In 1781, General Cornwallis surrendered British troops to George Washington, commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary army. As Cornwallis handed over his sword, he handed Washington the status of America's number one war hero. That status easily translated into Washington's presidency at a time when Americans could celebrate the victory of their stance on issues they had been willing to die for.

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis

Trumbull, John, 1756-1843, artist.
Prints and Photographs Division
Library of Congress.
Reproduction #: LC-D415-50235