Washington’s strategic genius extended beyond war, laying the foundation for a powerful American Republic.

The twentieth-century publication of Washington's writings, and more recently the digital editions of his papers, have provided George Washington's biographers with increased access to the details of his life. Despite the availability of these materials, however, biographers continue to pay close attention to the years of the Revolution and his presidency, while quickly passing through the period between the Revolution and his call to the presidency.

Described by historians as the “Critical Years” (1781–1789), this was a period when the new nation stood on the precipice of anarchy and disunion. Although appearing occasionally during these years, Washington is portrayed as assiduously avoiding any direct involvement that might draw him into the political fray until he emerges, reluctantly, in Philadelphia to preside over the Constitutional Convention.

This is not the Washington revealed in his papers, or those of his political allies and enemies. Washington was a superb strategist and a skilled tactician. During these critical years between the end of the Revolution and the formation of the Union, Washington was deeply involved in land speculation, western expansion, scientific farming, canal building, political affairs, and family matters. While careful to husband his influence and maintain his Olympian stature, Washington deftly maneuvered to direct the nation toward a strong central government able to govern a “rising empire.” How he managed to do it is the subject of this book.