One man's voluntary retirement prevented a monarchy for centuries

In 1796, George Washington did something nearly unheard of in the age of kings: he walked away. After eight years in office, he refused a third term, fearing that a lifelong presidency would slowly morph back into the very monarchy the colonies had fought to escape. He drew inspiration from the Roman statesman Cicero, who warned that perpetual rule creates unprincipled leaders who eventually subvert the will of the people.