George Washington's Issues As President

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Geraldine Johnston History 2303 - 01 Professor Mayer March 4, 2012 Essay 2 George Washington, being the first president of the United States faced many problems during his eight years reign as President. First and foremost he had to construct a new government. He realized this was needed if he was going to govern and execute the laws of the land. America had both foreign and domestic debt (approximately $52 million) which meant severe financial problems. This was as a result of the Revolutionary war and Washington inherited this when he became president, which became another issue he had to deal with. Raising revenue for the government was a top priority for the new president and the issue of how to do this was hotly debated. It was suggested by Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton that governmental financing via tariffs, or surcharges on imported goods, and placing a tax on liquor could retire much, if not all of the country’s debt. He also proposed a national bank in which private investors could have the opportunity to purchase stocks, print paper money, keep the government’s finances safe, in addition to centralizing the nation's financial base. Because of the tax placed on liquor to help eliminate the country’s financial debt, the Whiskey rebellion was born; making this another one of President Washington’s problematic issues. The Pennsylvanian farmers considered Whisky as their most profitable product and their form of money. They thought the taxation was unfair and this completely infuriated them, so in 1794, they armed themselves and started an uprising against the taxes. Obtaining a better relationship with Great Britain was another troubling area for Washington. During 1793 to 1815 the French revolution caused war to break out between Great Britain, its allies and France. After receiving cabinet approval, he proclaimed
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