Review: Return of George Washington

I have a friend who once described the time between our high school graduation and when he settled down as his “Loser Years.”

George Washington had a similar period in his life from 1783 and 1789, though “loser years” may not fit. Having served eight years as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army continuously from 1775 to 1783, Washington undoubtedly deserved a break before serving another eight years as the first President of the United States.

But what did he do during those six years in-between?

• He wrote a blueprint for a national army and “well-disciplined militia” in “Sentiments on a Peace Establishment” and wrote a circular letter to the 13 state governments appealing for unity.
  
  
• He retired, which blew everyone’s mind, because European leaders predicted he’d declare himself king. Even though the Newburgh conspiracy gave him the opportunity, he encouraged the army to submit to civilian government.
  
  
• He got his estate in order, and tried [unsuccessfully] to collect rent from squatters in his “western” land holdings.
  
  
• He encouraged development along the Potomac River, and brokered the Mount Vernon Compact between Maryland and Virginia in 1785.
  
  
• He wavered about going to the Constitutional Convention, but ultimately went, and (naturally) served as its president. His goal was to help “form a more perfect union” of the states, and the Constitution reflects much of what his Virginia delegation and Benjamin Franklin’s (Pennsylvania) discussed beforehand.
  
  
• He campaigned for the Constitution’s acceptance, and was (obviously) elected the first President of the United States, though he did not campaign for the position.
  
  
• The book concludes with the inaugural parade.

The best parts of the book are the ones that provide context for how the Constitution developed. Why was slavery treated as a minor issue in the Constitution? Why wasn’t there a provision to create a central bank? Why were the Bill of Rights amendments needed? And why do we celebrate President’s Day? The answers show what issues were priorities – and what were not – in the late 1780s.

Other gems include quotes from our Founding Fathers that are insightful – “The motives which predominate most in human affairs is self-love and self-interest.” – and others that have not borne out – “If this Constitution is adopted, I look upon the liberties of America as gone, until they shall be recovered by arms.”