George Washington – 1783, Annapolis, Maryland – Speech Resigning From the Continental Army
Before he became the first president of the United States, George Washington was a general of the Continental Army. He stepped down from this post in 1783 and delivered his resignation speech at the Maryland State House. The event was later immortalized in a painting that still hangs at the Capitol’s rotunda today.
Washington’s decision to return to civilian life remains significant as it allowed the United States’ bid for independence to be seen as a genuine revolution, according to History. That’s because, as commander in chief, he was given powers akin to that of a dictator, but he ultimately chose to run as president instead.
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