Summary
With the war won, some want to make the popular Washington a king — but he refuses, resigns his command, and returns to private life, stunning the world. James grasps that the Revolution's boldest act may have been a powerful man choosing to give power up.
Viewer safety
No violent content; historical debate and political tension.
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Discussion
Kings ruled almost everywhere in 1783. By voluntarily handing back power, Washington proved that the new nation would be ruled by its people, not by a single strongman — perhaps his greatest gift to it.
- Why did some people want to make Washington a king? Why did he refuse?
- What does it say about a leader who gives up power instead of keeping it?
- How might American history have been different if Washington had accepted a crown?
- Why is it sometimes harder to give up power than to take it?
Quick work-a-long
Vocabulary: republic, resign, power, monarchy, precedent.
Try it: Write two sentences explaining the difference between a country led by a king and one led by elected leaders. Then write one sentence on why Washington's choice set an important example.