Washington Prevents a Military Revolt
Learn how Washington defused the Newburgh Conspiracy to prevent a military coup by unpaid officers after Yorktown, preserving civilian control of government in Grade 8 history.
Key Concepts
Even after the victory at Yorktown, the new United States faced internal dangers. The Continental Army had not been paid, and many officers grew angry with the weak national government under the Articles of Confederation.
In 1783, a group of officers considered using the army to force Congress to pay them. This dangerous plot became known as the Newburgh Conspiracy . It threatened to destroy the new republic before it could truly begin.
Common Questions
What was the Newburgh Conspiracy?
Unpaid Continental Army officers threatened a military revolt against the weak national government that had failed to pay them after the war's end.
How did Washington prevent a military revolt?
Washington gave an emotional speech to his officers, appealing to their patriotism and loyalty, which moved them to tears and defused the threatened revolt.
Why was preventing the Newburgh Conspiracy historically significant?
It established the principle of civilian control over the military in America, setting a precedent that the army answers to elected government rather than taking power by force.