Beginning of Essay
George Washington and MacBeth were two historic figures who were influential in determining the fate of their nation. Both were ambitious men living during perilous times, yet each charted a different course for himself and his country when faced with the lure o ....

Middle of Essay
.... under his control. He could have easily performed a "coup d'état" and seized control of the newly freed nation. However, Washington's ambitions were not to become a dictator, or king. He believed that power did not come from controlling others, but from the honor and respect that was given to him. Washington knew that this power would only come from subordination to civilian authority. He would be a precedent by being the first general to turn down his immense powers. With these actions, Washington assured the success of a new democratic nation. MacBeth, like Washington, was power hungry and very successful in war. However, he felt tha ....