Source: Ron Chernow. Washington: A Life (2010)
Due to incompetence and the extreme selfishness of the states, the U.S. was unable to repay its Revolutionary War debts under the Articles of Confederation. Also, there was no realistic way to create a decent army or navy without at least a modicum of federal power. George Washington and Alexander Hamilton saw a strong federal government as the best way to repay the debts, establish a national army and navy, and deter monarchy.
James Madison, over the last several years, had been a key figure in shaping GW's political views; he joined with James Monroe and Edmund Randolph in pressing GW to re-enter politics, since the Constitutional Convention scheduled in Philadelphia in May, 1787.
Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787) was perhaps the most useful crisis in U.S. History. The rebellion horrified GW, and his letters show much more political agitation than what he showed on the surface. Shays' Rebellion also crystallized GW's belief that the Articles of Confederation had to be replaced with a stronger national government . . . his days as a Virginia Planter at Mount Vernon were yet again numbered.
James Madison, over the last several years, had been a key figure in shaping GW's political views; he joined with James Monroe and Edmund Randolph in pressing GW to re-enter politics, since the Constitutional Convention scheduled in Philadelphia in May, 1787.
Shays' Rebellion (1786-1787) was perhaps the most useful crisis in U.S. History. The rebellion horrified GW, and his letters show much more political agitation than what he showed on the surface. Shays' Rebellion also crystallized GW's belief that the Articles of Confederation had to be replaced with a stronger national government . . . his days as a Virginia Planter at Mount Vernon were yet again numbered.
Henry Knox (GW's artillery officer during the Revolution) made GW's decision for him: in a personal letter, Knox argued that if GW didn't go to Philadelphia and the convention failed, it would forever harm GW's reputation in history. But, if GW presided over the convention, and a strong federal government was the result, then GW would become even greater in the present, and more-so in history.
In other words, Knox appealed to GW's extreme vanity; GW was always extremely conscious of what others thought of him, both in terms of appearance and reputation (which explained why GW would not go to Philadelphia until he was "summoned from retirement" by the public). GW and Madison were primed for decisive action at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, ready to create a new national government.
Once in Philadelphia, the first person that GW visited was an (ailing) Ben Franklin, who he hadn't seen since 1776 (and who was his only realistic rival to being named President of the Constitutional Convention). The Constitutional Convention started on 14 May, 1787, and the only state delegations in in attendance were from Virginia and Pennsylvania. GW hated tardiness, and was profoundly irritated that the convention wasn't able to start because there wasn't a quorum of seven states present (pictured: Franklin addressing GW during the Constitutional Convention).
The Virginia delegation became a cohesive group, meeting for 2 to 3 hours a day until the convention was able to officially begin. On 25 May, 1787, the convention finally had seven state delegations, and GW was unanimously elected President of the convention.
The role of President was ideal for GW, in that the position was officially nonpartisan and nonspeaking while in session (He would have plenty to say when the convention was out of session). GW was not an "Originator", but a keen judge of the points-of-view and arguments from others; it also greatly benefited GW that others framed the debate during the convention. GW's mere presence guaranteed that the Constitutional Convention was at least perceived as striving for the public good.
The Virginia delegation became a cohesive group, meeting for 2 to 3 hours a day until the convention was able to officially begin. On 25 May, 1787, the convention finally had seven state delegations, and GW was unanimously elected President of the convention.
The role of President was ideal for GW, in that the position was officially nonpartisan and nonspeaking while in session (He would have plenty to say when the convention was out of session). GW was not an "Originator", but a keen judge of the points-of-view and arguments from others; it also greatly benefited GW that others framed the debate during the convention. GW's mere presence guaranteed that the Constitutional Convention was at least perceived as striving for the public good.
GW had to leave the chair during the debate on the Virginia Plan, but other than that instance, he held his tongue while presiding over the convention . . . but he was "all-in" for a strong federal government. GW's influence was by far the main reason why the Constitution featured a strong executive (Pictured: GW addressing the convention).
For the most part, the delegates at the convention were motivated and governed by their hopes rather than their fears, which was largely attributed to the presence of GW. Also, GW was the reason why each member of the House of Representatives was based on 30,000 citizens. Despite not getting all he wanted in the final draft, he was a strong supporter of the proposed Constitution; he put his trust in the amendment process to refine any imperfections contained in the document.
For the most part, the delegates at the convention were motivated and governed by their hopes rather than their fears, which was largely attributed to the presence of GW. Also, GW was the reason why each member of the House of Representatives was based on 30,000 citizens. Despite not getting all he wanted in the final draft, he was a strong supporter of the proposed Constitution; he put his trust in the amendment process to refine any imperfections contained in the document.
GW saw that The Federalist Essays were way-past regular journalism; it was classical political philosophy from Madison and Hamilton (with a dash of John Jay). Behind the scenes, GW made sure the Federalist essays were published in Virginia, which became especially important after New York narrowly ratified the Constitution (the VA state convention became the 10th state to ratify with an 89-79 vote; RI and NC were the last two holdouts).
As the newly "elected" President, GW didn't see himself finishing the first term; he figured in two years, he would be back at Mount Vernon . . . he never envisioned eight long years as President. Had GW known his commitment would have been that long, he never would have agreed to be the nation's first Chief Executive.
(Below: the results of the "Election" of 1789 - side note: John Adams was appalled that he didn't even receive anything close to half the Electoral Votes, such was his view of his level of importance at this time in U.S. History)
As the newly "elected" President, GW didn't see himself finishing the first term; he figured in two years, he would be back at Mount Vernon . . . he never envisioned eight long years as President. Had GW known his commitment would have been that long, he never would have agreed to be the nation's first Chief Executive.
(Below: the results of the "Election" of 1789 - side note: John Adams was appalled that he didn't even receive anything close to half the Electoral Votes, such was his view of his level of importance at this time in U.S. History)
The first Inauguration was set for 4 March, 1789, in New York City, but bad roads due to a lingering winter delayed GW's first Inauguration until April. GW was in severe financial straits as he entered the Presidency; bad harvests (weather/insects), deadbeat renters, inflation, and his lavish spending contributed to his financial stress. GW actually had to borrow money to pay his taxes, and then he had to borrow more to PAY FOR HIS TRIP TO NYC TO BE INAUGURATED as the nation's first President.