George Washington - The Best President?

George Washington was the first president of theBy the 1760s, George Washington had retired from
United States and considered one of the best.the military and entered politics. He was a member of
George Washington is a much-admired person inthe Virginia legislature and a major critic of the British.
many respects. As the first president of the UnitedIn 1770, Washington began advocating forceful
States, he set the course upon which the currentresistance to British rule.
three-branch system of federal government is based.In 1775, the colonies formed a Continental Congress
George Washington is perhaps the one person whoto address the conflict with the British. George
can most claim the title of Founding Father.Washington was elected Commander of all colonial
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732forces. War had already broken out in Massachusetts.
in Virginia. He was the son of well off plantationWashington and his troops soon joined and the British
owner and spent his you in relative comfort. Duringwere defeated in Boston in 1776. By summer,
his youth, the British Empire ruled the 13 colonies.however, the British has sent more troops and
Despite what you might assume, he was hardly adefeated the colonial forces on numerous occasions.
revolutionary and his stated goal was to become anFacing total defeat and a lack of money, George
officer in the British Army! Obviously, that goal neverWashington did an amazing thing. He rallied his rag tag
came to fruition.colonial forces and paid their wages out of his own
As George Washington grew into adulthood, hefinances. By late December of 1776, the colonial
became an expert surveyor of land. He worked inforces were starting to turn the tide against the
what was then called the American West andBritish. After more victories in 1777, the French
purchased vast tracts of land with other familyoffered their support. It took a few years to arrive,
members. He eventually owned over 56 thousandbut Washington was eventually able to completely
acres.defeat the British. In 1781, the British surrendered
In 1752, George Washington joined the Virginia militia.much of the east coast. In 1783, a treaty was signed
He quickly became an officer and played a pivotalgranting the colonies their independence.
part in the French and Indian War. The French hadOn February 4, 1789, George Washington was
moved into the Ohio Valley, which aggravated theelected the first President of the United States of
British to no end. Washington was given the task ofAmerica with John Adams as vice president. As the
telling the French to leave the territory. When theyfirst president, he put in place many precedents and
refused, Washington suggested a fort be built and histraditions including:
superiors agreed.1. Being referred to as Mr. President.
As the fort was being built, Washington was2. Refused to be declared King.
promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given the task3. The creation of an inaugural event and ball.
of defending it. Leading 159 men, he was victorious in4. Swearing on a bible when taking the oath of
minor skirmishes. Instead of being promoted to anpresident.
officer position in the British Army, he was told no5. Moving the capital to Washington, D.C.
colonial could attain the position. Bitter, Washington6. Agreeing to the passage of the Bill of Rights.
resigned and the French turned the tide.7. Proclaimed the neutrality of the United States in all
Desperate to turn the tide, the British Governor ofinternational conflicts.
Virginia reinstated George Washington by appointingIn 1792, President Washington ran for re-election and
him Commander of all the Colonial forces. Withinwas unopposed. He left office in March 1797. On
three years, the French were defeated andDecember 14, 1799, he died of pneumonia on his
Washington was famous. He married Martha Curtis inVirginia plantation.
1959, but they never had any children.