George Washington

Washington, born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, was one of the United States most influential presidents, he was also the first. From the time that he was 16 he pursued both of his interests, military arts and western expansion.

The year 1754 found Washington commissioned as a lieutenant colonel, and fighting the first skirmishes of what would grow into the French and Indian War. In May of 1775 Washington attended the Second Continental Congress. While there he was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army.

July 3rd, 1775, Washington embarked upon a war that would last for the next six years. He was in command of ill-trained troops. Early on Washington realized that the best way to defeat the British was to harass the British.

In 1781 he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown with the aid of the French allies. Longing to retire, but realizing that the states would not work under the Articles of Confederation, he was a major supporter in the steps the lead to the Constitutional Convention. There, he was unanimously elected President.

During his eight year term, he did not get involved with foreign affairs, as the United States was barely able to support its self, let alone attempt to get involved in another war. During his farewell speech he “urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions,” and “warned against long-term alliances.”

After longing to for many years, he was able to enjoy only three short years of retirement, as he died at Mount Vernon on December 14, 1799.