It is hard to overstate the importance of George Washington to the survival of the then young United States. Many historians have stated that no other individual could have taken this office at that time. Washington not only had the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens, but also that of his contemporaries in Europe and elsewhere. Nevertheless, his greatest achievement as president was probably setting the precedent of voluntarily limiting the office to two full terms. A gentlemen's agreement that not only helped peacefully transfer power but also stood until FDR decided he was above the wisdom of this understanding, resulting in a Constitutional Amendment to legally limit the office. Clearly Washington is generally (and correctly) considered one of the greatest American presidents. To specifically address many of the prior reviewers who noted Washington's slave ownership, one must always judge people by their contemporaries. Failing to do so results in everyone ultimately being deemed fools or evildoers for who knows what will be considered foolish or evil in the future. With the modern trend of "animal rights", will all pet owners be labeled evil in the future?