Fast Facts on George Washington
* Born: February 22, 1732
Pope’s Creek, Virginia * Children: no natural children (Adopted the children of Martha Custis) *Grandfather by marriage of Confederate General Robert E. Lee * Military Service: Commander General, Revolutionary War * Profession: Surveyor/Planter * Political Party: Federalist * Home State: Virginia * Political Offices: Chairman of Constitutional Convention * Died: December 14, 1799 (Age- 670
Last Words: “I die hard, but I am not afraid to go. “Tis well.”
Buried: Mount Vernon, Virginia * Term of Office: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797 * Number Of Terms Elected: 2 Terms * Nickname: “Father of Our country” * First Lady: Martha
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Historical Significance
Washington's significance cannot be overstated. He led the Continental Army to victory over the British. He believed in a strong federal government which greatly influenced the nation during his eight years in office. He did not allow others to trap him as royalty. He worked on the principle of merit. His warning against foreign entanglements was heeded by future presidents. By declining a third term, he set up the precedent of a two-term limit.
Events and Accomplishments of George Washington's Presidency:
Washington's administration was one of precedents with many standards that are still followed. For example, he relied on his cabinet for advice. Since his cabinet appointments went unchallenged, presidents are generally able to choose their own cabinets. He chose a successor for Chief Justice John Jay from outside the bench instead of based on seniority.
Domestically, Washington was able to stop the first real challenge to federal authority with the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. Pennsylvania farmers were refusing to pay a tax and he sent troops to ensure compliance.
In foreign affairs, Washington was a huge proponent of neutrality. He declared the Proclamation of Neutrality in 1793 which stated that the US would be impartial toward belligerent powers currently in a war. This upset some who felt we owed a greater
George Washington became the first president of the United States soon after winning the war against Great Britain, America becoming the first independent 13 colonies. Since the beginning of his presidency people trusted him, being the one who led the country to victory as the General, contributed to people having faith in him. It states in the book that he chose the Country’s well-being before his own and often made decision following his gut, “he took pains to elevate the public good over private interest and projected honesty and honor over ambition.”(Johnson) Washington took great responsibility and honor of the New build Nation, he didn’t take matters lightly choosing what was best for his country. During his presidency, he was a visionary
He has first gained public notice when he went to persuade the French the leave the Ohio Valley as they threatened to drive out the English (“George Washington”). This began to what is known as the Seven Year’s French and Indian War. After this war, many taxes were created to pay for the debt of Britain Protection. New Englanders felt the taxes were an abuse of power and began an American Revolution at Lexington and Concord in which Washington joined the Continental Congress and was named the Commander in Chief of the Continental forces. He led the forces to a moral boosting victory at Valley Forge against the British. After the war, he became the most important man in the country (“George Washington”). Washington retired from the army and became elected the first president of the United States after the new government was formed. When he retired from office he had given his ‘Farewell Address’ speech that included two main priorities for the success of America: no political parties and no foreign affairs (Williams). Although tensions between the French and British were inevitable, Washington was vital in the victory of the later Revolutionary War from the military knowledge he gained from the Seven Year’s War. Washington was extremely influential; thus, without him the ratification of the Constitution would not have been possible. The checks and balances system would not have been created resulting
The colonies decided to elect a president on the year 1789. Washington was the first choice for president. During the American Revolution , he was one of the best generals. For example, he was usually fighting along with his soldiers, not just giving orders. Also, Washington was never severely wounded in battle. Many people believe we would have lost the war without George Washington.
George Washington had enormous amounts of failures, but he had achieved great things as well. From being a young boy living in Pope’s Creek, Virginia to becoming the president of the United States. He has faced a lot of hardships and failures. But through all of his hardships throughout his life he has become the greatest president of the United States, George Washington.
The main argument that is presented by Washington is that the United States should not fall into the evils of political parties and that the United States should not concern itself with foreign wars. Washington does not hide his argument is obvious for political parties as Washington says “In contemplating the causes which may disturb our Union, it occurs as matter of serious concern that any ground should have been furnished for characterizing parties by geographical discriminations, Northern and Southern, Atlantic and Western; whence designing men may endeavor to excite a belief that there is a real difference of local interests and views” (Washington). However, his second point is somewhat hidden as he does not say avoid foreign wars, but Washington does say “Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice” (Washington). By Washington saying “entangle our peace” it leads one to believe he is speaking of war. Also by saying “and prosperity in the toils of European ambition” Washington is saying why let our chance to be great rest in someone else’s hands other than ours.
In terms of base of power Washington is unmatched. He was elected unanimously and there was never any doubt that he would be the first President. In terms of instruments he relied on a good relationship with congress and a strong cabinet. As the first President of the United States Washington set a variety of precedents, among them are the supremacy of the federal government, the cabinet system, the serving of two terms and the relationship of the president to the other branches. Washington’s tenure as president set the standard for later presidents and created a firm foundation of legitimacy to the office. It is for these reasons he is considered among the most successful Presidents.
George Washington was the first president of the United States and was a General in the Continental army. George Washington served a four year term as President and that’s why we have the limit of how long a President can be in office. While he was General of the Continental Army there was a problem with supplies for the troops witch was one of his hardest challenges he faced as General. He was selected to be General of the continental army by the Continental Congress. George Washington was then man who second Patrick Henrys movement which allowed Henry to give the speech “Give me Liberty or Give me Death.” George Washington also supported the movement to not let any African Americans fight in the war on the patriot side. George Washington
In 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected by all 69 members of congress, to be the very first president of the United States of America. This unanimous vote was the result of Washington’s background. He was very well known in the thirteen states for being the leader of the great Continental Army, one that defeated the British in several key battles that ensured freedom and independence to the United States. Washington was also one of the people that helped found the Constitution, and he was well known, loved, and greatly respected by all the citizens and leaders of the United States. His first term was a great success, but there were more actions to be taken in the future. Thus, George Washington’s re-election in 1792 revealed the
George Washington was an outstanding first President for the United States of America, as he set the presidency for all preceding presidents. He served as president starting in 1789 and ending in 1797. Having been the only president in history to be unanimously voted for, just goes shows how much the people supported him and what he stands for. Washington demonstrated the power of the federal government by acting on the Whisky Rebellion in 1794. Although, he also chose to keep the United States neutral because we were a new country, this did not reduce tension. However, he signed the Jay Treaty to continue trade relations with Britain. Through his great
Overall, George Washington created no issues when it came to foreign policy. The country was too young and weak to fight in any battles so Washington kept the United States neutral and out of anything that would potentially put them in war, and he was successful with that. Going along with staying out of war, he did that well by keeping a peaceful trade with Great Britain. America depended on the British being that they were 90% of America’s imports. George Washington was well respected by his peers and was already respected by the citizens because of how he led the United States as general in the Revolutionary
Even though Washington was president, he did not care to be more powerful, he wanted to be an equal. “His appointments advanced the idea that the best-qualified people should be tapped for office.” (Establishment of presidency) Washington decided that to have a secure foundation for a country he needed the best qualified people, not peers or friends looking for power. This shows that Washington does not want to benefit people or himself, he wants what is best for his country. Washington also wanted to restrain his power and always ask for help when needed. “He understood his own limitations and was not reluctant to rely upon the counsel of others.” (Establishment of presidency) This shows that even if Washington was president, his effective leadership and country is more important than his
Washington set up several peace treaties with Native Americans and established the Jay Treaty in 1794 which established peace and trade. Even though the first job of president was hard, the most important part of his presidency was the end of it. Washington set many precedents for future presidents. Washington could have ruled America until he died, but he stepped away from office after two terms, which set the precedent of a two term presidency. He also crystallized the power of a three part government and set a good example of how a balance of power could work.
President continued to work hard and push his power to the limit. George Washington was elected on February 4, 1789. Washington set precedents that we still use today. Such as serving a two term presidency. Every president to this day elect a cabinet to have meetings. During one of those meetings he supported Secretary of Treasury, Hamilton in his financial plan to pay off back all the debt from the Revolutionary War. Which included a national bank and to tax whisky. It was huge debate but in the end it was successful. Washington also signed the Jay’s Treaty settle any disputes between the United states and Britain after the Revolutionary War. Washington retired after a two term presidency and went home to Mt. Vernon to his wife. Shortly after he stepped down from office, Washington started to suffer from a serious throat infection. He died on December 14, 1799. President Washington left the White House with many accomplishments and left the presidency with all the required skills this position
Washington, George (1732-99), commander in chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution, and later the first president of the United States. He symbolized qualities of discipline, aristocratic duty, military orthodoxy, and persistence in adversity that his contemporaries particularly valued as marks of mature political leadership.
A president of the United States is at the top of the government and is under the constitution of the United States. He is the leader of not only the executive branch, but he is a leader of our great country. He is respected and known as the most intellectual political official by recognition and scholarly. Out of all of the first presidents, one left a legacy like no other, none other the Washington. George Washington had the most enduring and important legacies. He was a humane, sincere, and he selected very profound example for his country, led important wars, and set important precedents.