Some Facts about George Washington

George Washington was an integral part of the beginning of America. He was born in Virginia in 1732 and as he grew older, he was mainly interested in military acts and western expansion. He was considered one of the Founding Fathers of the United States because of his activity in the rising government. During the French and Indian War, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel because of his leading capabilities. In the American War of Independence, “Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses”. In 1775, Washington was “elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army” when the Second Continental Congress was assembled. After the assembly, he took command of the American armies and led them to victory after many years of battle in the Revolutionary War. He was a supporter of a strong government and believed that the Articles of Confederation was too weak, therefore, he led the Constitutional Convention to create the Constitution. Washington was elected President “when the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington [as] President.”.

As President, he stood for a unified America to aid the growth of the new nation. He served two terms and gave his Farewell Address in 1796. Washington’s farewell address was Washington’s retirement as President and advice to the United States for the creation of a strong, long-term country. He said, “the unity of government which constitutes you one people is also now dear to you. It is justly so; for it is the main pillar in edifice of your real independence.”. He also said, “observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all”. He wanted America to keep on the right path after his retirement and he spoke on the importance of unity in the nation and relations with foreign nations. After his Presidency, Washington continued to be “lieutenant general and commander of the United States Army”. He died on December 14, 1799, less than three years after he retired.

However, Washington left a legacy on this nation that still impacts the nation today. He aided in the creation of a strong nation that was built to last many years. Washington signed the Constitution, which is now, the cornerstone of our governmental system. We study about Washington because America would not be what it is without Washington. George Washington was involved in many political events throughout his lifetime, and he was committed to the advancement of America. Washington is “often referred to as the Father of Our Country” because of this. Also, Washington wrote many documents that are still available today, “his papers are a rich source for almost every aspect of colonial and early American life.”. Washington’s writings give major detail about the time and give current Americans quality insight into the lives of those during this period.

Overall, George Washington is a significant American figure because of his contributions as a military leader, President, and Founding Father. He led the Continental armies to victory on numerous occasions and partook in many meetings about the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. As President, he created a strong government focused on unity and healthy relations with other countries, such as France, Britain, and Spain. George Washington fought for America’s freedom and made it a stable country that is able to last for centuries.

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Yurto?lu, Nadir. ""George Washington."" History Studies International Journal of History10, no. 7 (2018): 241-64. Accessed December 31, 2018. https://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=w000178.

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