A key element of George Washington’s legacy to his country, his Farewell Address is one of the most memorable speeches in American history. After his two four-year terms as president, many Americans wanted Washington to remain in office or even become leader of the nation for life. However, the former general surprised many of his fellow political leaders by announcing his intention to step down in 1796. In doing so, he set a precedent that presidents should serve only two terms, a tradition that remained in place until 1940. After he left the presidency, Washington retired to private life at his estate at Mount Vernon, where he avoided politics and resisted calls to comment on the policies of his successor and former vice president, John Adams. Washington died in 1799 at age sixty-seven.