical Hamilton, there’s a scene in which King George III reacts to the news that George Washington is retiring from public life.
Declaring himself “perplexed” by this act, the British king admits, “I wasn’t aware that was something a person could do,” provoking a round of audience laughter. The scene recalls an event that took place in 1796 at the end of Washington’s two terms as president. It was the second time that the “father of his country” voluntarily relinquished power.
The first time was at the end of the American Revolution in 1783, when he appeared before Congress to resign his commission. Dec. 23, 2020, marks the 237th anniversary of that event.
After more than two centuries of peaceful transitions of power, it’s easy to take this moment for granted. We are used to seeing presidents come and go. In Washington’s world, where even the most enlightened monarchs and emperors believed in their divine right to rule, leaving power was practically unheard of. It is this context that makes our first president’s actions unique and worthy of celebration.
In Washington’s time, Russia’s Catherine the Great ruled her empire for 34 years while Great Britain’s George III, France’s Louis XV, and China’s Qianlong ruled theirs for six decades, each serving until death. It was typical then for people to experience only one or two heads of state during their lifetimes.
In 18th-century Great Britain, prime ministers left office but usually after losing their peers’ confidence in Parliament. Military leaders, after successful conquests, often parlayed their victories into absolute power, as Oliver Cromwell did in the 17th century and Napoleon Bonaparte would do in the 19th century.
It was in this world of lifelong rulers that Washington left power to become a private citizen, not once but twice: first, after winning the war of independence, and second, after reluctantly serving two terms as president. These actions stunned almost everyone, reportedly leading George III to declare Washington “the greatest man in the world.”
His actions become even more impressive when we consider the unique challenges of the revolution. The Americans sought to create a republic, something that had been done in cities but never successfully among nation-states. There was a consensus across the West that modern states, especially a union of them, required centralized governance to maintain social and political cohesion.
There were many patriots who, despite fighting a war against an oppressive British king to establish a republic, doubted a republic could work in America. Near the end of the war, a military officer named Lewis Nicola even wrote to Washington advising him to take power as a sort of king.
Washington utterly rejected Nicola’s suggestion, telling him “to banish these thoughts from your mind.” For years, the commander had fought for the belief that the people, then and now, could govern themselves without a king. After all the vicissitudes of war, he still held on to that principle.
None of this is to say that Washington was a perfect man. He repeatedly expressed his awareness of his limitations. He made his share of mistakes as a military leader, could be harsh with his subordinates, and yes, owned slaves.
It is in the light of his humanity, however, that Washington’s deeds shine ever brighter. Like everyone, he struggled with vanities and insecurities. He faced temptations to stay in power, not just to enjoy its trappings but also to secure everything he had worked for. Even the lowliest of managers today feels tempted to micromanage their subordinates for fear that they will ruin everything by not doing things their way.
In spite of his human frailties, Washington resisted that temptation at the highest levels of power. He trusted the people enough to let them determine their destiny. In doing so, he rewrote the expectations people had of their leaders and the very definition of political greatness. True statesmanship was no longer measured merely by conquest but by adherence to principle and service to the people. Napoleon Bonaparte, who crowned himself emperor, faced comparisons with the American commander, noting, “[I]t was wished that I might become a Washington.”
To many, Washington is remembered merely as “the first president.” But this Dec. 23, at a time when many people doubt their nation’s exceptionalism, let us remember this most exceptional of leaders and, more importantly, let us be worthy of the profound faith he had in us.
Richard Lim is the co-founder and host of the This American President podcast.
