The Patriot Post® · Number One Remains Number One: The Washington Legacy
I often try to imagine the pressure accompanying the first presidency, and I marvel at George Washington’s quietly effective administration and his ability to bring differing factions together with a wise word and a steady stare of expectation. I smile when I envision him acting as referee or perhaps quasi-father between his two gifted cabinet members, Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson, understanding the value of differing opinions but certainly wearied by the constant bickering. (Parents, raise your hand if you understand his pride dampened by frustration.) And, truthfully, I am in awe when I consider how Washington impacted all future presidents.
Let’s think about that legacy for just a few minutes.
When Washington announced his retirement, the nation shuddered with dread. He was their general, their president, their hero, almost reminiscent of the aura associated with the Greek gods. Who could possibly fill that spot in the nation and in their hearts? Well, we will talk about #2 next week, but for today, let’s look at Washington’s legacy.
He certainly left his mark on the nation’s maps! There’s the capital city (Washington, DC), his likeness on Mount Rushmore, the Washington Monument, and the 31 counties and one parish — plus four cities — across the nation named in his honor.
In official and unofficial polls regarding the presidency, Washington most often ranks #1 and is almost always included in the top five.
His likeness along with that of Abraham Lincoln are the two most often used images when spotlighting U.S. presidents, whether in classrooms or in political ads.
While these trivia facts are fascinating, Washington’s presidency inspired trust and confidence and helped to create the executive branch. He garnered respect; exercised an almost judicial temperament during difficult times; often reflected on his role as president of “all citizens”; and attempted to act on the principles of civic virtue identified by the Greeks and Romans — self-sacrifice, leadership, moderation, and humility.
When we as citizens look to our national leaders to be the “better persons among us,” we are following the model Washington established. (Raise your hand again if you’re longing for a “better person” in all our national scenes.) Washington’s use of formal advisors also created a precedent that reminds us that one person cannot always be the most-informed individual regarding ALL issues, and counsel from others is imperative — and a sign of strength.
When Washington chose to leave the presidency after two terms, he again created a precedent that distinguishes this government from many around the world. Washington voluntarily left office and supported an election process for his successor that included a smooth transition of power to the next president. In many nations around the world, power transitions after a military coup or armed confrontation by the opposition. Washington remembered the lessons from the Roman Republic and the downfall of a government based on principles that had been overshadowed by a hunger for power.
Are there any shadows in Washington’s legacy? Few as president, but many today struggle with some of his personal failures, including the ownership of enslaved persons. While his views regarding persons of color evolved during his lifetime and he eventually freed “his” slaves through his will, he did not speak out in favor of emancipation, nor did he stop the practice of slave sales at Mount Vernon during his life. Perhaps he knew he would create rifts with his fellow Virginians; perhaps he simply struggled with the concept of emancipation. We’ll never truly know.
What was Washington’s most significant last action as president? I often come back to his “Farewell Address to the People” and marvel at his foreshadowing of future events.
Washington’s wise counsel focused on critical steps necessary to preserve the Union:
The Union bonded all Americans together and, through their shared “common dangers, sufferings and successes,” they had provided for their own freedom and prosperity. THE COUNTRY HAD TO REMAIN UNITED.
He warned against three dangers that could destroy the Union: REGIONALISM, PARTISANSHIP, AND FOREIGN ENTANGLEMENTS.
For many citizens, their primary loyalty might still be to their state or region, and Washington feared that sense of regionalism would pit neighbor against neighbor in a national conflict. “The name of American … must always exalt the just pride of patriotism more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.”
Washington also feared that increased geographic loyalties might fuel the rise of political parties, and he believed that political parties — already rearing their heads under the leadership of Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson — would divide the nation and disrupt the work necessary to sustain the republic. Washington warned that an electorate that voted on party loyalty rather than for the “common good” would create a hunger for power and dominance rather than a centered focus on the republic.
Finally, Washington believed that regionalism and partisanship would “open the door to foreign influence and corruption” as voters became less able to make reasoned, informed decisions and were instead motivated by “false alarms” raised by foreign conspirators. What was Washington’s proposed solution? A FOREIGN POLICY BASED ON NEUTRALITY. Washington suggested that the United States engage in friendly commercial relations with all without forming political treaties of alliances.
Hail, Washington, Father of our Nation!