George
Washington was the 1st President of the United States of America. If
he was alive today, he will be 281 years old. I will post the Soldiers’ Quote
of the fortnight from him.
QUOTE: Nothing can be more hurtful to the service, than the neglect of
discipline; for that discipline, more than numbers, gives one army the
superiority over another.
[George Washington, general orders, July 6, 1777.—The Writings of
George Washington, ed. John C. Fitzpatrick, vol. 8, p. 359 (1933).]
AUTHOR: George Washington (February 22, 1732
[O.S. February 11, 1731] – December 14, 1799)
was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, serving as the
commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary
War. He also presided over the convention that drafted the Constitution, which
replaced the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution established the
position of President of the republic, which Washington was the first to hold.
Washington was elected President as the
unanimous choice of the 69 electors in 1788, and he served two terms in office.
He oversaw the creation of a strong, well-financed national government that
maintained neutrality in the wars raging in Europe, suppressed rebellion, and
won acceptance among Americans of all types. His leadership style established
many forms and rituals of government that have been used since, such as using a
cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. Further, the peaceful
transition from his presidency to the presidency of John Adams established a
tradition that continues into the 21st century. Historically, Washington has
been widely regarded as the "father of his country".
Washington was born into the provincial
gentry of Colonial Virginia; his wealthy planter family owned tobacco
plantations and slaves. After both his father and older brother died when he
was young, Washington became personally and professionally attached to the
powerful William Fairfax, who promoted his career as a surveyor and soldier.
Washington quickly became a senior officer in the colonial forces during the
first stages of the French and Indian War. Chosen by the Second Continental
Congress in 1775 to be commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the
American Revolution, Washington managed to force the British out of Boston in
1776, but was defeated and almost captured later that year when he lost New
York City. After crossing the Delaware River in the dead of winter, he defeated
the British in two battles, retook New Jersey and restored momentum to the
Patriot cause. Because of his strategy, Revolutionary forces captured two major
British armies at Saratoga in 1777 and Yorktown in 1781. Historians laud
Washington for his selection and supervision of his generals, encouragement of
morale and ability to hold together the army, coordination with the state
governors and state militia units, relations with Congress and attention to
supplies, logistics, and training. In battle, however, Washington was
repeatedly outmaneuvered by British generals with larger armies. After victory
had been finalized in 1783, Washington resigned as Commander-in-chief rather
than seize power, proving his opposition to dictatorship and his commitment to
American republicanism.
Dissatisfied with the weaknesses of the
Articles of Confederation, in 1787 Washington presided over the Constitutional
Convention that drafted the United States Constitution. Elected unanimously as
the first President of the United States in 1789, he attempted to bring rival
factions together to unify the nation. He supported Alexander Hamilton's programs
to pay off all state and national debt, to implement an effective tax system
and to create a national bank (despite opposition from Thomas Jefferson).
Washington proclaimed the United States neutral in the wars raging in Europe
after 1793. He avoided war with Great Britain and guaranteed a decade of peace
and profitable trade by securing the Jay Treaty in 1795, despite intense
opposition from the Jeffersonians. Although never officially joining the
Federalist Party, he supported its programs. Washington's "Farewell
Address" was an influential primer on republican virtue and a warning
against partisanship, sectionalism, and involvement in foreign wars. He retired
from the presidency in 1797 and returned to his home, Mount Vernon, and his domestic
life where he managed a variety of enterprises. He freed all his slaves by his
final will.
Washington had a vision of a great and
powerful nation that would be built on republican lines using federal power. He
sought to use the national government to preserve liberty, improve
infrastructure, open the western lands, promote commerce, found a permanent
capital, reduce regional tensions and promote a spirit of American nationalism.
At his death, Washington was hailed as "first in war, first in peace, and
first in the hearts of his countrymen". The Federalists made him the
symbol of their party but for many years, the Jeffersonians continued to
distrust his influence and delayed building the Washington Monument. As the
leader of the first successful revolution against a colonial empire in world
history, Washington became an international icon for liberation and
nationalism, especially in France and Latin America. He is consistently ranked
among the top three presidents of the United States, according to polls of both
scholars and the general public.
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