American historians view George Washington as one of the first heroes of the United States. Even during his time he knew he was a hero and everything he did reflected his reputation. Why is George Washington held at such high respect compared to others of his time?

Washington was tall and athletic which made him look like a hero. He had what most people wanted. He never had any remarkable military strategies that won the war. From the way he spoke, we know he was not an intellectual, but he did know how to get things done. Washington was a great man because of his character. He was a very moral man and was revered because he never gave into temptation. Men of that century were respected if they were virtuous. Unlike Jefferson and Franklin, Washington took moral standards very seriously. Washington did not concern himself with science and education, he was more worried about how he presented himself to the public.

By the age of 16, Washington had compiled a book, Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation, which was 110 aphorisms of how to act as a gentlemen. It demonstrated how precise Washington was with being the perfect person. When invited to France, he did not accept because he could not speak French. Such a distinguished man speaking through an interpreter would not have made him look as good.

What may be considered one of Washington’s greatest moments is when he gave up his sword to Congress in 1783 and resigned as commander-in-chief of the American forces. He wanted nothing more to do with politics and only wanted to retire to Mount Vernon. He had earned his reputation as a hero and did not want to damage it by participating any further. He concentrated too strongly on what people would think of him. All his decisions were based on whether or not it would damage his reputation. Even his attendance to the Constitutional Convention was debated because he feared his presence would ruin his reputation.

If the Constitution was approved, then Washington figured he would be accepted because he had identified himself with it. After all that he still wanted to retire; however, too many wanted him to lead this new nation as president. Reluctantly, he accepted but not before considering what people would think of him. As president he knew he would have to be a perfect example of a gentleman. He refused to accept payment as a duty to his country and when he finally did, he spent 7% on it entertaining people.

Washington knew his presidency would set precedents on how the government would run. He shaped the executive office into the mold it is today. After a bad experience with the Senate over a treaty, Washington would no longer consult the Senate on matters of appointing officials or in making treaties, which set a precedent for future presidents as well. Because he wanted to retire so badly, it established what a republican ruler would do at the end of his term. At the end of Washington’s first term, he wanted to retire however he was convinced to run for a second term. But after his second term, no one could talk him into running again. The precedent of a president only staying in office for 8 years would stick well into the mid-20th century and then a constitutional amendment was passed to reinforce Washington’s precedent.

His retirement was miserable. He became paranoid that the French would invade the United States. In his later years he became distressed with the new political system of the United States and did not worry about his reputation in a letter to a governor.

Because Washington was such a moral man, he set the precedent by which all future presidents would be elected. Being the first president, he established the office and how it would be run. Washington’s legacy will forever be seen in the presidential office.

WORKS CITED

Carriker, Robert M. and Mary Farmer-Kaiser. Optimism, Struggle, and Growth: Readings on an Expanding American. Vol 1. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing, 2001.