Washington’s Presidential Etiquette

• In Event: U.S. American Civic Cultures and Ideals

Abstract

The fascination with etiquette and decorum is a hallmark of Washington’s presidency which to date has been only briefly examined. This paper argues that Washington was successful in creating a presidential etiquette because of his background as a member of the planter class and his belief in the ideal of a “patriot king”. However, this work also finds that Washington was successful in part because of his ability to draw upon his public persona.

Author

• Jillian Klean Zwilling, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign