Dec. 23, 1783: George Washington Resigns as Commander in Chief of Continental ArmyOn this day in 1783, George Washington submitted his resignation of his military commission as commander in chief of the Continental Army. The next day, he left Annapolis (where Congress was located at the time) and set out for his home in Virginia, Mount Vernon. Washington’s willing resignation of his military powers and his return to private life are considered striking since democratic republics are thought to be especially vulnerable to military dictatorship. Washington became as famous for his willingness to relinquish command as for his successful conduct of it in the Revolutionary War. Six years later, he would become president. Explore George Washington’s personal life, military career, and presidency with this extensive timeline.Image: “General George Washington Resigning His Commission,” 1824 painting by John Trumbull, displayed at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol (Architect of the Capitol).
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Dec. 23, 1783:

George Washington Resigns as Commander in Chief of Continental Army

On this day in 1783, George Washington submitted his resignation of his military commission as commander in chief of the Continental Army. The next day, he left Annapolis (where Congress was located at the time) and set out for his home in Virginia, Mount Vernon.

Washington’s willing resignation of his military powers and his return to private life are considered striking since democratic republics are thought to be especially vulnerable to military dictatorship. Washington became as famous for his willingness to relinquish command as for his successful conduct of it in the Revolutionary War. Six years later, he would become president.

Explore George Washington’s personal life, military career, and presidency with this extensive timeline.

Image: “General George Washington Resigning His Commission,” 1824 painting by John Trumbull, displayed at the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol (Architect of the Capitol).

Source: to.pbs.org

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