Biography Of George Washington

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This article is about the first President of the United States. For other uses, see George Washington (disambiguation). This is a good article. Click here for more information. Page semi-protected George Washington Gilbert Stuart Williamstown Portrait of George Washington.jpg 1st President of the United States In office April 30, 1789[nb] – March 4, 1797 Vice President John Adams Preceded by Inaugural holder Succeeded by John Adams Senior Officer of the Army In office July 13, 1798 – December 14, 1799 Appointed by John Adams Preceded by James Wilkinson Succeeded by Alexander Hamilton Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army In office June 15, 1775 – December 23, 1783…show more content…
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…show more content…
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 he never officially joined 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.[5] At his death, Washington was eulogized as "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen" by Henry
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