Matthew Washington
Matthew Washington | |
|---|---|
| Born | 12 October 1836 Holt, Alexandria, Colony of Virginia |
| Died | 30 September 1912 (aged 75) Paris, France |
| Nationality | Virginian |
| Occupation | Military officer, politician. |
| Title | Protector of Virginia |
Matthew Washington (12 October 1836- 30 September 1912) was the President of the Republic of Virginia from 1875 to 1877 and Protector of Virginia from 1877 to 1899. His rule is referred to as the Protectorate. He was a member of the House of Washington, one of the most prominent families in the Virginian Aristocracy.
Washington began a political career in the National Diet as a member of the Passionate Party. The Passionists championed agrarianism, conservatism, and isolationism and were led by Jonathon Fairfax, the first Prime Minister of Virginia, until his retirement. Afterwards, Washington and his Radicals took over the party and advocate for more jingoistic policies.
Washington led the Virginian forces of the African Expedition Force (AEF) in Salvatia during the Third Anglo-Virginian War in 1874. After winning a minor battle against the British, he returned to Virginia to led a potential invasion of New England. The Virginian Navy was destroyed and Salvatia was captured. Before the year ended, Virginia would sign the Treaty of Boston in which they gave up their African colony. The Economic Collapse of 1875 caused great turmoil in Virginia and Washington ran for the Presidency. The fraudulent victory of Prime Minister George Smith, caused Washington to assume Emergency Powers and purge dissenting voices from the government.
During the Protectorate, Washington brought order and stability to the nation. Foreign investment led to internal development mainly in cities and industrialization. However, this came at the cost of social and political rights. Thousands in political opposition were arrested and imprisoned. Black Virginians faced the most persecution since Virginian independence. Wealth generated during his time disproportionally went to the Virginian Aristocracy. However, when Washington began to target them in his War Against the Valorists, he was soon pushed out of power and resigned on 2 May 1899. He would first leave for New Amsterdam before retiring in Paris, France and dying on 20 September 1912.
Washington remains a controversial figure in Virginian history. Many believe that his coup was unjustified and that PM Smith had legitimately won. He succeeded at making Virginia one of the most industrial and stable powers on the continent, but also reigned in political freedoms and destroyed race relations. The Third Republic of Virginia after him would slide Virginia further down a authoritarian road before the Prohibitionist gained power.
