George Washington
Liberty, when it takes root, is a plant of rapid growth.
"The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon." George Washington
George Washington was the first President of the United States, the commander in chief of the continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.
One of the Delegates in the Constitutional Convention
The Continental Congress first met to protest the Intolerable acts (punishment from Britain for the Boston Tea Party). Representatives from each colony except Georgia attended including Washington as one of the most influential Delegates. They eventually created the Constitution of the United States of America and abolished the Articles of Confederation. One of the most significant events in America's History.
Military Experience
From a young age, Washington was surrounded by a Military Atmosphere. His brother got him a job with the Ohio Company ( land acquisition and settlement company) whose prime investor was a royal governor of Virginia. The governor appointed Washington Major of provincial Militia. His 3 major wins during the revolutionary war were:
- Battle at Boston
- Counterattack at New Jersey
- Battle at Yorktown
Commander-in-Chief During the Revolutionary War
Washington was elected over other Candidates such as John Hancock because he had previous military experience. After being selected by John Adams during the second continental congress. He was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. After the French joined the war, Washington was allowed a victory at Yorktown marking the end of the Revolutionary War. He set a new precedent allowing precedent that civilian-elected officials, rather than military officers, possessed ultimate authority over the military.
Setting Precedents
- Two Term Presidency
- Calling the cabinet to offer advice
- How to address the president
- First to be inaugurated
- First to make inauguration speech
Major Accomplishments
- Getting the Constitution made and passed.
- Winning the Revolution.
- Setting the standard of peaceful transfer of power by not running for a third term.
- Accepting salary of $25,000, this allowed any normal citizen to run for presidency and not just for the wealthy.