How Did George Washington Die

TL;DR

George Washington, after a life of service, died from an inflamed epiglottis, suffocating and experiencing massive blood loss due to excessive bloodletting.

Transcript

After the Revolutionary War, George Washington looked forward to a quiet retirement as a gentleman farmer in Virginia. But this was not to be as he was repeatedly called back to serve the needs of the new nation he helped create. When he was called to serve as the United States’ first president in 1789, Washington said on April 16 of that year, “My... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤙 George Washington's retirement plans were repeatedly disrupted by calls to serve his nation.
• ❓ Washington's final illness was likely caused by an inflamed epiglottis and exacerbated by excessive bloodletting.
• 💞 Washington's evolving views on slavery reflected his desire to improve the conditions of those he enslaved and provide opportunities for their future.
• 😷 The fear of being buried alive was not unfounded during Washington's time due to limited medical understanding and practices.
• 😷 Medical treatments used for Washington's illness, such as bloodletting and poultices, were common practices but ultimately ineffective.
• 👨‍⚕️ The suggested tracheotomy procedure, which could have saved Washington's life, was not performed due to its novelty and reluctance from other doctors.

Questions & Answers

Q: What were George Washington's views on slavery?

Washington's views on slavery evolved, and he eventually stated in his will that his slaves should be freed upon his wife's death, with support for the elderly and education provided.

Q: How did George Washington die?

Washington died from an inflamed epiglottis, which blocked his airway and caused suffocation, likely exacerbated by hypovolemic shock due to excessive blood loss.

Q: What medical treatments were used for Washington?

Doctors attempted bloodletting, applying a poultice containing beetles, administering oral medicines, and inducing vomiting, but none of these treatments were successful.

Q: Why was George Washington afraid of being buried alive?

Taphephobia, the irrational fear of being buried alive, was prevalent at the time due to limited medical knowledge and instances of premature burials. Washington's specific burial instructions aimed to prevent such a fate.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• George Washington, despite his desire for retirement, was repeatedly called back to serve the new nation.

• Washington's final days were spent at Mount Vernon, where he managed his plantation and fell ill with a sore throat.

• Doctors attempted various treatments, including bloodletting and applying a poultice, but nothing could save Washington's life.