George Washington Refused to Be King — Twice

George Washington's decision to give up power was so extraordinary that King George III of Britain reportedly said it would make Washington 'the greatest man in the world.' After the American Revolution, some prominent figures proposed making Washington king of the new nation. He refused — reportedly more than once.

The most famous incident occurred in 1782 when Colonel Lewis Nicola wrote a letter suggesting Washington use the army to become king. Washington's reply was sharp: he considered the idea 'painful' and urged the abandonment of such 'dreadful' thoughts. When he voluntarily stepped down after two terms as President in 1797, he set a precedent that held until Franklin Roosevelt's four terms prompted the 22nd Amendment limiting presidents to two terms.