Self-governance requires individuals to moderate their own passions and put the public good ahead of their own self-interest. What are some ways Washington accomplished this?
Answers
George Washington (1732 – 1799) belonged to a successful and wealthy family of slaveholding, plantation owners. When he took over the family interests, he owned and traded slaves. But very soon, the idea of slavery troubled him and he freed all his slaves.
His education and personal convictions, reflecting ‘country first’, saw him elected as the first President of United States. Prior to this, he was a General in the American army. He advocated and practiced religious tolerance, while in the army and in his political life.
Washington accomplished the given fact by dealing with the military forces in an empathetic way.
Washington was a person of strong principles and he was just in his decision making qualities.
He did not take any advantage of an unfavorable condition, instead he persuaded the angry soldiers in a positive way and was eventually being able to make the soldiers live up to their promises.