George Washington's Ambition: Why He Wanted to Be President

Many people believe that George Washington did not want to be president, even claiming to have a grandfather in common with him who was eager for the role. However, this could not be further from the truth. Washington's desire to serve as president was deeply rooted in his desire to fulfill his duty to his country and ensure its stability.

My Personal Experience

When I was a student, I heard the claim that Washington did not want to be president, and I never truly believed it. Who wouldn't want to hold the highest office in the land? In my forties, I had the opportunity to visit Mount Vernon, his plantation. The beauty of the place made me reflect on the man who had called it home. For the first time, I thought, 'Yes, this is a wonderful place. A man could be very happy here.'

Washington's Ambitions Beyond the Presidency

What George Washington truly wanted was to be a country gentleman and the general of his Majesty's army. He had achieved the first, and he had also earned the respect of his countrymen, a value that was very important to him. His plantation was successful, and he had worked hard to reach a point where he considered his life to be good.

However, fate had other plans for him. His service to his country drew him back into the political arena, despite his preference to remain at Mount Vernon. Stepping down after two terms as president cemented his position as one of the great leaders of his time, both in America and around the world.

Why He Refused to Be King

Even though he refused to be king, he did not do so because he did not want to be president. It is more accurate to say that he was against the idea of becoming a king, which would be a permanent position with many benefits. Why deny oneself such a role when it offers stability and respect?

Washington's Retirement and the Newburgh Conspiracy

Washington's first retirement from national leadership did not come completely voluntarily. He resigned as commander-in-chief at the end of 1783, forced by Congress’s failure to pay the army and approve any of its plans for a peacetime army. The alternatives were furloughing, dismissing, or disbanding the army, or the army proclaiming a coup. This was an attempt to pressure Washington into establishing a government that could pay them against Congress and state recalcitrance. A blatantly undemocratic coup would have destroyed Washington’s reputation and leadership.

The government was paralyzed in part due to the weak powers of the Congress of the Confederation, which had been further weakened by states' opposition. Congress had twice proposed an amendment to the Articles of Confederation to grant them the power to lay a 5% duty on imports, but this required the consent of all thirteen states. By 1786, the efforts for a convention were already starting, and it was always assumed that Washington would preside over the convention and become the executive of the resulting federal government.

It is not that Washington avoided or declined leadership; rather, he took a realistic and dignified path. He stepped down to let the country's needs and the procedural constraints of the time guide the process.

Conclusion

George Washington's desire to be president was driven by his sense of duty, respect for his country, and the desire for stability. It is a common misconception that he did not want the role. Rather, his actions were a testament to his commitment and the limitations of the time.

For anyone seeking to understand the complexities of George Washington's legacy, a visit to Mount Vernon or a deeper dive into his post-war life provides a rich and enlightening experience. His ambitions and the circumstances that surrounded his decision-making offer a fascinating look into one of America's greatest leaders.