War of Independence
George Washingtons Legacy
Washington Stands Down
A triumphant general in Washingtons position might have tried to seize power, but Washington, like other Americans, saw himself and his army as agents of the Continental Congress. During the war, he deferred to its directives even when he disagreed with them. At wars end, he returned to private life.
On December 23, 1783, Washington appeared before the Congress meeting in Annapolis, Maryland, and surrendered his commission as general and commander in chief. Per order of Congress, he signaled his deference to the members by bowing; in return, they denoted their authority by only lifting their hats. Washington then bid them farewell and returned to his farm.
A New Commander in Chief
In 1789, a new constitution delineated structures and functions of a federal government, and strengthened the foundation for a government of law. After spirited public debate, and an agreement to add amendments protecting individuals liberties and states rights, eleven states ratified the Constitution in 1787–88; the last two joined them in 1789 and 1790. On April 30, 1789, George Washington became the nations first president.
Under the Constitution, the president is commander in chief of the army and navy. Washington initially saw his role as that of a general: he took to the field with troops when farmers in western Pennsylvania challenged a federal tax on whiskey. But ultimately he established the convention of commanding the military as a civilian.