How did george washington define the executive branch for future presidents, such as through his decision to retire after serving two terms?

The decision to retire after serving two terms was a major precedent indeed, but perhaps an even more significant one was that he insisted he not be called "Your Excellency", which made the presidency far different than a monarchy.

The statistics for the eastern war are grim. more than three-million men died in the fighting, more than nine-million men were wounded, and every major country which participated lost its form of government.