George Washington

• George Washington (1732-1799), first president of the United States (1789-1797) and one of the most important leaders in United States history.

• His role in gaining independence for the American colonies and later in unifying them under the new U.S. federal government cannot be overestimated

Early LIFE

• George Washington was born on his father’s estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732.

• His first real adventure as a boy was accompanying a surveying party to the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia and descending the Shenandoah River by canoe.

• He was the eldest son of a well-to-do Virginia farmer.

General of the Continental Army

• On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress unanimously elected George Washington as general and commander in chief of its army.

• He was chosen for two basic reasons. First, he was respected for his military abilities, his selflessness, and his strong commitment to colonial freedom. Secondly, Washington was a Virginian, and it was hoped that his appointment would bind the Southern colonies.

President of the United States

• The election of 1789• The electors met in each state on February 4

and unanimously voted for George Washington, who thereby became president.

• In mid-April Congress sent Washington official notice of his election as president.

Second Term as president

• On March 4, 1793, in a brief ceremony, Washington was inaugurated for his second term of office.

• Just two weeks after the inauguration, Revolutionary France had declared war on Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands.

• He decided to maintain a strict neutrality