CINCINNATUS

What actually happened?:

General Washington first gave a speech to his men who wanted to overthrow Congress, convincing them that their efforts against Britain since 1775 were in vain if they abandoned their goal of an American Republic led by a Congress, not a dictator.

Next, Washington went to Congress (meeting in Annapolis, MD) and, in front of his supporters, tendered his sword in resignation and in subordination to Congress.

He easily could have been King of the United States.

When he did this, King George III in London called him "the greatest man in the world."

Not only did Washington decline the opportunity to be King in 1783, after he served eight years as president, he voluntarily gave up the office in 1796, though he could have easily been president for the rest of his life.

These humble decisions earned him the name "Cincinnatus." Cincinnatus was a Roman leader who was offered absolute power over Rome, but declined it, opting for a life of farming instead.

From 1783 onward, Washington's comrades referred to themselves as "the Society of the Cincinnati."

Did you make the same decision as Washington? If not, do you think your decision was better or worse?

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