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George Washington

30,127 bytes added, April 23
/* Farewell Address */ don't think Jefferson drafted much of this
{{PresidentOfficeholder|imagename=George washington 3.jpgWashington|seqimage=1Gilbert-Stuart 1795 Washington-portrait.jpg|party=''None|term_start=1789|term_end=1797|vp=John Adams|previous=|next=John Adams|birth_date=February 22''<ref>While Washington leaned towards the Federalist Party and supported most of its policies, 1732|birth_place=Westmoreland County, Virginia,|death_date=December 14, 1799|death_place=Mount Vernon, Virginiahe never officially joined it,preferring to stay independent.</ref>
|spouse=[[Martha Dandridge Custis Washington]]
|spouse2=
|religion=[[Anglican]]/[[Episcopalian]]
|offices=
{{Officeholder/president
|country=the United States
|number=1st
|terms=April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797
|vp=[[John Adams]]
|preceded=''None''
|former=y
|succeeded=[[John Adams]]
}}
 
|military=y
|allegiance=[[Great Britain]], [[The United States]]
|branch=Continental Army<br/>United States Army
|serviceyears=Continental Army: 1775–1783<br/>U. S. Army: 1798–1799
|rank= Lieutenant General; General of the Armies of the United States
|commands=Continental Army<br/>United States Army
|battles=[[French and Indian War]]<br/>[[American Revolutionary War]]
|awards=Congressional Gold Medal, Thanks of Congress
}}
'''George Washington''' (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799) was the first [[president of the United States]] (1789–1797) and commander-in-chief of the [[Continental Army]]. He was the dominant military and political leader of the new [[United States of America]] from 1775 to 1797, leading the American victory over [[Britain]] in the [[American Revolution]] and was the unanimous choice to serve as president.
'''George Along with [[Abraham Lincoln]], Washingtonhas become the foremost icon of American [[nationalism]] and a model of the ideal [[Republicanism|republican]] union of political and military leadership. He endeared himself to Americans by his efforts to destroy monarchy and aristocracy. The archetype of Washington as the republican champion has become part of America''' '''(February 22, 1732 s collective idealization of faith- December 14based citizenship, 1799)'and is immortalized in [[New York City]]'' was born to Augustin s Washington Square Arch, which depicts Washington the soldier on the left, and Mary Washingtonthe statesman on the right.<ref> For photographic images, see http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GV/GV046WashingtonSquareArch.htm</ref>{{cquote|'''The [[Encyclopedia of Presidents, George WashingtonConstitution]]is the guide, Zachary Kent, Children's Press, 1986which I never will abandon.<small>— George Washington</refsmall> and '''}}
==Early life==Washington was the unanimously elected first born on February 22, 1732, at Wakefield, [[President of the United States of AmericaVirginia]] to Augustine Washington, a wealthy planter, and the Commanderhis second wife, Mary Ball. He was home schooled by his father and older half-brother Lawrence, and in-Chief later life read widely. His interests were in the [[Revolutionary War]].<ref>http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1land, in surveying, and in farming.html</ref> He was also a devout [[Christian]]His father died in 1743, and George lived with his adopted daughter once stating that: <blockquote>"If you question Lawrence. Lawrence died in 1752. Washingtonleased the estate from Lawrence's faithwidow until her death in 1761, you may as well question whether or not when he was a patriot."<ref>http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g011inherited the plantation and joined the local upper class.html</ref></blockquote>
Washington endeared himself to generations of Americans ===Military experience===In 1748 he joined an expedition sent out by first refusing the sixth Lord Fairfax to become a military dictator or king and then by voluntarily stepping aside as survey his lands in the leader of a prosperous nationShenandoah Valley. His precedent Washington was voluntarily followed eager for 140 yearsa military career. Towards that end, he sought The first step came in October 1753 when the lieutenant governor Robert Dinwiddie sent him to emulate warn the model of the citizen-soldier set by the Roman leader [[Cincinnatus]], a comparison that is truly testament to Washington's greatnessFrench at Presque Isle (now Erie, PA.) and one that drew worldwide attention and acclaimFort Le Boeuf (now Waterford, even PA) against making further encroachments on British-claimed territory in England, the nation he defeatedOhio Valley.<ref>For Lord Byron's poem on the subjectThe 11-week journey, hailing Washington as "the firstsome 500 miles (800&nbsp;km) round-trip, the lastwas dangerous, the best, the Cincinnatus of the West," see http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/2001/byron0101.html.</ref> The archetype of as Washington as the citizen-soldier has become part of America's collective idealization of citizenship, and is immortalized in evaded hostile [[New York cityNative American| New York city'sIndians]] (allied to the French). He reported back that a frontier conflict was imminent with [[Washington Square ArchFrance]], which depicts Washington the soldier on the left, and Washington the statesman on the right.<ref>For photographic images, see http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GV/GV046WashingtonSquareArch.htm</ref>
==Early years==French and Indian War====Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 11 (old style), 1732, George In April 1754 Washington was returned to the eldest son Ohio country as a lieutenant colonel in command of Augustine Washington a volunteer force with the mission of checking the French and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington, who were prosperous Virginia gentry protecting an expedition sent out by the Ohio Company of English descent. George spent his early years Virginia to build a fort on the family estate on Pope's Creek along the Potomac Ohio 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 what is now [[Mount VernonPittsburgh]], Lawrence's plantation on . Washington discovered the PotomacFrench had reached the site first. Lawrence, who became something They called it Fort Duquesne. In May he fired on a party of a substitute father for his brotherFrench soldiers, had married into the Fairfax familykilling ten, prominent and influential Virginians who helped launch George's careerincluding their leader, Jumonville. An early ambition to go to sea had been effectively discouraged by GeorgeThe French now could cite the attack on Jumonville as a cause of war. This was Washington's mother; instead, he turned to surveying, securing (1748) an appointment to survey Lord Fairfax's lands in first battle and the Shenandoah Valley. He helped lay out first engagement of the Virginia town of Belhaven (now Alexandria) in 1749 [[French and was appointed surveyor for Culpeper County. George accompanied his brother to Barbados in an effort to cure Lawrence of tuberculosisIndian War]], but Lawrence died which became a major war in 1752, soon after the brothers returned. George ultimately inherited the Mount Vernon estateEurope.
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, On July 3 at Fort Necessity he was dispatched (October 1753) attacked by Gov. Robert Dinwiddie on a fruitless mission to warn the superior French commander at Fort Le Boeuf against further encroachment on territory claimed forces led by Britain. WashingtonJumonville's diary account of the dangers brother and difficulties of his journey, published at Williamsburg on his return, may have helped win him his ensuing promotion was compelled to lieutenant colonelsurrender. Although only 22 years of age The terms offered were generous and lacking experience, he learned quickly, meeting the problems of recruitment, supplyWashington returned to Virginia. Washington was criticized for his imprudence, and desertions with a combination of brashness and native ability that earned relations cooled between him the respect of his superiorsand Dinwiddie.
==French and Indian War===Battle of Monongahela=====In April 1754, on his way to establish a post at the Forks of the Ohio (the current site of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), Washington learned that To meet the French had already erected a fort there. Warned that threat the French were advancing, he quickly threw up fortifications at Great Meadows, aptly naming the entrenchment Fort Necessity, and marched to intercept advancing French troopsBritish sent Maj. In the resulting skirmish the French commander the sieur de Jumonville was killed Gen. Edward Braddock and most two under-strength regiments of his men were capturedBritish regulars to Virginia. Washington pulled served as aide-de-camp to Braddock on his small force back into expedition to capture Fort Necessity where he Duquesne. Braddock was overwhelmed (July 3) ambushed and killed by the French and Indians in an all-day battle fought in a drenching rain. Surrounded by enemy troopsJuly, with his food supply almost exhausted and his dampened ammunition useless, Washington capitulated. Under the terms of the surrender signed that day, he Braddock Expedition was permitted to march his troops back to Williamsburga failure. Discouraged by his defeat and angered by discrimination between British and colonial officers in rank and pay, he resigned his commission near the end of 1754<ref>[https://books.google. The next yearcom/books?id=4QGPDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA11 Atlantic Politics, however, he volunteered to join British general Edward Braddock's expedition against the French. When Braddock was ambushed by Military Strategy and the French and their Indian allies on War]</ref> The massacre of the Monongahela RiverBritish forces was so complete, Washington, although seriously ill, tried that rumors started to rally make their way around about the Virginia troopsdeath of Washington himself. Whatever public criticism attended the debacle, Washington's own military reputation was enhancedwrote a letter to his brother, and in 1755 at explaining that the age of 23rumors were true, he was promoted to colonel and appointed commander in chief of also explaining the Virginia militia, miraculous circumstances with responsibility for defending which he survived the frontier. In 1758 he took an active part in General John Forbes's successful campaign against [[Fort Duquesne]]. From his correspondence during these years, Washington can be seen evolving from a brash, vain, and opinionated young officer, impatient with restraints and given to writing admonitory letters to his superiors, to a mature soldier with a grasp of administration and a firm understanding of how to deal effectively with civil authorityincident. He wrote:
==Virginia Politician==Assured that the Virginia frontier was safe from French attack<blockquote>As I have heard since my arriv'l at this place, Washington left the army in 1758 a circumstantial acct. of my death and returned to Mount Vernondying speech, directing his attention toward restoring his neglected estate. He erected new buildings, refurnished the houseI take this early oppertunity of contradicting both, and experimented with new crops. With of assuring you that I now exist and appear in the support land of an ever-growing circle the living by the miraculous care of influential friendsProvidence, he entered politicsthat protected me beyond all human expectation; I had 4 Bullets through my Coat, serving (1759-74) in Virginia's House of Burgesses. In January 1759 he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy and attractive young widow with two small children. It was to be a happy Horses shot under me, and satisfying marriageyet escaped unhurt. After 1769, Washington became a leader in Virginia's opposition to Great Britain's colonial policies<ref>[http://www. At first he hoped for reconciliation with Britain, although some British policies had touched him personallyloc. Discrimination against colonial military officers had rankled deeply, and British land policies and restrictions on western expansion after 1763 had seriously hindered his plans for western land speculationgov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/george-washington/history. In addition, he shared the usual planter's dilemma in being continually in debt html From George Washington to his London agents. As a delegate (1774-75) to the First and Second Continental Congress, John Augustine Washington did not participate actively in the deliberations], but his presence was undoubtedly a stabilizing influence. In June 1775 he was Congress's unanimous choice as commander in chief of the Continental forces.July 18th, 1755</ref></blockquote>
Years later, Washington returned to the location of the battle. One of the Indian Chiefs, who was also at the battle, was informed that Washington was back in the area. He met with Washington, and he said:
 
<blockquote>I am a chief and ruler over my tribes. My influence extends to the waters of the great lakes and to the far blue mountains. I have traveled a long and weary path that I might see the young warrior of the great battle. It was on the day when the white man’s blood mixed with the streams of our forests that I first beheld this chief: I called to my young men and said, Mark yon tall and daring warrior? He is not of the red-coat tribe – he hath an Indian's wisdom and his warriors fight as we do – himself alone exposed. Quick, let your aim be certain and he dies. Our rifles were leveled, rifles which, but for you, knew not how to miss – 'twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we shielded you. He can not die in battle. I am old and shall soon be gathered to the great council fire of my fathers in the land of the shades, but ere I go, there is something bids me speak in the voice of prophecy:
Listen! ''The Great Spirit protects that man, and guides his destinies–he will become the chief of nations, and a people yet unborn will hail him as the founder of a mighty empire.''.<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=9WBVDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT115 George Washington's Sacred Fire]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=jAEWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA79 The Guardian, Volume 28], 1877</ref></blockquote>
 
Another account by a second Indian warrior, also led him to believe that a greater power was guiding Washington. He said: "Washington was never born to be killed by a bullet! For I had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle, and after all I could not bring him to the ground."<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=6tc56rgYE1YC&pg=PA44 The Life of George Washington; with Curious Anecdotes, Equally Honourable to Himself, and Exemplary to His Young Countrymen. ]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=nQsiAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA190 History of the Indian Wars: To which is Prefixed a Short Account of the Discovery of America by Columbus, and of the Landing of Our Forefathers at Plymouth]</ref>
 
During the battle, Washington displayed courage and initiative in halting the rout that followed, and afterwards became known as the "Hero of Monongahela"<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=cq7Mwvru8nAC&pg=PR22 George Washington's First War: His Early Military Adventures]</ref>
[[Image:GW1755.jpg|thumb|right|180px|Colonel George Washington of the Virginia militia]]
=====Commander of Virginia Regiment=====
In August 1755 he was promoted to colonel and made commander in chief of all Virginia forces, responsible for the defense of a 350-mile (560-km) frontier against French and Indian attack. It was a difficult challenge militarily, but Washington met it and learned the administrative needs of commanding a major force. He was on the defensive throughout 1756 and 1757, but in 1758 he accompanied Brig. Gen. John Forbes and a large force to attack Fort Duquesne. They discovered the French had left and there was no combat. Washington returned to Virginia and resigned his commission at the end of 1758. For him, as for Virginia, the French and Indian War was over. He had been bloodied in combat, was an acknowledged leader of Virginia soldiers, knew the frontier better than anyone, and had a sterling reputation. On the other hand, he had demonstrated no remarkable strategic or tactical skills, and had displayed rashness in action against Jumonville. Washington, a very tall strong man, demonstrated great physical courage and endurance, qualities much admired in a military leader.
 
Ellis (2004) concludes Washington was influenced by the East, where he picked up the deferential world of British patronage and hierarchy and curried favor from the well-connected Fairfax family, but failed to get a permanent commission in the British army. From the West came experiences on the Ohio frontier, where Washington carried out surveying expeditions and military campaigns against the French and Indians. Going to war instead of to college, Ellis concludes, scarred and immunized Washington against idealism.
 
===Planter and family life===
On Jan. 6, 1759, Washington married [[Martha Washington|Martha Dandridge Custis]], a very wealthy widow with two young children. Washington had no children of his own, but he later adopted two of his wife's grandchildren: George Washington Parke Custis and Eleanor Custis, who married Washington's nephew Lawrence. The marriage was a comfortably happy one. It made him rich, for the Custis plantation covered some 17,000 acres and included 300 slaves and a town house in [[Williamsburg]]. Washington proved himself an able and active manager, with a keen interest in scientific agriculture and land speculation. He bought up unoccupied western lands shrewdly, even in advance of permission from London. Unlike most planters, he foresaw the risks involved in a concentration on [[tobacco]] and diversified his crops. He grew wheat as well as tobacco on his Potomac farms, and by 1772 he was exporting both fish and flour to the West Indies. By 1774 he was one of the wealthiest of landowners at a time when ownership of land involved the administration of managers, overseers, tenants, and slaves; the keeping of accounts with the tobacco factors in Britain; and the ordering from England of most tools, furniture and clothing.
 
The local gentry controlled local government. Washington became a vestryman (in charge of the local [[Anglican]] church) and a justice of the peace. From 1758 to 1765 he was a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses for Frederick County, and from 1765 for Fairfax, although he took little part in affairs in Williamsburg. He was not a debater, speaker or pamphleteer, but nevertheless struck a conspicuous figure as a man of sound military, political and economic judgment. He had shown particular concern over bounty land due to the veterans of the French and Indian War, and he knew the Virginia frontier at first hand. Washington was America's first great entrepreneur, who saw the future of a diversified economy even in the South and achieved it for himself at least; who saw the future of the West and invested in it; and who directed all his activities with a careful and rather cold efficiency.
==American Revolution==
Washington took command of the troops surrounding British-occupied Boston on July 3, devoting the next few months 's path to training revolution reflected the undisciplined 14,000-man army and trying to secure urgently needed powder and other supplies. Early in March 1776, using cannon brought down from Ticonderoga by Henry Knox, Washington occupied Dorchester Heights, effectively commanding the city and forcing the British to evacuate on March 17. He then moved to defend New York City against the combined land and sea forces American ideology of Sir William Howe. In New York he committed a military blunder by occupying an untenable position in Brooklyn[[Republicanism, although he saved his army by skillfully retreating from Manhattan into Westchester County and through New Jersey into PennsylvaniaU. In the last months of 1776, desperately short of men and supplies, Washington almost despairedS. He had lost New York City to the British|republicanism]]; enlistment was indeed, it provides "an almost up for a number textbook example of the troops, and others were deserting in droves; civilian morale was falling rapidly; and Congress, faced with Radical Whig ideology that historians have made the possibility central feature of a British attack scholarship on Philadelphia, had withdrawn from the city.[[Image:washington-deleware.jpg|300px|right|thumb|''Washington Crossing American Revolution for the Delaware'', by Emmanuel Leutze, 1850]]Colonial morale was briefly revived by the capture of Trenton, Npast forty years.J., a brilliantly conceived attack in which Washington crossed the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 and surprised the predominantly Hessian garrison. Advancing to Princeton, N.J., he routed the British there on Jan. 3, 1777, but in September and October 1777 he suffered serious reverses in Pennsylvania--at Brandywine and Germantown. The major success of that year--the defeat "<ref>Ellis (October 17772004) of the British at Saratoga, Np.Y.--had belonged not to 62</ref> Personal experiences on multiple levels convinced Washington but to Benedict Arnold and Horatio Gates. The contrast between Washington's record and Gates's brilliant victory there was one factor that led indeed a British conspiracy to enslave the so-called Conway Cabal--an intrigue by some members of Congress and army officers to replace Washington with a more successful commander, probably Gates. Washington acted quicklycolonies, as he saw imperial policies constantly limiting and the plan eventually collapsed due to lack of public support as well as to Washington's overall superiority to restricting his rivalsprized autonomy. After holding In his bedraggled and dispirited quests for a commission in the redcoat army together during the difficult winter at Valley Forge, Washington learned that France had recognized American independence. With the aid of the Prussian Baron von Steuben and the French marquis de LaFayette, he concentrated on turning the army into a viable fighting forcefor western land, and by spring he was ready to take the field again. In June 1778 he attacked the for economic independence from British near Monmouth Courthouseconsignment merchants, N.J.Washington found himself losing out, on their withdrawal from Philadelphia to New York. Although American general Charles Lee's lack of enterprise ruined Washington's plan to strike becoming a major blow at Sir Henry Clinton's army at Monmouth, the commander in chief's quick action on the field prevented an American defeathelpless dependent.
In 1780 the main theater of the war shifted to the south. Although the campaigns in Virginia Washington and the Carolinas were conducted Continental Army triumphed by other generals, including Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgandriving the 10, 000 British out of [[Boston]] in March 1776. The tide turned; Washington was still responsible for barely survived humiliating defeats the overall direction defense of the warNew York City that fall. After He revived the arrival of nation's fortunes by crossing the French army in 1780 he concentrated on coordinating allied efforts Delaware River and defeating British forces in 1781 launched, in cooperation with the comte de Rochambeau stunning victories at Trenton and Princeton over the comte dwinter of 1776–77. [[Image:washington-deleware.jpg|right|thumb|220px|'Estaing, '[[Washington Crossing the brilliantly planned and executed Yorktown Campaign against Charles CornwallisDelaware]]'', securing (Oct. 19by Emmanuel Leutze, 1781) the American victory. 1850]]
Washington had grown enormously in stature during As Ellis (2004) argues, the war. A man June 1775-March 1776 siege of unquestioned integrity, he began by accepting Boston was the advice of more experienced officers such formative event in Washington's development as Gates a military and Charles Leepolitical leader, but for it was there that he quickly learned first responded to trust his own judgment. He sometimes railed at Congress for its failure the logistical problems inherent to supply troops and for the bungling fiscal measures that frustrated American cause in the Revolutionary War with his efforts to secure adequate materieltrademark determination, leadership ability, and sound decision making. GraduallyHe also, however, he developed what was perhaps his greatest strength in exhibited a society suspicious of stubborn, aloof, severe personality that "virtually precluded intimacy." Washington, dubbed "His Excellency" by the military--his ability to deal effectively adoring American public, also became acquainted with civil authority. Whatever many of his private opinions, his relations with Congress future staff members and with the state governments lieutenants during this period. The British were exemplary--despite the fact that his wartime powers sometimes amounted to dictatorial authority. On the battlefield Washington relied on a policy forced out of trial Boston and errorevery place in America, eventually becoming a master which declared its independence and became "the United States of improvisation. Often accused of being overly cautiousAmerica" on July 4, he could be bold when success seemed possible. He learned to use the short-term militia skillfully and to combine green troops with veterans to produce an efficient fighting force1776.
After [[King George III]] personally demanded the war Washington returned to Mount Vernon, which had declined in his absencerebellion be suppressed. Although he became president He sent two-thirds of the Society of the Cincinnatihis army, an organization and half of former Revolutionary War officers, he avoided involvement the Royal Navy in Virginia politics"the largest projection of seaborne power ever attempted by a European power. Preferring to concentrate on restoring Mount Vernon"<ref>Fischer (2004) p. 33</ref> The British sent 23, he added a greenhouse000 regular troops under experienced officers and sergeants, a milland another 10, an icehouse000 trained [[Hessian (soldier)|Hessians]] supported by 70 warships. The ocean off the entire [[Atlantic Ocean|Atlantic]] coast came under British control, and new land to shutting down the estatelarge American merchant marine. In the face of this, Washington's forces melted away. He experimented with crop rotationhad more than 28, bred hunting dogs and horses000 men under his command at the end of August when the British landed. After losing badly in New York City, investigated at the development beginning of Potomac River navigationDecember he had a mere 6, undertook various commercial ventures800. But he used them in an audacious Christmas-day attack that destroyed the Hessian garrison at Trenton, and traveled New Jersey <ref>[[Hessian (1784soldier) west |Hessians]] lost 896 captured, 22 killed and 83 seriously wounded. Washington lost two men killed in battle, two more frozen to examine his land holdings near the Ohio Riverdeath, and eight wounded. His diary notes a steady stream of visitorsFischer (2004) pp. 254-5.</ref> and defeated the British outpost at Princeton, native New Jersey. Threatened by Washington and foreign; Mount Vernonharassed by patriotic farmer-marksmen, like its owner, had already become a national institutionthe British withdrew from the state of [[New Jersey]].
In May 1787, [[Image:Am-Rev.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Advantages (top) and disadvantages (bottom) General Washington headed the Virginia delegation had to cope with during the Constitutional Convension Revolution]]In 1777 he tricked the British into dividing their forces so that one British army under General Howe confronted (and defeated) Washington in unimportant battles near [[Philadelphia and ]], while the main British army under general Cornwallis was unanimously elected presiding officer. His presence lent prestige forced to the proceedingssurrender at Saratoga, and although he made few direct contributions, he generally supported the advocates of a strong central governmentin upstate New York. After This great American victory at Saratoga enabling the new Constitution was submitted French to enter the states for ratification war officially and became legally operative, he was unanimously elected president (1789)make it an even contest militarily.
When the British moved in fall 1777 to capture the national capital at Philadelphia, Washington moved south to stop them, but was defeated by Howe at Brandywine (Sept 11) and Germantown (Oct 4). The British wintered in comfort in the city while Washington's army, 11,000 strong at first, had stark quarters at Valley Forge nearby. "The whole of them," said Gen. John Sullivan, were "without watch coats, one half without blankets, and more than one third without shoes . . . many of them without jackets...and not a few without shirts." Rations were scarce, as the local farmers refused to accept Continental money. Exhausted and ill, hundreds deserted to go home to their farms. Washington warned Congress: "unless some great and capital change suddenly takes place... this army must inevitably...starve, dissolve or disperse." Many in Congress grumbled about Washington's leadership and there was talk of promoting his chief critic, General Thomas Conway. However Congress and the army realized Washington was indispensable, and he remained in charge. The bright note was that Washington brought in a highly skilled European officer, General [[Friedrich von Steuben]], who systematically trained the officers and sergeants in the latest drills and maneuvering techniques of the Prussian army.<ref>Quotes from Freeman 4:570, 568.</ref>
[[Image:Washington resign commission.jpg|right|thumb|220px|John Trumbull's portrayal of General Washington resigning his commission]]
===Victory in the South 1780-1781===
The British made one last major effort in 1780–1781, invading South Carolina (and remote Georgia) in the hopes of rallying enough Loyalists to break off the southern states. Washington kept the main British army bottled up in New York City, as the southern campaigns turned into [[guerrilla warfare]] and assassination squads. The British realized they had failed and moved their army to Yorktown, Virginia, awaiting the Royal Navy to take it to New York. The British fleet did show up but was defeated by a stronger French fleet. Washington meanwhile moved his entire army and the French army to Yorktown, where they forced the British to surrender in October 1781.
==Constitutional Convention==The problems King George III wanted to fight on even after losing two of travel his three combat armies but he lost control of [[Parliament]] and trade on river systems caused the states to call for a conference to work out the differences between the statesAmerican war was over. Washington asked that When the states meet peace treaty was finalized in Annapolis1783, MarylandWashington triumphantly marched into New York City. Only five states attended this meeting in 1786. The next meeting was scheduled for Philadelphia in 1787. Congress was also asked Then to act on the matter astonishment of calling the world, Washington—by now the most famous man in the world—stopped the [[Newburgh Conspiracy]], resigned his commission, and went home to his plantation, setting a convention but they did not. It was not until the 25th standard of May that a quorum was availablerepublican belief in civilian supremacy.
The first act of the convention was to elect George Washington as the president of the convention. When he was elected delivered his farewell to the post of President Washington decided that the meetings ought to be secret. Washington held the belief that the government should have coercive powerhis officers on December 4, but he did not know what the extent of that power would be. Washington also held to the idea that the government should have three branches. They should be called the Executive1783, Legislative and Judiciaryat [[Fraunces Tavern]] in New York City. George Washington felt very strongly about a Federal Court System as early as 1775<ref>[https://books. This system should also have an appeals systemgoogle. Because he was a Virginiancom/books?id=duwQAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR201 The Minute Man, Washington favored what is called the Virginia Plan.Volumes 11-20]</ref>
While ===Conflict with the Iroquois===As part of the revolutionary war, George Washington himself does not write much about is said to have massacred the conventionIroquois. The story goes as follows: On June 4, so it becomes necessary 1779, Washington ordered the Revolutionary army to read between invade the lines land of where the other delegates Iroquois tribe was to find out that Washington favoredkill many of them as possible. Sources indicate This widely publicized story states that he the invasion had devastated the tribe and their army.<ref name="usnews.com">https://www.usnews.com/news/national/articles/2008/06/27/town-destroyer-versus-the-iroquois-indians</ref><ref name="americanhistory.oxfordre.com">http://americanhistory.oxfordre.com/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199329175.001.0001/acrefore-9780199329175-e-3</ref><br />The "Ho-De-No-Sau-Nee," or "League of the Iroquois," was a group of five tribes in northern New York and Pennsylvania which joined forces in 1570. As one body represented by 50 members of each tribe, they made decisions relating to trade and war. Day-to-day operations within tribes were left to the jurisdiction of their respective tribes, but matters of war had to be agreed upon by the group. In general, they seemed to side with the British in most matters. However, they also proved deceitful in certain matters, such as the sale of land which did have feelings about presidential life tenure not belong to them, but rather the Shawnee, Delaware and he supported Cherokee.<ref>http://firstpeoplesofcanada.com/fp_treaties/fp_treaties_br1stpplafter1763.html</ref> They also generally fought with the British against the colonists.<ref>[http://theiroquoisstory.weebly.com TheIroquoisStory] retrieved 9/18/17</ref><br />This system worked until about the compromise time of the convention American revolution. With many Native Americans as involved in the conflict as Europeans, the Iroquois needed to make a decision on who to fight, but could not. In the setup end, each tribe tried to go its own way, but most fought against the colonists in favor of the House British. Even so, Iroquois made themselves enemies of the British in some cases as well.<ref name="let.rug.nl">http://www.let.rug.nl/usa/outlines/history-1994/early-america/colonial-indian-relations.php</ref> As the Iroquois Indians had been raiding the colonies' northern frontier, Washington finally ordered the "total destruction and Senatedevastation" of Iroquois settlements in order to crush their hostile Confederacy.<ref name="usnews.com"/><ref name="americanhistory.oxfordre.com"/><ref name="let.rug.nl"/><br />Revisionist history tries to portray this final strike against the Iroquois as a cruel, senseless slaughter of innocent Native Americans. It was quite the opposite, being rather a well-deserved retaliatory strike, putting an end to the ongoing aggression of the alliance. It also removed one of the military options of the British.
George Washington had returned to Mount Vernon to wait for the ratification of the ==Constitution. While he did not speak publicly on the subject, Washington did pass on private support and advice to those who would favor the new Constitution. George Washington was such a popular figure the public felt that it was the correct action to ratify the Constitution. During the ratification process Washington continued to support the Constitution. It has been suggested that before the ratification was done people were already selecting George Washington as the first President. ==
==President==[[File:The_Foundation_of_American_Government_Hy_Hintermeister.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Reproduction of painting of George Washington was at Mount Vernon when Charles Thompson, [[Benjamin Franklin]] and others signing the long-term secretary U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Henry Hintermeister.]]Long before most of the Continental Congress brought him the news his contemporaries, Washington realized that he was elected Presidentindependence could not be guaranteed without a standing army and that a nation strong enough to defend itself and to control the West could not exist without a central taxing power and a competent executive authority. The arrival All of the document at Mount Vernon made it legalthose things, he admitted. Washington left on April the 16th traveling ran directly counter to New York Cityanti-tax, anti-centralizing sentiments that animated the temporary capital of the new RepublicRevolution. On April 30But they were necessary nonetheless, George Washington stood on insisted throughout the balcony 1780s. Ellis (2004) concludes that Washington, succeeded in reconciling those contradictions and playing the difficult role of New York City Hall to take a semi-monarchical republican leader because he understood so well the oath of President proper use of power and could project "onto the United Statesnational screen ... the same kind of controlling authority he had orchestrated within his own personality."<ref>Ellis 2004 p.274</ref>
In 1785 Washington acted carefully and deliberately, aware of hosted the need to build an executive structure that could accommodate future presidents. Hoping to prevent sectionalism from dividing the new nation, he toured the New England states (1789) and the South (1791). An able administrator, he nevertheless failed to heal the widening breach between factions led by Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. Because he supported many of Hamilton's controversial fiscal policies--the assumption of state debts, the Bank of the United States, and the excise tax--Washington became the target of attacks by Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans. Washington was reelected president in 1792, and the following year the most divisive crisis arising out of the personal and political conflicts within [[Mount Vernon Conference]] at his cabinet occurred--over the issue of American neutrality during the war between England and France. Washington, whose policy of neutrality angered the pro-French Jeffersonians, was horrified by the excesses of the French Revolution and enraged by the tactics of Edmond Genet, the French minister in the United Stateshome, which amounted led to foreign interference in American politics. Further, with an eye toward developing closer commercial ties with both the British, the president agreed with the Hamiltonians on the need for peace with Great Britain. His acceptance of the 1794 Jay's Treaty, which settled outstanding differences between the United States [[Annapolis Convention]] and Britain but which Democratic-Republicans viewed as an abject surrender to British demands, revived vituperation against the president, as did his vigorous upholding creation of the excise law during the [[Whiskey Rebellion]] in western PennsylvaniaConstitution.
==Retirement and Assessment==By March 1797Because of the reputation he gained in the American Revolution, when Washington left office, the country's financial system was well established; a logical choice for Virginia to send as a delegate to the Indian threat east of the Mississippi had been largely eliminated; and [[Jay's TreatyConstitutional Convention]] and . There, he was quickly chosen to chair the convention. While he barely ever spoke, the delegates have been said to have designed the [[Pinckney's TreatyPresident of the United States|Presidency]] (1795) with Spain had enlarged Uassuming he would be the first President.S. territory and removed serious diplomatic difficulties. In spite of the animosities and conflicting opinions between Democratic-Republicans and Other members of the Hamiltonian Federalist party, Virginia delegation to the two groups convention were at least united in acceptance of the new federal government. Washington refused to run for a third term and[[John Blair]], after a masterly Farewell Address in which he warned the United States against permanent alliances abroad[[James Madison]], he went home to Mount Vernon. He was succeeded by his vice-president[[George Mason]], Federalist [[John AdamsJames McClurg]]. Although Washington reluctantly accepted command of the army in 1798 when war with France seemed imminent, he did not assume an active role. He preferred to spend his last years in happy retirement at Mount Vernon. In mid-December[[Edmund Randolph]], Washington contracted what was probably quinsy or acute laryngitis; he declined rapidly and died at his estate on Dec. 14, 1799[[George Wythe]].
Even during ==First president==[[File:Federal Hall Wall Street New York.jpg|thumb|Statue of George Washington, erected at the [[Federal Hall National Memorial]] on the spot where he took his lifetimeoath of office in 1789.]]In [[United States presidential election, 1789|the first Presidential election]], George Washington loomed large was enthusiastically and unanimously elected. Reluctantly, he once more assented to the call of duty. This allowed him great freedom in setting up the customs, honors and daily functioning of the new government. Washington surrounded himself with a sophisticated and intelligent group of consultants and supporters and successfully delegated most of the responsibility for the conduct of their offices to those trusted colleagues. He practiced "leading by listening".<ref>Ellis (2004) p. 175</ref>  One of Washington's greatest achievements was creating the form and style of the new government—a creation that has lasted to this day. The Constitution was vague about administrative details, and under the Confederation the national imaginationgovernment was ineffective. Washington created a strong cabinet, with departments of State (foreign affairs), Treasury, War (military and naval affairs), along with an Attorney General. His role style was formal but avoided the elaborate ceremonies and costumes of European courts. Washington consulted with his cabinet, but made the decisions himself. He served as his own chief of staff and kept a symbol very small presidential staff in New York City (which was the national capital until it moved to Philadelphia in 1790). He ignored vice president [[John Adams]].  As president Washington employed careful restraint in exercising executive power (to prevent a backlash against centralization), and practiced calculated postponement of American virtue potentially lethal issues such as foreign war or ending slavery. His was enhanced after restrained regarding such issues as the power of the Supreme Court and the abolition of slavery (he quietly favored gradual emancipation), and his death absence from early pronouncements in favor of Hamilton's financial plans, allowed him to develop both a nation and an office that appeared above the day-to-day political battles. However, he played a leading role in the struggle to locate the permanent national capital in the District of Columbia and in making military and foreign policy. He believed America's future interests did not depend on Europe but on the people and lands to the nation's west. Washington's vision led to a restrained but effective use of the power of the executive office and the foundations for a strong national government.<ref>Ellis, "Inventing the Presidency." ''American Heritage'' 2004</ref>[[File:GeneralWashingtonatChristChurc.jpg|thumb|George Washington worshipped at [[Christ Church, Philadelphia]].]]===Hamiltonian policies===By far the most important innovations came from Treasury Secretary [[Alexander Hamilton]]. Washington gave strong support to Hamilton's successful programs, all approved by Congress, to take over the state debts, to fund the new national debt through a tariff on imports, and to create a national bank, the first Bank of the United States. [[Mason LThomas Jefferson]], the Secretary of State, opposed all these programs but was defeated. Weems Hamilton set up a national network of supporters that became the [[Federalist Party]]. Washington never joined the party, but he supported most of its policies and became its iconic symbol. Jefferson and Madison set up a rival party called the [[Jeffersonian Republicans]]. Both parties set up newspapers that engaged in nasty invective. By his second term, Washington had become the target of intense attacks from the Republicans. They first portrayed him as an edition unwitting tool of whose Hamilton, but later realized that he actually did support Federalist policies.<ref>''Life America Afire: Jefferson, Adams, and Memorable Actions the Revolutionary Election of George Washington1800'' (c.1800) first appeared such legends as Bernard A. Weisberger.</ref> ====Whiskey Rebellion, 1794====Washington decided on decisive action to suppress the story about [[Whiskey Rebellion]], in which angry farmers in western Pennsylvania were protesting the cherry treenew federal tax on whiskey. Later biographers He called on governors to supply militia units, which they did. Washington rode at the head of note included a strong army into Pennsylvania and the rebellion collapsed without a confrontation. ===French Revolution===Washington had not traveled outside the U.S. (apart from a brief visit to Bermuda), and paid little attention to European affairs. When the French Revolution led to war in 1793 between Britain (America's leading trading partner), and France (the old ally, with a treaty still in effect), Washington and his cabinet decided on a policy of neutrality. Washington supported the [[Washington IrvingJay's Treaty]] (5 vols, designed by Hamilton to avoid war with Britain and encourage commerce. The Jeffersonians vehemently opposed the treaty, 1855but Washington's support proved decisive, and the U.S. and Britain were on friendly terms for a decade. ===Farewell Address===Washington reluctantly served a second term, beginning in 1793, but by 1796 he was exhausted and insisted on not running again. (Since then, no President except [[Theodore Roosevelt]] and [[Franklin Roosevelt]] has ever tried for a third term; the [[Twenty-59Second Amendment]] makes this two-term limit into law.) His [[Farewell Address]], partly drafted by [[Alexander Hamilton]], remains a classic statement of republicanism, calling on Americans to practice civic virtue and avoid alliances with the warring parties in Europe.[[Woodrow WilsonFile:Life of George Washington - The Christian death.jpg|thumb|Washington on his death bed]]  ===Retirement and death: 1797-99===Washington returned to his beloved Mount Vernon, but his health continued to decline. In 1798 he accepted appointment as nominal head of a new national army designed to fight the French in a threatened war. (1896President John Adams chose him as the one man who would command respect from all factions.) His role was nominal, as Hamilton was in effective command.  Washington's own works have been published died in various editions1799 from acute epiglottitis during an influenza epidemic, and complications from extensive [[bloodletting]].<ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=jgC36S_BdpwC&pg=PR17 Blood Work: A Tale of Medicine and Murder in the Scientific Revolution]</ref> Attending physicians, including ''his personal physician [[James Craik]], could not agree whether his condition was cynanche, an inflammation of the throat that was believed to require powerful remedies, or something that would require less radical therapeutic interventions than those his physicians had prescribed.<ref>Ben Cohen, Ben. "The Diaries Death of George Washington(1732-99) and the History of Cynanche." '', edited by Donald Jackson and Dorothy Twohig Journal of Medical Biography'' 2005 13(6 vols4): 225-231.Issn: 0967-7720</ref> [[Tobias Lear]], 1976Washington's personal secretary, reported that his last words were "Tis well."<ref>[http://www.mountvernon.org/george-79washington/biography/washington-stories/tobias-lear-tells-the-tale-of-washingtons-death/ Tobias Lear Tells the Tale of Washington's Death]</ref> ==Family and personality==[[File:Savage The Washington Family.jpg|right|thumb|The Washington Family, 1796 by [[Edward Savage]].]]Although he had no children, Washington enjoyed a happy family life and especially enjoyed management of his tobacco plantation. As Henriques (2006)stresses, Washington was driven by a lifelong quest for fame. He zealously guarded his reputation and took great care to ensure that he always acted properly and that he received due acknowledgment for his propriety. Washington prided himself on his honorable actions and was inordinately sensitive to criticism. Ellis (2004) stresses that Washington learned to discipline his emotions as an essential survival skill while facing dangers as a young officer in the Seven Years''The Writings War. That capacity for self-control, outwardly manifested in his famous aloofness, served Washington well again during the Revolution, not only by insulating him from criticism, but also by enabling him to curb his ambitions sufficiently to give up power at the end of George the war. This earned him the universally honorable reputation that he so ardently desired. Washingtonwas compared, 1745-1799in his willing surrender of power to the Roman leader [[Cincinnatus]], a comparison which drew worldwide attention and acclaim, even in Britain, the nation defeated under his leadership.<ref>For Lord Byron's poem on the subject, hailing Washington as "the first, the last, the best, the Cincinnatus of the West," see http://www.theotherpages.org/poems/2001/byron0101.html.</ref>  ===Slavery===Critics argue that Washington's status as a slaveholder, edited his treatment of his slaves, and his condoning of the institution of slavery besmirch his reputation as the "father of our country." Washington's stay at the President's House in Philadelphia was similarly colored by John Cslavery - nine slaves resided both in the house and in adjacent slave quarters. Fitzpatrick (39 volsAs a slaveholder, Washington personally struggled to balance the moral injustice of the institution with harsh realities, such as the fact that his own slaves were intermarried with those of his wife, whom he could not legally free.In his will, 1931-44)Washington emancipated his 123 slaves and provided financial support for the elderly and vocational training for the young. He acted in part to remove the only stain on his carefully cultivated reputation.
==Christianity==
[[Image:W-pray.jpg|right|thumb|''The Prayer at Valley Forge'', Henry Brueckner]]Washington was a practicing Christian who frequently invoked Christianity in his work attended services of several denominations and believed in the deep friendship between religion and governmenttook seriously his responsibilities as vestryman of his Anglican parish. As General, he Washington frequently invoked God and commanded that chaplains be included in every regiment:
<blockquote>"The General hopes and trusts, that every officer and man, will endeavor so to live, and act, as becomes a Christian Soldier, defending the dearest Rights and Liberties of his country."<ref>http://www.amerisearch.net/index.php?date=2004-02-22&view=View</ref></blockquote>
 
During one harsh winter while encamped at [[Valley Forge]], an eyewitness reported seeing General Washington pray for God's aid to win the upcoming battles against the British. He said:
 
<blockquote>''"I was riding with Mr. Potts near to the Valley Forge where the army lay during the war of ye Revolution, when Mr. Potts said, 'Do you see that woods & that plain? There laid the army of Washington. It was a most distressing time of ye war, and all were for giving up the Ship but that great and good man. In that woods (pointing to a close in view) I heard a plaintive sound as of a man at prayer.... To my astonishment I saw the great George Washington on his knees alone, with his sword on one side and his cocked hat on the other. He was at Prayer to the God of the Armies, beseeching to interpose with his Divine aid, as it was ye Crisis & the cause of the country, of humanity & of the world. Such a prayer I never heard from the lips of man. "''.<ref>From ''Diary and Remembrances,'' by Rev. Nathaniel Randolph Snowden (1770-1851), who received it from an eyewitness to the scene, Valley Forge resident Isaac Potts</ref></blockquote>
Washington declared in his Inaugural Address:
<blockquote>"It would be peculiarly improper to omit, in this first official act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe. No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than the people of the United States. Every step by which they have advanced to the character of an independent nation seems to have been distinguished by some token of Providential agency."<ref>''Id.''</ref></blockquote> Comments such as this one have led some modern historians to conclude that Washington was more a deist rather than a Christian.
Of course Washington has also been quoted as sayingtold a delegation of Indians: <blockquote>"You do well to wish to learn our arts and way of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ... Congress will do everything they can to assist you in this wise intention.<ref>Original Intent, [[David Barton]], 2004, Pg. 168</ref></blockquote>
Washington declared in his Farewell Address: <blockquote>"Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports." <ref>[http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/F?r106:4:./temp/~r1068i99iE:e2427: Reading of Washington's Farewell Address -- (Senate - February 22, 2000)]</ref></blockquote>
 
He began his last will and testament, "In the name of God, Amen".
 
Washington cherished his Bible so much that he includes the following sentence in his will "To the Reverend, now Bryan, Lord Fairfax, I give a Bible in three large folio volumes, with notes, presented to me by the Right Reverend Thomas Wilson" <ref>[http://www.ashbrook.org/library/18/washington/will.html Last Will and Testament] Ashbrook Center</ref>
==Freemason==
On November 4, 1752, Washington was initiated into [[Freemasonry ]] at Fredricksburg Lodge, Fredricksburg, Virginia. He was passed and raised at the same lodge, becoming a Master Mason on August 4, 1753. He later served as Worshipful Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in Alexandria, Virginia. Upon his death in 1799, he was given a Masonic funeral at his wife's request.<ref>http://freemasonry.bcy.ca/biography/washington_g/washington_g.html</ref> Despite this, Washington despised the [[Illuminati]] and the [[Jacobins]], which were closely associated with Freemasons and radicalism.<ref>Philipp, Joshua (May 29, 2019). [https://www.theepochtimes.com/washingtons-warnings-against-partisanship-related-to-the-illuminati-and-democratic-socities_2941627.html Washington’s Warnings Against Partisanship Related to the ‘Illuminati’ and ‘Democratic Socities’]. ''The Epoch Times''. Retrieved May 29, 2019.</ref>
==Parson Weems And The and the Cherry Tree Story==
In 1809, Mason Locke Weems (1756-1825), usually referred to as "Parson Weems," published a book entitled ''History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits of General George Washington.'' This book contained many fanciful stories and half-truths, intended to present Washington as a larger-than-life figure. Perhaps the most famous passage in it is Weems' recounting of a story which he attributed to an unnamed "aged lady, who was a distant relative [of Washington], and, when a girl, spent much of her time in the [Washington] family:"
:"When George," said she, "was about six years old, he was made the wealthy master of a hatchet of which, like most little boys, he was immoderately fond, and was constantly going about chopping everything that came in his way. One day, in the garden, where he often amused himself hacking his mother's pea-sticks, he unluckily tried the edge of his hatchet on the body of a beautiful young English cherry-tree, which he barked so terribly, that I don't believe the tree ever got the better of it. The next morning the old gentleman, finding out what had befallen his tree, which, by the by, was a great favorite, came into the house; and with much warmth asked for the mischievous author, declaring at the same time, that he would not have taken five guineas for his tree. Nobody could tell him anything about it. Presently George and his hatchet made their appearance. "George," said his father," do you know who killed that beautiful little cherry tree yonder in the garden?" This was a tough question; and George staggered under it for a moment; but quickly recovered himself: and looking at his father, with the sweet face of youth brightened with the inexpressible charm of all-conquering truth, he bravely cried out, "I can't tell a lie, Pa; you know I can't tell a lie. I did cut it with my hatchet."&mdash;"Run to my arms, you dearest boy," cried his father in transports, "run to my arms; glad am I, George, that you killed my tree; for you have paid me for it a thousand fold. Such an act of heroism in my son is more worth than a thousand trees, though blossomed with silver, and their fruits of purest gold."<ref>British spellings are as they appear in the original text.</ref><ref>Weems, George Mason (1918), ''History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits of General George Washington.'' [http://xroads.virginia.edu/~CAP/gw/chap2.html Chapter 2: Birth and Education], online at University of Virginia]</ref><ref>[httphttps://books.google.com/books?vid=OCLC22316477&id=6tc56rgYE1YC&pg=PA1&lpg=PA1&dq=mason+locke+weems&as_brr=1#PPP13,M1 The Life of George Washington] with Curious Anecdotes Equally Honorable to Himself, and Exemplary to his Young Countrymen. 1837, facsimile page images at Google Books</ref>
(Notice that Weems did not represent Washington as calling it "my ''little'' hatchet;" that appears to be a "familiar misquotation.")
In a October 2000 survey ==Greatness==Surveys of 132 prominent professors scholars always rank Washington as one of history, law, and political science, President Washington was grouped in the "Great" group, ranked 1st, with a mean score of 4two or three greatest presidents—with [[Abraham Lincoln]] his main competition.92 out of 5.00. <ref>Presidential Leadership: Rating the Best and the Worst in the White House (New York, Wall Street Journal Book, 2004)</ref>
==George Washington's expenses==In an October 2000 survey of 132 prominent professors of history, law, and political science, President Washington was magnanimous enough to lead grouped in the Revolutionary Forces against "Great Britain for free" group, sayingranked 1st, with a mean score of 4.92 out of 5.00.<ref>Presidential Leadership:Rating the Best and the Worst in the White House (New York, Wall Street Journal Book, 2004)</ref>
<blockquote>[[Image:Trumbull G. Washington.jpg|right|thumb|''George Washington''Sir, I beg leave to assure by [[John Trumbull]]]]== George Washington and the Congress that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted me to have accepted this arduous employment, I do not wish to make any profit from it. I will keep an exact account French book Rules of my expenses. Those I doubt not they will discharge, and that is all I desire.''</blockquote>Civility ==
However over eight years his expenses came to nearly $500,000 – well over $4 million in today's money. He 'See also gave loans to his friends that were never repaid, he bought limes by the crateload (400 at one point), and he treated himself to every "sundry" good available. From July 21-22 1775, he bought a pig, an unreadable number of ducks, "1 dozen pigeons, veal, 1 dozen squash, 2 dozen eggs, hurtleberries, biscuit and a cork cask.":'' [[Social intelligence]]
From September 1775 to March 1776, Washington spent over six thousand dollars on alcohol*[https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/lesson-plan/george-washingtons-rules-civility George Washington and the French book Rules of Civility]
Once President, ==Speeches from George Washington made the same offer ==*[[George Washington's First Inaugural Speech]]*[[George Washington's First Annual Message to exchange a salary for an expense account. He was politely rebuffed and given a modest $25,000-a-year salary. <ref>http://www.historyhouse.com/in_history/washington/</ref>Congress]]*[[George Washington's Second Inaugural Address]]*[[George Washington's Farewell Address]]
==Quotes from George Washington==
* "I have only been an instrument in the hands of Providence"
*"The freedom of Speech may be taken away, and, dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter. " (1783)<ref>To THE OFFICERS OF THE ARMY, Head Quarters, Newburgh, March 15, 1783, from ''The writings of George Washington from the original manuscript sources, '' ed. John C. Fitzpatrick, (Washington: U.S. GPO, 1931-1944)26: 224</ref>
*"Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. " (1796)<ref>("FAREWELL ADDRESS" in ''Writings,'' 35:229.)</ref>
*"There is but one straight course, and that is to seek truth and pursue it steadily. ("<ref>To THE SECRETARY OF STATE the Secretary of State, in ''Writings,''34:266.)</ref>
*"There is no such thing as coincidence. God wills the world according to his design." (1773)<ref>From The Diaries of George Washington, 1773)</ref> *"The propitious smiles of Heaven, can never be expected on a nation that disregards the eternal rules of order and right, which Heaven itself has ordained: And since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty, and the destiny of the Republican model of Government, are justly considered as deeply, perhaps as finally staked, on the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people." (1789)<ref>[https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html][https://founders.archives.gov/?q=The%20propitious%20smiles%20of%20Heaven%2C%20can%20never%20be%20expected%20on%20a%20nation%20that%20disregards%20the%20eternal%20rules%20of%20order%20and%20right%2C%20which%20Heaven%20itself%20has%20ordained&s=1111311111&sa=&r=1&sr= First Inaugural Address]</ref> *"But let there be no change by usurpation; for though this, in one instance, may be the instrument of good, it is the customary weapon by which free governments are destroyed." (1796)<ref>Farewell Address; September 19, 1796</ref> *"Mankind, when left to themselves, are unfit for their own government."<ref>To Henry Lee, Oct. 31, 1786 [https://books.google.com/books?id=5CHqDr6CJLsC&pg=PA204&dq=%22are+unfit+for+their+own+%22&lr=&as_drrb_is=q&as_minm_is=0&as_miny_is=&as_maxm_is=0&as_maxy_is=&num=30&as_brr=0&as_pt=ALLTYPES#PPA204,M1 online p 202-3]</ref> *"Government is not [[reason]]; it is not eloquence. It is force. And force, like fire, is a dangerous servant and a fearful master."<ref>[http://www.canadafreepress.com/index.php/article/26552 The War on Reason]</ref> ''„Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, Religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of Patriotism, who should labour to subvert these great Pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of Men & citizens. The mere Politican, equally with the [[Piety|pious]] man ought to respect & to cherish them. A volume could not trace all their connections with private & public felicity. Let it simply be asked where is the security for property, for reputation, for life, if the sense of religious obligation desert the Oaths, which are the instruments of investigation in Courts of Justice? And let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion. Whatever may be conceded to the influence of refined education on minds of peculiar structure--reason & experience both forbid us to expect that National morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle. 'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of Free Government. Who that is a sincere friend to it, can look with indifference upon attempts to shake the foundation of the fabric.“'' [http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/documents/farewell/intro.html The Papers of George Washington, Documents, The Farewell Address, page 20] *"Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company." -George Washington ==LinksIn fiction==Because he is famous for being the very first [[President of the United States]], George Washington has made several appearances in fictional media. ===Television===In a live-action ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' segment titled "George Washington Slept Here," a George Washington portrayed by Ed Metzger makes an appearance in Mario Brothers Plumbing. ==Trivia==George Washington did not have wooden teeth, as many tales have asserted. As early as his 20's, Washington had trouble with his teeth.<ref name=teeth>[http://www.mountvernon.org/digital-encyclopedia/article/false-teeth/ False Teeth]</ref> This would lead to several sets of dentures for Washington, made out of several different materials, including ivory and human teeth. Washington's dentist was Dr. John Greenwood.<ref name=teeth /> He is rumored to have told Thomas Jefferson that a function of the Senate is to "cool off" legislation passed from the House of Representatives, similarly to how a saucer is used to cool off hot tea.<ref>[https://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/minute/Senate_Created.htm United States Senate]</ref><ref>[https://www.monticello.org/site/research-and-collections/senatorial-saucer Senatorial Saucer]</ref> Washington was an accomplished dancer. He took dancing lessons in his teenage years and enjoyed practice throughout his life.<ref>[http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/colonial-life-today/dancing/ Dancing with General Washington]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=X1MrG9oLmvwC&pg=PT84 George Washington's Leadership Lessons: What the Father of Our Country Can Teach Us About Effective Leadership and Character]</ref> == See also ==*[[Washington Elm]]*[[Gallery of American Heroes]]*[[George Washington's Circular Address to the States]]*[[George Washington's speech which ended the Newburgh Conspiracy]]*[[Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour In Company and Conversation]] ==Bibliography==[[File:Washington Houdon 1792.jpg|Right|250px|thumb|A statue of Washington by Jean-Antoine Houdon, currently in the Virginia State Capitol's Rotunda]]===Interpretations===* Cunliffe, Marcus. ''Washington: Man and Monument'' (1958), * Ellis, Joseph J. ''His Excellency: George Washington'' (2004), by Pulitzer prize winner* Ellis, Joseph J. "Inventing the Presidency." ''American Heritage'' 2004 55(5): 42–48, 50, 52–53. Issn: 0002-8738 Fulltext: online at Ebsco.* Henriques, Peter R. ''Realistic Visionary: A Portrait of George Washington.'' (2006). * Higginbotham, Don. ''George Washington: Uniting a Nation'' (2002)* Higginbotham, Don, ed. ''George Washington Reconsidered''. (2001). 336 pp. * Wood, Gordon S. "The Greatness of George Washington." ''Virginia Quarterly Review'' 1992 68(2): 189–207. Issn: 0042-675x Fulltext: in Ebsco  ===Biographies===* Alden, John R. ''George Washington: A Biography'' (1984)* Ferling, John E. ''The First of Men: A Life of George Washington'' (1988)* Flexner, James Thomas. ''Washington: The Indispensable Man'' (1974). short version of Flexner, ''George Washington,'' 4 vols. (1965–1972). [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=98849444 vol 1 online, 1732-1775]* Freeman, Douglas Southall, ''George Washington,'' 7 vols. (1948–1957); Pulitzer prize; a one-volume condensed version appeared in 1968 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=62946671 vol 1 online]* Lillback, Peter A., ''George Washington's Sacred Fire''; 2006 [http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/george-washingtons-sacred-fire-peter-a-lillback/1100258407] ===Military===* Alden, John Richard. ''A History of the American Revolution'' (1969).* Bodle, Wayne. ''Valley Forge Winter: Civilians and Soldiers in War'' (2002)* Buchanan, John. ''The Road to Valley Forge: How Washington Built the Army That Won the Revolution'' (2004) 368 pp.. [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=106756208 online edition]* Fischer, David Hackett. ''Washington's Crossing'' (2004), Pulitzer prize winner; study of 1776-77 [http://blog.oup.com/2006/02/washingtons_cro online excerpt]* Higginbotham, Don. ''George Washington and the American Military Tradition'' (1985); * Higginbotham, Don. ''The War of American Independence: Military Attitudes, Policies, and Practice, 1763–1789'' (1971). an analytical history of the war* Lengel, Edward G. ''General George Washington: A Military Life.'' (2005). 450 pp * McCullough, David. ''1776.'' 386 pp. * Reed, John F. ''Campaign to Valley Forge: July 1, 1777–December 19, 1777'' (1965)* Royster, Charles. ''A Revolutionary People at War: The Continental Army and American Character, 1775–1783'' (1979)* Taaffe, Stephen R. ''The Philadelphia Campaign, 1777–1778'' (2003). * Ward, Christopher. ''The War of the Revolution,'' 2 vols., 1952, a good narrative of all the major battles.* Wrong, George M. ''Washington and His Comrades in Arms: A Chronicle of the War of Independence'' (1921) by a Canadian scholar [https://www.gutenberg.org/etext/2704 online edition]* ''West Point Atlas'' [http://www.military.com/Resources/HistorySubmittedFileView?file=history_americanrevolution_maps.htm online version]; the maps are public domain and not copyrighted [[Image:Washington1.jpg|thumb|right|200px|print from 1790s]] ===Political===* Bassett, John Spencer. ''The Federalist System, 1789–1801'' (1906), survey of politics [https://books.google.com/books/pdf/____The_Federalist_System__1789_1801.pdf?vid=OCLC64662233&id=tcQtUqwJCT8C&output=pdf&sig=JEsIhspA7Iw74WFJWe0zHeZU57k online version], * Chernow, Ron. <cite>Alexander Hamilton</cite>. Penguin Books, (2004) (ISBN 1-59420-009-2). detailed biography* Cronin, Thomas F., ed. ''Inventing the American Presidency.'' U. Press of Kansas, 1989. 404 pp. * Deconde, Alexander. ''Entangling Alliance: Politics & Diplomacy under George Washington'' (1958) [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=14354962 online edition]* Elkins, Stanley M. and Eric McKitrick. ''The Age of Federalism.'' (1994) the leading scholarly history of the 1790s. [http://www.questia.com/library/book/the-age-of-federalism-by-stanley-elkins-eric-mckitrick.jsp online edition]* Fishman, Ethan M.; William D. Pederson, Mark J. Rozell, eds. ''George Washington'' (2001) essays by scholars* Flaumenhaft; Harvey. ''The Effective Republic: Administration and Constitution in the Thought of Alexander Hamilton'' Duke University Press, 1992 * Grizzard, Frank E., Jr. ''George Washington: A Biographical Companion.'' ABC-CLIO, 2002. 436 pp.&nbsp;Comprehensive encyclopedia by leading scholar* Gregg II, Gary L. and Matthew Spalding, eds. ''George Washington and the American Political Tradition.'' ISI (1999), essays by scholars* Leibiger, Stuart. "Founding Friendship: George Washington, James Madison, and the Creation of the American Republic." U. Press of Virginia, 1999. 284 pp. *McDonald, Forrest. ''The Presidency of George Washington''. 1988. Intellectual history showing Washington as exemplar of republicanism.* Miller, John C. ''The Federalist Era, 1789-1801'' (1960), political survey of 1790s. *Miller, John C. ''Alexander Hamilton: Portrait in Paradox'' (1959), full-length scholarly biography; [http://www.questia.com/library/book/alexander-hamilton-portrait-in-paradox-by-john-c-miller.jsp online edition]* Morgan, Philip D. "'To Get Quit of Negroes': George Washington and Slavery.'' ''Journal of American Studies'' 2005 39(3): 403-429. Issn: 0021-8758 * Novak, Michael and Novak, Jana. ''Washington's God: Religion, Liberty, and the Father of Our Country.'' 2006. 282 pp. Rejects idea that Washington was a deist; he kept his religion private and was probably a Christian* Nordham, George W. ''The Age of Washington: George Washington's Presidency, 1789-1797.'' (1989). * Pogue, Dennis J. "George Washington: Slave Master." ''American History'' 2004 38(6): 52–61. Issn: 1076-8866 Fulltext: in Ebsco, popular history* Rozell, Mark J., William D. Pederson, Frank J. Williams. ''George Washington and the Origins of the American Presidency'' 2000 [http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=26469391 online edition]* Riccards, Michael P. ''A Republic, If You Can Keep It: The Foundations of the American Presidency, 1700-1800.'' (1987)* Sharp, James. ''American Politics in the Early Republic: The New Nation in Crisis.'' (1995), survey of politics in 1790s * Smith, Robert W. ''Keeping the Republic: Ideology and Early American Diplomacy.'' (2004)* Spalding, Matthew. "George Washington's Farewell Address." ''The Wilson Quarterly'' v20#4 (Autumn 1996) pp: 65+. * White, Leonard D. ''The Federalists: A Study in Administrative History'' (1956), thorough analysis of the mechanics of government in 1790s* Henry Wiencek. ''An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America,'' 2003. 404 pp. ==Primary sources==* George Washington. ''Writings'' (1997) (Library of America edition) 440 letters and key documents, 1184pp [http://loa.org/volume.jsp?RequestID=5&section=toc online table of contents] ===Large editions===Four major editions of Washington's writings have appeared:<ref>See [http://loa.org/volume.jsp?RequestID=5&section=notes] for details</ref> * ''The Writings of George Washington,'' edited by [[Jared Sparks]] (12 volumes, 1833–37)* ''The Writings of George Washington,'' edited by Worthington Chauncey Ford (14 volumes, 1889–93) [https://books.google.com/books?q=ford+%22Writings+of+George+Washington%2C%27%27&btnG=Search+Books&as_brr=1 online volumes]* ''The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799,'' edited by John C. Fitzpatrick (39 volumes, 1931–44). [http://www.questia.com online at [[Questia]]]* ''The Papers of George Washington,'' edited by W. W. Abbot, Dorothy Twohig, and others, is ongoing; 48 volumes have been published since 1976, and when complete this edition will be the most comprehensive edition so far. See [http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/project/volumes/order.html] for details** Washington, George. ''The Papers of George Washington Colonial Series'' Volumes 1-10 (complete)** Washington, George. ''The Papers of George Washington Revolutionary War Series'' Volumes 1-16** Washington, George. ''The Papers of George Washington Confederation Series'' Volumes 1-6 (complete)** Washington, George. ''The Papers of George Washington: Presidential Series'' University Press of Virginia. Latest volume is Vol. 12: January–May 1793. ed by Philander D. Chase, 2005. 708 pp. ** Washington, George. ''The Papers of George Washington Retirement Series'' Volumes 1-4 (complete)* ''Documents of the American Revolution, 1770-1783'' Ed. by K.G. Davies. 21 vols. (Irish Academic University Press, 1972), all the important British documents == References =={{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} == External links ==*[https://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1.html White House biography]
*[http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/index.html Papers of George Washington at the University of Virginia]
*[http://www.livingtrustnetwork.com/content/lwt/wills/washingtonwill.php Last will and testament]
*[httphttps://wwwarchive.earlyamerica.comorg/livesdetails/gwlife/ Text lifegeorgewashi00mdgoog The Life of the 1807 biography George Washington], by [[David RamseyRamsay]]*[https://books.google.com/books?id=xT8FAAAAYAAJ The Life of George Washington], by Mason Locke Weems*[httphttps://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1.html White House biography]*[httphttps://www.pbs.org/georgewashington/ PBS biography]
*[http://georgewashington.si.edu/ Smithsonian Institute biography]
*[http://www.mountvernon.org/ George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate]
*[http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/gwashington.html Internet Public Library, list of links]
*[http://gw.ffc.navy.mil/ USS ''George Washington'' CVN-73]
*[http://www.nps.gov/wamo/historyculture/index.htm WASHINGTON MONUMENT] the 125th anniversary of the monument's completion and dedication.==Notes & References==*[https://librivox.org/author/354 Works by George Washington - text and free audio] - [[LibriVox]]<references*[https:/>/librivox.org/george-washington-by-calista-mccabe-courtenay/ George Washington], by Calista McCabe Courtenay - Audiobook at [[LibriVox]]*[https://librivox.org/george-washington-by-ferdinand-schmidt/ George Washington], by Ferdinand Schmidt - Audiobook at [[LibriVox]]
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