Free Essays on George Washington

George Washington George Washington was the First President of the United States (1789-97) and commander in chief of the Continental army (1775-83) at a most critical period in American history. He was one of the most influential revolutionary leaders of his time and earned the title â€Å"Father of His Country†. While commander in chief of the Continental army, he won many important battles that helped the Americans defeat the British, then the most powerful nation in the world. Washington made the American Revolution successful not only by his personal military triumphs but also by his skill in directing other operations. With both military background and training, Washington had learned how to challenge men to give their best. He created the Continental Army out of what was little more than an armed mob, which fought and won the American Revolution. With victory won, Washington was the most highly looked upon man in the United States. Many people wanted Washington to use this power to establish a military dictatorship or to become king. Washington did not pursue this idea because he realized dictatorship would be the downfall of the future independent nation. He was the leading influence of the union of the states under a strong central government and later the Constitution of the United States. After a new government was organized, Washington was unanimously chosen the first President and took office in1783. Washington’s role as president was important in winning the support for the new government’s domestic and foreign policies. He is responsible for building much of the country’s political and economic structure. Washington fully understood the significance of his presidency. Probably no other man could have succeeded of turning the states into a lasting union. Around 1792, Washington was thinking about retirement. Both Hamilton and Jefferson advised him that if he were to retire the North and South mig... Free Essays on George Washington Free Essays on George Washington George Washington Who: George Washington was born in 1732 in Virginia. He was the first president of the United States. When he was 16 Lord Fairfax hired him to help survey Shenandoah lands. He was married to a widow named Martha Dandridge Washington. Washington had great interest in military arts and western expansion. He is remembered as a leader of men and to some he was the greatest President our nation has ever seen. At the end of his second term Washington retired. He died of a throat infection on December 14, 1799 in Mount Vernon, Virginia. What: George Washington was a lieutenant colonel in 1754. He took part in some of the first battles of what would become the French and Indian War. After a few mishaps on the fields of battle Washington retired back to his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia. He served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. When the Revolutionary War broke out he was elected the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army by the Second Continental Congress. Though he was not a military genius, he knew the British would not be beaten in open battles. Thus he told the Continental Congress that only hit and run attacks would serve against the British forces. It was through his use of "guerilla tactics" that Washington eventually forced the surrender of Cornwallis. After the war was over Washington saw a nation in need of leadership. The Electoral College unanimously elected George Washington as the first President of the United States. Washington kept a neutral outlook on internation affairs. When France and England went to war he refused to entirely accept advice from either pro-France Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson or his pro-England Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. When he retired at the end of his second term he asked that the nation forswear excessive party spirit and refrain from long term international alliances. Where: He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He d... Free Essays on George Washington In Westmoreland County, he was the first son of his father Augustine's second marriage; his mother was the former Mary Ball of Epping Forest. When George was about three, his family moved to Little Hunting Creek on the Potomac, then to Ferry Farm opposite Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock in King George County. In the interim, the powerful Fairfax family of neighboring Belvoir introduced him to the accomplishments and appropriateness of mannered wealth and, in 1748, provided him his first adventure. That year Lord Fairfax dispatched him with a party that spent a month surveying Fairfax lands in the still-wild Shenandoah. In the expedition, he began to appreciate the uses and value of land, an appreciation that grew the following year with his appointment as Culpeper County surveyor, certified by the College of William and Mary. Washington also succeeded to Lawrence's militia office. Governor Robert Dinwiddie first appointed him adjutant for the southern district of the colony's mili tia, but soon conferred on him Lawrence's aide for the Northern Neck and Eastern Shore. So it happened that in 1753 the governor sent 21-year-old Washington to warn French troops at Fort Duquesne at the forks of the Ohio (modern Pittsburgh) that they were infiltrating in territory claimed by Virginia. The French ignored the warning and the mission failed, but when Washington returned Dinwiddie had Williamsburg printer William Hunter publish his official report as The Journal of Major George Washington. It made the young officer well-known at home and abroad. Returning to the Ohio in April with 150 men to remove the intruders, Washington got his first taste of war in a fight with a French scouting party. He wrote to his brother Jack, "I heard the bullets whistle, and, believe me, there is something charming in the sound." A second engagement quickly followed and Washington, retreating to Fort Necessity, was beaten by a more numerous French force. He surrender... Free Essays on George Washington George Washington On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles." Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman. He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him. From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions. When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years. He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelle... Free Essays on George Washington George Washington George Washington was more than just the first president of the United States. Not only did he serve as a role model for countless soldiers during America’s Revolutionary War, but he set the pace for Presidents of the future. He will always be remembered for his dedication and bravery. Although Washington had more total loses than he did vidtories, he continued to maintain his dignity and respect for his superiors. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the oldest son of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. The Washington were of wealthy English decent and made their home along the Potomac River. The estate was furnished with six rooms, two of them were on the upper level and four more were on the lower one. They owned six good pairs of sheets, ten secondary pairs, and seven pillow cases. Most of their utensils were whittled from wood. All of these things were considered â€Å"luxuries.† Augustine also owned twenty slaves, seven able to work, eight of moderate value, and five not capable of work. . At a young age, George studied mathematics, the classics, and surveying, most of which were taught to him by his father and older brother Lawrence. George’s father died in 1743 and left ten-year old George to go live with Lawrence, who was much like a second father to him. It is said that George was not very popular with girls because he was a bit awkward looking; he was over six feet tall with reddish hair and gray-blue eyes, his face was massive, and his shoulders narrow for his height although his hands and feet were huge. He often frightened young women. In 1748, George began his profession as a surveyor in Shenandoah Valley. He assisted in the laying out of the Virginia town of Belhaven in 1749 and was promoted as a surveyor for Culpeper County. George’s brother Lawrence became infected with tuberculosis so the two traveled to Barbados to cure him of it. ... Free Essays on George Washington Born in Westmoreland County, Va., on Feb. 22, 1732, George Washington was the eldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington, who were prosperous Virginia gentry of English descent. George spent his early years on the family estate on Pope's Creek along the Potomac River. His early education included the study of such subjects as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and "rules of civility." His father died in 1743, and soon thereafter George went to live with his half brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon, Lawrence's plantation on the Potomac. Lawrence, who became something of a substitute father for his brother, had married into the Fairfax family, prominent and influential Virginians who helped launch George's career. An early ambition to go to sea had been effectively discouraged by George's mother; instead, he turned to surveying, securing (1748) an appointment to survey Lord Fairfax's lands in the Shenandoah Valley. He helped lay out the Virginia town of Belhaven (now Alexandria) in 1749 and was appointed surveyor for Culpeper County. George accompanied his brother to Barbados in an effort to cure Lawrence of tuberculosis, but Lawrence died in 1752, soon after the brothers returned. George ultimately inherited the Mount Vernon estate. By 1753 the growing rivalry between the British and French over control of the Ohio Valley, soon to erupt into the French and Indian War (1754-63), created new opportunities for the ambitious young Washington. He first gained public notice when, as adjutant of one of Virginia's four military districts, he was dispatched (October 1753) by Gov. Robert Dinwiddie on a fruitless mission to warn the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf against further encroachment on territory claimed by Britain. Washington's diary account of the dangers and difficulties of his journey, published at Williamsburg on his return, may have helped win him his ensuing promotion to lieutenant colon... Free Essays on George Washington George Washington is best known as the â€Å"Father of our Country.† He cared for this country much like a parent would care for a child. During his presidency, he solved many noteworthy problems. His achievements led to a democratic, wonderful country we like to call The United States of America. Although he’s not thought of as glamorous, George Washington is looked upon with the utmost respect and awe by all countries of the world. George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732. He was the oldest son of a Virginia farmer. Washington received most of his education at home. When he was 17 he was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. In 1752 Washington inherited Mount Vernon, in Fairfax County. The same year he was appointed adjutant of the southern district of Virginia, a full-time salaried appointment, carrying the rank of major. He wanted to eventually secure a commission in the regular British army. In 1753, Virginia was alarmed when a French expedition from Canada established posts on the headwaters of the Ohio River. Conflict over this area eventually erupted into the French and Indian War, in which Washington played a major military role that established his reputation as a commander. In the fall of 1758 the French were defeated. In 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy young widow. Washington matured into a solid member of Virginia society. From 1759 to 1774 he served in the House of Burgesses. By 1774 Washington had become a key supporter of the colonial cause. That same year he was elected to the First Continental Congress. In 1775 the Second Continental Congress elected Washington commander in chief of its army. In July Washington arrived in Massachusetts, where the battles at Lexington and Concord had been fought. The British pulled back most of their troops to winter in New York City, leaving scattered garrisons of German mercenaries in New Je... Free Essays on George Washington George Washington On April 30, 1789, George Washington, standing on the balcony of Federal Hall on Wall Street in New York, took his oath of office as the first President of the United States. "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent," he wrote James Madison, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles." Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman. He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him. President Bush Biography Vice President Cheney Biography Laura Bush Biography Lynne Cheney Biography From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions. When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years. He realized early that the best strategy was to harass ... Free Essays on George Washington George Washington George Washington was the First President of the United States (1789-97) and commander in chief of the Continental army (1775-83) at a most critical period in American history. He was one of the most influential revolutionary leaders of his time and earned the title â€Å"Father of His Country†. While commander in chief of the Continental army, he won many important battles that helped the Americans defeat the British, then the most powerful nation in the world. Washington made the American Revolution successful not only by his personal military triumphs but also by his skill in directing other operations. With both military background and training, Washington had learned how to challenge men to give their best. He created the Continental Army out of what was little more than an armed mob, which fought and won the American Revolution. With victory won, Washington was the most highly looked upon man in the United States. Many people wanted Washington to use this power to establish a military dictatorship or to become king. Washington did not pursue this idea because he realized dictatorship would be the downfall of the future independent nation. He was the leading influence of the union of the states under a strong central government and later the Constitution of the United States. After a new government was organized, Washington was unanimously chosen the first President and took office in1783. Washington’s role as president was important in winning the support for the new government’s domestic and foreign policies. He is responsible for building much of the country’s political and economic structure. Washington fully understood the significance of his presidency. Probably no other man could have succeeded of turning the states into a lasting union. Around 1792, Washington was thinking about retirement. Both Hamilton and Jefferson advised him that if he were to retire the North and South mig... Free Essays on George Washington Washington, George (1732-99), commander in chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution, and later the first president of the United States. He symbolized qualities of discipline, aristocratic duty, military orthodoxy, and persistence in adversity that his contemporaries particularly valued as marks of mature political leadership. Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, the eldest son of Augustine Washington, a Virginia planter, and Mary Ball Washington. Although Washington had little or no formal schooling, his early notebooks indicate that he read in geography, military history, agriculture, deportment, and composition and that he showed some aptitude in surveying and simple mathematics. In later life he developed a style of speech and writing that, although not always polished, was marked by clarity and force. Tall, strong, and fond of action, he was a superb horseman and enjoyed the robust sports and social occasions of the Virginia planter society. At the age of 16 he was invited to join a party to survey lands owned by the Fairfax family (to which he was related by marriage) west of the Blue Ridge Mountains. His journey led him to take a lifelong interest in the development of western lands. In the summer of 1749 he was appointed official surveyor for Culpeper County, and during the next two years he made many surveys for landowners on the Virginia frontier. In 1753 he was appointed adjutant of one of the districts into which Virginia was divided, with the rank of major....