George Washington
(1732-1799)
George Washington, born on February 22, 1732, was raised in Westmoreland County, Virginia and grew to be over six feet tall, an odd stature during the colonial times. He is well known for aiding and guiding the Continental Army as they successfully defeated the British in the American Revolution. However, Washington is also commemorated for having been the United States’ first president. On January 6, 1579, he married Martha Dandridge Custis and on June 15, 1775, he was elected to be Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. Washington was also elected delegate for the First (1774) and Second Continental Congress (1775).
In 1789, sixty-nine members of Congress elected George Washington as the United States’ first president, simply because it was thought that he had the qualifications necessary to hold presidency. The fact that he had been Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and delegate for both of the Continental Congresses also made Washington eligible to hold the position as president. Washington delivered his first inaugural address on Thursday, April 30, 1789. In short, Washington stated that he would be an honest and moral president who wished to found a “free government”. He emphasized the fact that he would preserve freedom and wished to see the country grow and prosper.
In 1793 George Washington was re-elected as the United States’ president. Since he was running against John Adams, and Washington received the most votes, Adams automatically became the vice president, this was true for both presidential terms. Washington delivered his second inaugural address on Monday, March 4, 1793, in Philadelphia and his farewell address in 1796. In his farewell address, he advised that a president not hold more than two presidential terms (he personally refused a third term); however, he also advised that there be no formation of political parties. Even after his second presidential term, n July 4, 1798, he was authorized as Lieutenant General and Commander in Chief of the new American army. Unfortunately, on December 14th, 1799, (at age 67), George Washington died at Mount Vernon.
George Washington had many responsibilities throughout his lifetime.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite ironic to read that Washington warned the nation against political factions amidst our current government shutdown 215 years later as a result of irresponsible politicians (democrats vs republicans) who refuse to work together as team and fulfill their obligations to the American People.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington wanted change to be done for the people in which fighting for their independence form the British and also becoming the first president even if he had doubts about taking the position.
ReplyDeleteI believe that George Washington deserved his position as President because since he was young he proved to be a responsible man.
ReplyDeleteAs the first President, he was the example for all the presidents to come after.
ReplyDeleteEven though George Washington had not developed an interest to become president,he made wise decisions to avoid war.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington was truly a man who earned his position as the first American President.
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