George Washington (February 22, 1732–December 14, 1799) commanded America's war for independence (1775–1783), and was the first President of the United States, from 1789 to 1797. Because of his central role in the founding of the United States, Washington is often called the "Father of his Country." His devotion to republicanism and civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among early American politicians.
He retired to his tobacco plantation, an exemplar of the republican ideal of citizen leadership rejecting any sort of strong-man rule. Alarmed at the weaknesses of the new nation, he presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the stronger United States Constitution in 1787.
In 1789 Washington became President and created a system of cabinet government that marked a sharp departure from parliament. He established many of the customs and usages of the new government, all of whose leaders he selected. He sought to create a great nation capable of surviving in a world torn by war between Britain and France. He supported Alexander Hamilton's plans to build a strong central government through funding of all the state and national debts, an effective tax system, and creation of a national bank. When rebels in Pennsylvania defied Federal authority, he rode at the head of the army to quiet the Whiskey rebellion. He avoided war and started a decade of peace with Britain with the Jay Treaty in 1795 and used his popularity to get it ratified over intense opposition from the Jeffersonians. Although he never officially joined the Federalist Party, he supported its programs and was their hero. He set the norm that no president should serve more than two terms, retiring to his Virginia plantation in 1797. His Farewell address was a primer regarding republican virtue and a warning against involvement in European wars. As the symbol of republicanism he embodied American values and across the world was seen as the symbol of the new nation. Scholars rank him among the three greatest presidents.
Washington had command experience during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). Due to this experience, his military bearing, his dramatic charisma, and his political base in Virginia, the Second Continental Congress chose him as commander-in-chief of the American forces. He scored a victory by forcing the British out of Boston in 1776, but later that year was badly defeated and nearly captured as he lost New York City. By crossing the Delaware and defeating enemy units in New Jersey in the dead of winter he revived the Patriot cause. As a result of his strategic oversight, Revolutionary forces captured the two main British combat armies, first at Saratoga in 1777 and then at Yorktown in 1781. He handled relations with the states and their militias, worked with Congress to supply and recruit the Continental army, dealt with disputing generals and colonels, and came to personally represent the military prowess of the new nation. Negotiating with Congress, the states, and French allies, he held together a fragile army and a fragile nation.
2006-09-07 18:08:10
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answer #1
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answered by star63_19 3
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George Washington Constitutional Convention
2016-09-30 06:14:34
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answer #2
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answered by girst 4
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Monuments and memorials, modern neighbourhoods, correct local flavour it's this that Washington, DC is; a place unlike any other; exactly like this website hotelbye . Washington it's your house overseas with free museums and America's entrance yard. Washington is acknowledged around the world as a mark of the United States. Here, the spot you can't skip may be the Capitol. Capitol may be the seat of the House of Representatives and the Senate. The enormous dome, based on the dome of St. Peter's in Rome, sticks out above all different Washington buildings. Like Washington itself, the creating has developed over time considering that the central portion was developed between 1793 and 1812. The past addition, in 1958-62, enlarged the key façade wherever presidents take the oath. On another side, a marble terrace offers beautiful opinions within the mall and the city. The interior is resplendent with frescoes, reliefs, and paintings, especially the rotunda under the good cast-iron dome with a threshold painting by Constantino Brumidi and huge paintings of views from American record on the walls.
2016-12-23 04:57:52
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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The biggest ting he did was actually give up his powers to a successor which doesn't sound like much to US citizens today but it was revolutionary. The other BIG thing he did was establish the Federal Banking system and got the young nation on stable economic footing.
2016-03-17 01:47:44
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answer #4
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answered by Anonymous
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Ok, this is the third question along these lines you've posted, right?
Try this: read your history textbook. Or look on google. Try googling "George Washington" and "Us Constitution."
At any rate, he was the president of the second constitutional convention in Philadelphia in 1787.
2006-09-07 18:09:13
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answer #5
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answered by Brian L 7
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For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axtiM
many things. but to name one. he actually relinquished his powers as President to John Adams. for the newly minted American people this was unheard of...having come from life under a monarchy where people don't simply hand powers over to someone else.
2016-04-08 11:58:19
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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inspiration
2006-09-07 18:20:42
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answer #7
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answered by thomnjo2 3
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nothing accept nothing
2006-09-07 18:04:53
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answer #8
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answered by icac83 3
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