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Unfortunately this is true. One of the defining moments in US history is when George Washington chose to resign his post as general of the continental army rather than use it to crown himself emperor.

The big question is would it have worked? Was the fledgling country so republic-loving that it would have overcame a despotic Washington?

In other words, how robust is freedom when the general populace really wants it (and has somewhat of the means to back it up)?



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