George Washington, the first President of the United States, died of natural causes on December 14, 1799. He had been suffering from a severe throat infection, which modern medical experts believe was likely acute epiglottitis or possibly bacterial epiglottitis, a condition that causes the epiglottis to swell and block the flow of air to the lungs. Despite receiving medical treatment, which included bloodletting and various other interventions typical of the time, Washington’s condition worsened, and he ultimately passed away at his Mount Vernon home.
Bled him to death?
Yes, the medical treatment George Washington received involved bloodletting, which was a common practice at the time. He was bled multiple times over the course of his illness, losing a significant amount of blood. This practice, combined with other treatments like blistering and the administration of various potions, likely weakened him further. Modern medical experts generally agree that these treatments were ineffective and may have hastened his death. Washington’s exact cause of death was a severe throat infection, but the bloodletting and other medical practices of the time likely contributed to his rapid decline.