Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
This video explores how and why 18th century Americans studied the democracies of classical Greece and Rome and celebrated the ancient Roman hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus as an embodiment of civic virtue. Cincinnatus was a general who defended the Roman Republic from invaders and then returned to his family and farm without accepting rewards for his service—giving back the dictatorial power afforded to him by Rome's elected officials. The Revolutionaries believed that the most essential virtue in a republic was the willingness of citizens to take up arms in its defense, either as volunteers or in a response that fell broadly without regard to social status, thus sacrificing selfish interests to support the public good. Successful republics, they learned, also call on their citizens to subordinate themselves to the rule of law and participate in public life—accepting the outcome of elections and obeying laws made by their elected representatives that might be contrary to their personal wishes. When citizens fail to do so, republics are torn by internal disputes and collapse in disorder. This enthusiasm led Americans to represent their ideas with classical symbols like Libertus and the fasces, etc. They celebrated George Washington, who unselfishly refused to accept pay for serving as commander in chief of the Continental Army, as a modern "American Cincinnatus." After the war's end, many Europeans expected Washington would assume control of the government as victorious generals had done since ancient time—claiming the authoritarian role of a king. King George III is said to have remarked that if Washington instead retired to a private situation following the war, "he would be the greatest man in the world." On December 23, 1783, Washington appeared before Congress in Annapolis to do that very thing, remarking "I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate farewell...here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life."
The Year in Revolution Series was produced with classroom use in mind. Beginning with 1775 and ending with 1783, students and lifelong learners alike will learn about each year of the Revolution through a comprehensive overview video and five “who, what, where, when, and how” videos. The animated series draws heavily from the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati’s library and museum collections.
Funding for this video was made possible by a grant from the George S. Rich Family Foundation. The creative team for this series was assembled by the American Revolution Institute and the talented educational production leads at Makematic Limited/ClickView.
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This video explores how and why 18th century Americans studied the democracies of classical Greece and Rome and celebrated the ancient Roman hero Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus as an embodiment of civic virtue. Cincinnatus was a general who defended the Roman Republic from invaders and then returned to his family and farm without accepting rewards for his service—giving back the dictatorial power afforded to him by Rome's elected officials. The Revolutionaries believed that the most essential virtue in a republic was the willingness of citizens to take up arms in its defense, either as volunteers or in a response that fell broadly without regard to social status, thus sacrificing selfish interests to support the public good. Successful republics, they learned, also call on their citizens to subordinate themselves to the rule of law and participate in public life—accepting the outcome of elections and obeying laws made by their elected representatives that might be contrary to their personal wishes. When citizens fail to do so, republics are torn by internal disputes and collapse in disorder. This enthusiasm led Americans to represent their ideas with classical symbols like Libertus and the fasces, etc. They celebrated George Washington, who unselfishly refused to accept pay for serving as commander in chief of the Continental Army, as a modern "American Cincinnatus." After the war's end, many Europeans expected Washington would assume control of the government as victorious generals had done since ancient time—claiming the authoritarian role of a king. King George III is said to have remarked that if Washington instead retired to a private situation following the war, "he would be the greatest man in the world." On December 23, 1783, Washington appeared before Congress in Annapolis to do that very thing, remarking "I retire from the great theatre of action; and bidding an affectionate farewell...here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life."
The Year in Revolution Series was produced with classroom use in mind. Beginning with 1775 and ending with 1783, students and lifelong learners alike will learn about each year of the Revolution through a comprehensive overview video and five “who, what, where, when, and how” videos. The animated series draws heavily from the American Revolution Institute of the Society of the Cincinnati’s library and museum collections.
Funding for this video was made possible by a grant from the George S. Rich Family Foundation. The creative team for this series was assembled by the American Revolution Institute and the talented educational production leads at Makematic Limited/ClickView.
SUBSCRIBE to our channel: bit.ly/3DxZnrJ
Follow us on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRevo...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/americanrev...
Twitter: twitter.com/AmRevInstitute
Stay updated by joining our mailing list: bit.ly/3TpfhdL
Visit our website: americanrevolutioninstitute.org
