What makes George Washington one of the greatest Presidents if not one of the greatest leaders in history? He was unanimously respected in battle and in bureaucracy, and he humbly gave up the power he had been given. Being the first President, Washington knew he was setting the precedent for a brand, new nation and what the implications of that were. Like the Roman Emperor Cincinnatus, Washington took responsibility when his country needed a leader and quietly went home once the job was finished.