George Washington Announces His Farewell to Arms

Gen. George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, formally resigned his commission, Dec. 23, 1783, in Annapolis, Maryland, where he delivered his farewell address to the Continental Congress.

Washington led the Americans to victory over the British from June 15, 1775, until the war ended Sept. 3, 1783, with the Treaty of Paris. The treaty formally recognized the independence of the U.S., set its boundaries, provided provisions on fishing rights, property restitution for loyalists and the return of prisoners of war.

"Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the great theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission and take my leave of all the employments of public life," he said at the conclusion of his address.

The general's resignation was not a conclusion but a defining moment in our nation's history. Many regard it as a foundational act of statesmanship, setting a powerful precedent for civilian control over the military.

Britain's King George III reportedly said that if Washington resigned, he would be the greatest man in the world.

Historically, a triumphant general would seize power. Examples abound. For instance, in 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was named dictator for life after defeating his rivals in battle. In 1804, after winning a series of battles, Napoleon Bonaparte proclaimed himself emperor of France.

Later, Washington attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787, where he was unanimously elected as its president. The other delegates found Washington's mere presence to be crucial to the success of the endeavor. He was held in high esteem.

Following the ratification of the Constitution, Washington was unanimously elected to be the first U.S. president. Sworn in April 30, 1789, he served two terms before voluntarily giving up power for the last time.