Washington Administrations - Post-presidential Years
Post-presidential Years
Washington's retirement from the presidency after two four-year terms did not end his public life. His most notable post-presidential service came in 1798 when John Adams, his successor, appointed him commander in chief as a war with France threatened to engulf the United States. It was an ill-considered appointment. Now old and no longer able to demonstrate the mental faculties of earlier years, Washington allowed himself to become involved in a factional power struggle. Although the war never materialized, the episode revealed that age had finally overtaken Washington, and that he would now finally depart the public stage. When his colleagues proposed soon thereafter that he come out of retirement and stand again for the presidency, Washington refused.
Washington's Death
On December 12, 1799, Washington spent several hours on...
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