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December 16, 2009
210 years ago....
Yesterday marked the 210th anniversary of George Washington's death, and Michael McNeil has a fascinating overview of the man and his life. Despite his immense importance, notes McNeil, Washington is more of a mystery now than ever. This year (2009) marks the 210th anniversary of the passing (on earthdate 1799-12-15) of the man who, first as a general in war, won the freedom of the people of the United States of America; thence in peace -- after the ignominious failure of the first American constitution, the Articles of Confederation -- presided by acclamation over the Constitutional Convention, composed of all-time exceptionally clear-headed political thinkers, which drafted the Constitution of the United States, still in effect today (a monumental achievement compared with the experience of almost every other country in the world); and finally served two terms as the first constitutional President of the unified American nation. Beyond these monumental achievements -- which one might judge, due to the outstanding example presented to his successors and posterity, as equal to all the preceding actions of his eventful career -- was his final voluntary withdrawal after those elected terms of office, retiring to his Mount Vernon estate and removing himself entirely from subsequent politics. These actions made Washington him the stuff of legend -- almost deliberately hearkening back to Republican Rome in its grandeur.Except you don't need to let it be the end of your inquiry today. Simply go to Michael McNeil's blog, check out his own essays, scroll down to read Van Loon's Washington and look at some wonderful images. It is no exaggeration to say that George Washington's leadership of the country in its infancy has ensured that we have never had an emperor, dictator or military coup. His importance cannot be underestimated, and it's never too late to learn why. posted by Eric on 12.16.09 at 07:18 PM |
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Washington created the United States of America thru honor, dignity, and sheer force of personality. He was a wealthy Virginia planter who was able to ride into Boston and assume command of a rebel army made up of Yankee small farmers and make it work. As top general faced with incredible adversity he never lost hope, and never gave in. He kept the war going until the British had had enough and sailed home. With the Revolutionary War won, Washington publicly resigned his Army command, and quashed a treasonous movement among disgruntled Continental Army officers without even raising his voice. He made the constitutional convention work merely by his presence. With Washington in the room, all the delegates strove to emulate Washington's fairness and honor. Had Washington not been there, the convention could easily have broken up thru squabbling among the delegates. Finally Washington retired after two terms as President, setting an example that persisted until 1940.
Washington was historic not so much for his deeds, impressive as they were, but for his personality which brought a bunch of fractious rebels to cooperate and win. Without Washington the Revolution would have failed.