WI George Washington Was Killed?

WI George Washington was killed, perhaps in combat, during the Revolutionary War? Assuming that his death was late enough in the war to not damage the Americans' hopes too badly, who becomes the first POTUS? Does Washington's legacy of Presidential humility disappear?
 
Good question.

This brings up another possibility. If GW is gone, will Benedict Arnold get the glory he craves and doesn't turn traitor? He was probably the best replacement for GW but I don't know if he could hold the army together as well.
 

JJohnson

Banned
"what if GW WERE killed" - since it's contrary to fact, i.e., it didn't actually happen, it should be subjunctive, not indicative (the mood of facts).
 
At the very least there would be great changes to the US Constitution, assuming things get that far.

Portions of that document were essentially written the way they were because everyone knew Washington would be the first president. In quite a few cases support for ratification of the Constitution hinged on the fact that Washington was going to be the first president too.

And there's the Newburgh Conspiracy to consider also. Whether Washington catches a musket ball or not, Congress is still going to be unable to pay it's army. Will any other commander be able to so adroitly the officers demands regarding back pay?


Bill
 
What if his death wasn't during the war, but shot the gap between the ratification of the Constitution and the election? The Constitution went into effect on the 9th ratification, in June of 1788, but the election didn't start until December.

Who would have emerged? Adams led the vice presidential voting, but he only managed a plurality there, even.
 
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