George Washington
By Miranda Wright
Basic Facts
War
__Washington opposed the 1765 Stamp Act, the first direct tax on the colonies, and began taking a leading role in the growing colonial resistance when protests against the Townshend Acts (enacted in 1767) became widespread. After the Battles of Lexington and Concord near Boston in April 1775, the colonies went to war. Washington appeared at the Second Continental Congress in a military uniform, signaling that he was prepared for war. Washington had three roles during the war. In 1775–77, and again in 1781 he led his men against the main British forces. Although highly disparaging toward most of the Patriots, British newspapers routinely praised Washington's personal character and qualities as a military commander.
__Washington was persuaded to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787, and was unanimously elected president of the Convention. he delegates designed the presidency with Washington in mind, and allowed him to define the office once elected.
Presidency
0n May 31, 1790, President Washington signed the Copyright Act of 1790 into law. The first Thanksgiving Proclamation was issued by President Washington to be known as a U.S. holiday. Days of thanksgiving were celebrated since the beginning of European settlement in North America. In 1789, President Washington formalized the holiday by issuing a proclamation designating November 26 as a national day of thanksgiving. Washington’s Farewell Address has continued to have resonance over time. Washington’s Farewell Address, which warned against “the baneful effects of the Spirit of Party,” encouraged a focus on education and morality, cautioned against sectionalism within the nation, and admonished against entangling foreign alliances, has continued to have influence over American culture and political debates long past when it was first published.