2. Timeline
1732 – Born in Virginia
1752 – Joined Virginia’s militia
1754 – Became local war hero due to letters home
1758 – “Retirement” from militia
1759 – Marriage to widow Martha, becomes stepfather to her two
children
1775 – Named Commander-in-Chief of newly formed Continental
Army
1781 – Accepted surrender of the British at Yorktown
1783 – Retired his commission, returned to Mount Vernon
1787 – Participated in Constitutional Convention
1789 – Unanimously elected 1st President of United States
1793 – Unanimously elected to second term
1797 – Final retirement from public service
1799 – Died at the age of 67
3. Alignment of Domains
Family – Martha was with him as much as possible, including
at winter quarters every year of the war
Community – Washington viewed himself as public property,
and remarked in retirement that he and Martha hadn’t had a
private dinner in 20 years
Work – He viewed his work in war and peace as vital to the
happiness of his family, community, and nation
Self – He stayed true to his values and principles despite
tremendous temptation
4. The Man Who Would Not Be
King
Throughout the war and after, the Continental Army
(justifiably) felt mistreated by Congress
◦ Issues of compensation, food, equipment, etc.
Many within the army and elsewhere wanted Washington to
set himself up as King, and everyone knew it would be easy
◦ An adoring public and 26,000 loyal troops angry at Congress
Washington had always said he would simply return to Mount
Vernon once the war was over
◦ Upon hearing that, King George III famously said that if
Washington actually did so, he would be “the greatest man in
the world”
5. The Man Who Would Not Be
King
Washington responded to the proposed coup with the
following speech:
“...And let me conjure you, in the name of our
Common Country, as you value your own sacred
honor, as you respect the rights of humanity, and as
you regard the Military and National Character of
America, to express Your utmost horror and
detestation of the Man who wishes, under any
specious pretences, to overturn the liberties of our
Country, and who wickedly attempts to open the flood
Gates of Civil discord, and deluge our rising Empire in
Blood.”
6. The Man Who Would Not Be
King
Resisted calls to put his name forth for presidency,
but ultimately acquiesced and was unanimously
elected
◦ As the first, Washington was hyperaware of the dangers of
setting precedent, and eschewed the appearance of
monarchy
Fought harder against serving a second term, but
gave in and was unanimously elected again
Flatly refused to allow his name to be put forth for a
third term and retired
◦ Set 2-term precedent that lasted 150 years until FDR
7. Lessons
Family can be integrated into unusual domains
Precedent can have more impact than we can
foresee
For strong leaders, the ability and willingness to
cede control for the good of others will set you
apart
