Aim: What were the precedents set by George Washington?

“I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.” – George WashingtonWhat is Washington saying here about all of his

actions as President?

President Washington

• Sworn in at Federal Hall in New York City on April 30, 1789, Washington would become the first President of the United States (with John Adams serving as his Vice-President)

• Reluctant to leave his retirement at Mt. Vernon to take the job, Washington understood that all of his actions would carry great historical weight

President Washington

• He understood that it was essential that he made the presidency powerful enough to function effectively, but he must keep the office from becoming so powerful that it could turn into a monarchy or dictatorship

Domestic Precedent

• As President, Washington would set a number of important precedents that future presidents would follow.

• One of the first debates was how to address the newly minted President Washington. Some suggested included:

Domestic Precedent• Most Illustrious and Excellent President

• His Majesty the President

• His Elective Highness

• His Highness, the President of the United States, and Protector of the Rights of the Same• George IV

Eventually, at Washington’s urging, they would settle on a simple “Mr. President”

Domestic Precedent

• Washington, knowing he himself did not have the expertise to run the entire country, would create and appoint the first Cabinet:– Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State– Alexander Hamilton, Secretary of the Treasury– Henry Knox, Secretary of War– Edmund Randolph, Attorney General

Domestic Precedent

• Knowing that a great many people would attempt to visit him, Washington called for only official business to be done during the day, with any meetings with friends or supporters to be done after hours

Domestic Precedent

• Washington would frequently take trips to his home at Mt. Vernon to take a break from the day-to-day stress of the Presidency, something modern Presidents continue today by visiting Camp David

Domestic Precedent

• As part of a debate between Jefferson and Hamilton, a decision was made to move the capitol out of New York City and, in 1790, the Congress asked Washington to personally pick out where the capitol would be

• Borrowing land from Maryland and Virginia, the area chosen by Washington would become Washington, D.C., a special district managed by Congress (without any Representatives!)

The French Revolution

• Washington would also step down in 1797 after serving only two terms, despite the fact that he could have easily stayed in office (this would be followed by most future presidents, and the 22nd Amendment would officially limit the terms)

The French Revolution

• Launching the same year Washington was sworn in, the French Revolution was seen by many as an extension of the American Revolution

• Thomas Jefferson would travel to France, and played a role in the writing of the Declaration of the Rights of Man

• With countries like England soon at war with a newly independent France, Washington is left with his first major hurdle: which side to take

What are some pros and cons with American involvement in the French Revolution?

Washington’s letter to the French Foreign Minister, January 1, 1796

• How is Washington referring to the French here?

• What is Washington saying the French and Americans have in common?

• Based on this, do you think the Americans are likely to aid the French? Why or why not?

The French Revolution

• After a fierce debate (with Jefferson favoring intervention and Hamilton favoring neutrality), Washington issued a Proclamation of Neutrality, officially barring any American from taking a side in the European conflict

• Despite some claims that Washington had become a “secret monarch” for supporting the British by not helping the French, Washington would set the precedent of America avoiding European conflict, something that would continue until World War I

• Do you think Washington is right to be remembered as the nations greatest President? Why or why not?