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{{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 Countyhe never officially joined it, Virginia|death_date=December 14, 1799|death_place=Mount Vernon, Virginiapreferring to stay independent.</ref>

'''George Washington''' '''(February 22Along with [[Abraham Lincoln]], 1732 - December 14, 1799)''' was born to Augustin and Mary Washington<ref> has become the foremost icon of American [[Encyclopedia of Presidents, George Washingtonnationalism]], Zachary Kent, Children's Press, 1986.</ref> and was a model of the unanimously elected first ideal [[President 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 United States republican champion has become part of America]] 's collective idealization of faith-based citizenship, and the Commander-is immortalized in-Chief in the [[Revolutionary WarNew York City]]'s Washington Square Arch, which depicts Washington the soldier on the left, and Washington the statesman on the right.<ref>For photographic images, see http://www.whitehousenyc-architecture.govcom/historyGV/presidents/gw1GV046WashingtonSquareArch.htmlhtm</ref> He was also a devout {{cquote|'''The [[ChristianConstitution]]is the guide, with his adopted daughter once stating that: which I never will abandon. <blockquotesmall>"If you question — George Washington's faith, you may as well question whether or not he was a patriot."<ref>http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g011.html</ref></blockquotesmall>'''}}

==Early life==Washington endeared himself to generations of Americans by first refusing to become a military dictator or king and then by voluntarily stepping aside as the leader of a prosperous nation. His precedent was voluntarily followed for 140 years. Towards that endborn on February 22, 1732, at Wakefield, he sought to emulate the model of the citizen-soldier set by the Roman leader [[CincinnatusVirginia]], a comparison that is truly testament to Augustine Washington's greatness, a wealthy planter, and one that drew worldwide attention his second wife, Mary Ball. He was home schooled by his father and acclaimolder half-brother Lawrence, even and in England, the nation he defeatedlater life read widely.<ref>For Lord Byron's poem on the subjectHis interests were in land, hailing Washington as "the firstin surveying, the lastand in farming. His father died in 1743, the best, the Cincinnatus of the West," see http://wwwand George lived with Lawrence.theotherpagesLawrence died in 1752.org/poems/2001/byron0101.html.</ref> The archetype of Washington as leased the citizen-soldier has become part of Americaestate from Lawrence's collective idealization of citizenship, and is immortalized widow until her death in [[New York city| New York city's]] [[Washington Square Arch]]1761, which depicts Washington when he inherited the soldier on the left, plantation and Washington joined the statesman on the right.<ref>For photographic images, see http://www.nyc-architecture.com/GV/GV046WashingtonSquareArchlocal upper class.htm</ref>

===Military experience===In 1748 he joined an expedition sent out by the sixth Lord Fairfax to survey his lands in the Shenandoah Valley. Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis was eager for a military career. The first step came in 1759October 1753 when the lieutenant governor Robert Dinwiddie sent him to warn the French at Presque Isle (now Erie, PA.) and Fort Le Boeuf (now Waterford, PA) against making further encroachments on British-claimed territory in the Ohio Valley. The 11-week journey, some 500 miles (800&nbsp;km) round-trip, was dangerous, as Washington evaded hostile [[Native American|Indians]] (allied to the French). He reported back that a frontier conflict was imminent with [[France]].

==Early years==French and Indian War====Born In April 1754 Washington returned to the Ohio country as a lieutenant colonel in Westmoreland County, command of a volunteer force with the mission of checking the French and protecting an expedition sent out by the Ohio Company of Virginia, to build a fort on February 11 (old style), 1732, George Washington was the eldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wifeOhio River, Mary Ball Washington, who were prosperous Virginia gentry of English descent. He was baptised an at what is now [[AnglicanPittsburgh]].[http://wwwWashington discovered the French had reached the site first.npsThey called it Fort Duquesne.gov/history/history/online_books/hh/26/hh26fIn May he fired on a party of French soldiers, killing ten, including their leader, Jumonville.htm] George spent his early years on The French now could cite the family estate attack on PopeJumonville as a cause of war. This was Washington's Creek along first battle and the Potomac River. His early education included the study first engagement 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 VernonFrench and Indian War]], Lawrence's plantation on the Potomac. Lawrence, who which 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 major war 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 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:

<blockquote>As I have heard since my arriv'l at this place, a circumstantial acct. of my death and dying speech, I take this early oppertunity of contradicting both, and of assuring you that I now exist and appear in the land of the living by the miraculous care of Providence, that protected me beyond all human expectation; I had 4 Bullets through my Coat, and two Horses shot under me, and yet escaped unhurt.<ref>[http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/connections/george-washington/history.html From George Washington to John Augustine Washington], 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=Virginia PoliticianPT115 George Washington's Sacred Fire]</ref><ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=jAEWAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA79 The Guardian, Volume 28], 1877</ref></blockquote>Assured 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 frontier militia]]=====Commander of Virginia Regiment=====In August 1755 he was safe from 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 left met it and learned the army 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 Mount Vernon, directing his attention toward restoring Virginia and resigned his neglected estatecommission at the end of 1758. For him, as for Virginia, the French and Indian War was over. He erected new buildingshad been bloodied in combat, refurnished was an acknowledged leader of Virginia soldiers, knew the housefrontier better than anyone, and experimented with new cropshad a sterling reputation. With On the support of an ever-growing circle of influential friendsother hand, he entered politicshad demonstrated no remarkable strategic or tactical skills, serving 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 (1759-742004) 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 Virginia's House 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 Burgessesto college, Ellis concludes, scarred and immunized Washington against idealism. In January  ===Planter and family life===On Jan. 6, 1759 he , Washington married [[Martha Washington|Martha Dandridge Custis]], a very wealthy and attractive young widow with two small young children. It was to be a happy Washington had no children of his own, but he later adopted two of his wife's grandchildren: George Washington Parke Custis and satisfying marriage. After 1769Eleanor Custis, who married Washington became a leader in Virginia's opposition to Great Britain's colonial policiesnephew Lawrence. At first he hoped The marriage was a comfortably happy one. It made him rich, for reconciliation with Britain, although the Custis plantation covered some British policies had touched him personally17,000 acres and included 300 slaves and a town house in [[Williamsburg]]. Discrimination against colonial military officers had rankled deeplyWashington proved himself an able and active manager, with a keen interest in scientific agriculture and British land policies and restrictions on western expansion after 1763 had seriously hindered his plans for western land speculation. In additionHe bought up unoccupied western lands shrewdly, even in advance of permission from London. Unlike most planters, he shared foresaw the usual planter's dilemma risks involved in being continually in debt to a concentration on [[tobacco]] and diversified his London agentscrops. As 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 delegate vestryman (1774-75in charge of the local [[Anglican]] church) and a justice of the peace. From 1758 to 1765 he was a member of the First Virginia House of Burgesses for Frederick County, and Second Continental Congressfrom 1765 for Fairfax, Washington did not participate actively although he took little part in the deliberationsaffairs in Williamsburg. He was not a debater, speaker or pamphleteer, but his presence was undoubtedly nevertheless struck a stabilizing influenceconspicuous figure as a man of sound military, political and economic judgment. In June 1775 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 CongressAmerica's unanimous choice as commander first great entrepreneur, who saw the future of a diversified economy even in chief the South and achieved it for himself at least; who saw the future of the Continental forcesWest and invested in it; and who directed all his activities with a careful and rather cold efficiency.

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]]==Constitutional Convention=Victory in the South 1780-1781===The problems of travel British made one last major effort in 1780–1781, invading South Carolina (and trade on river systems caused remote Georgia) in the states to call for a conference hopes of rallying enough Loyalists to work out the differences between break off the southern states. Washington asked that kept the states meet main British army bottled up in AnnapolisNew York City, Marylandas the southern campaigns turned into [[guerrilla warfare]] and assassination squads. Only five states attended this meeting in 1786The British realized they had failed and moved their army to Yorktown, Virginia, awaiting the Royal Navy to take it to New York. The next meeting British fleet did show up but was scheduled for Philadelphia in 1787defeated by a stronger French fleet. Congress was also asked to act on Washington meanwhile moved his entire army and the matter of calling a convention but French army to Yorktown, where they did not. It was not until forced the 25th of May that a quorum was availableBritish to surrender in October 1781.

The first act King George III wanted to fight on even after losing two of his three combat armies but he lost control of [[Parliament]] and the convention American war was to elect George Washington as the president of the conventionover. When he the peace treaty was elected finalized in 1783, Washington triumphantly marched into New York City. Then to the post astonishment of President Washington decided that the meetings ought to be secret. Washington held the belief that the government should have coercive powerworld, but he did not know what Washington—by now the extent of that power would be. Washington also held to most famous man in the idea that world—stopped the government should have three branches. They should be called the Executive[[Newburgh Conspiracy]], resigned his commission, Legislative and Judiciary. George Washington felt very strongly about went home to his plantation, setting a Federal Court System as early as 1775. This system should also have an appeals system. Because he was a Virginian, Washington favored what is called the Virginia Planstandard of republican belief in civilian supremacy.

While Washington himself does not write much about the convention, so it becomes necessary delivered his farewell to read between the lines of the other delegates to find out that Washington favored. Sources indicate that he did have feelings about presidential life tenure and he supported the compromise of the convention his officers on the setup of the House and SenateDecember 4, 1783, at [[Fraunces Tavern]] in New York City. <ref>[https://books.google.com/books?id=duwQAQAAMAAJ&pg=PR201 The Minute Man, Volumes 11-20]</ref>

===Conflict with the Iroquois===As part of the revolutionary war, George Washington is said to have massacred the Iroquois. The story goes as follows: On June 4, 1779, Washington ordered the Revolutionary army to invade the land of where the Iroquois tribe was to kill many of them as possible. This widely publicized story states that the invasion had returned 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 Mount Vernon trade and war. Day-to-day operations within tribes were left to wait for the ratification jurisdiction of their respective tribes, but matters of war had to be agreed upon by the Constitutiongroup. While he 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 not speak publicly on belong to them, but rather the subjectShawnee, Washington did pass on private support Delaware and advice 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 time of the American revolution. With many Native Americans as involved in the conflict as Europeans, the Iroquois needed to those make a decision on who would to fight, but could not. In the end, each tribe tried to go its own way, but most fought against the colonists in favor of the new ConstitutionBritish. George Washington was such a popular figure Even so, Iroquois made themselves enemies of the public felt that it was 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 correct action Iroquois Indians had been raiding the colonies' northern frontier, Washington finally ordered the "total destruction and devastation" of Iroquois settlements in order to ratify 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 ConstitutionIroquois as a cruel, senseless slaughter of innocent Native Americans. During It was quite the ratification process Washington continued opposite, being rather a well-deserved retaliatory strike, putting an end to support the Constitutionongoing aggression of the alliance. It has been suggested that before also removed one of the ratification was done people were already selecting George Washington as military options of the first PresidentBritish.

==PresidentConstitution==[[Image:Washington painting at the Oval Office.JPG|right|George Washington painting at the Oval Office]]George Washington was at Mount Vernon when Charles Thompson, the long-term secretary of the Continental Congress brought him the news that he was elected President. The arrival of the document at Mount Vernon made it legal. Washington left on April the 16th traveling to New York City, the temporary capital of the new Republic. On April 30, George Washington stood on the balcony of New York City Hall to take the oath of President of the United States.

[[File:The_Foundation_of_American_Government_Hy_Hintermeister.jpg|thumbnail|right|300px|Reproduction of painting of George Washington acted carefully , [[Benjamin Franklin]] and deliberatelyothers signing the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia, aware Pennsylvania by Henry Hintermeister.]]Long before most of the need to build an executive structure his contemporaries, Washington realized that independence could accommodate future presidents. Hoping not be guaranteed without a standing army and that a nation strong enough to prevent sectionalism from dividing defend itself and to control the new nation, he toured the New England states (1789) West could not exist without a central taxing power and the South (1791)a competent executive authority. An able administratorAll of those things, he nevertheless failed admitted. ran directly counter 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 policiesanti-tax, anti-centralizing sentiments that animated the assumption of state debtsRevolution. But they were necessary nonetheless, the Bank of the United States, and the excise tax--Washington became insisted throughout the target of attacks by Jeffersonian Democratic-Republicans1780s. Ellis (2004) concludes that Washington was reelected president , succeeded in the [[United States presidential election, 1792|1792 Presidential Election]] reconciling those contradictions and playing the following year the most divisive crisis arising out difficult role of the personal and political conflicts within his cabinet occurreda semi--over monarchical republican leader because he understood so well the issue proper use of American neutrality during the war between England power and France. Washington, whose policy of neutrality angered could project "onto 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 States, which amounted to foreign interference in American politicsnational screen ... Further, with an eye toward developing closer commercial ties with the British, the president agreed with the Hamiltonians on the need for peace with Great Britain. His acceptance same kind of the 1794 Jay's Treaty, which settled outstanding differences between the United States and Britain but which Democratic-Republicans viewed as an abject surrender to British demands, revived vituperation against the president, as did controlling authority he had orchestrated within his vigorous upholding of the excise law during the [[Whiskey Rebellion]] in western Pennsylvaniaown personality."<ref>Ellis 2004 p. 274</ref>

The White House was built mainly by George In 1785 Washington's government. (Construction began on October 13hosted the [[Mount Vernon Conference]] at his home, 1792 which led to both the [[Annapolis Convention]] and was ready for occupancy on about November 1, 1800)the creation of the Constitution.

==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.

[[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>"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>

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==

:"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>

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 ==

It should be noted that some people will try to create a controversy where none exists. For instance certain recent writers will note that Washington's expenses in his eight years of generalship came to nearly $500,000 – well over $4 million in today's money.<ref>httpSee also://www.historyhouse.com/in_history/washington/</ref> while leaving out that the Continental dollar in use at that time was next to worthless, requiring large quantities to buy even basic supplies, and it got worse during the war. We only have accounts of Washington's expense statements because Washington himself was meticulous in creating and keeping his expenses and turning them over to Congress. It should also be noted that Congress paid them all, to the penny, and never showed any reservation.' [[Social intelligence]]

Once he had been elected President, *[https://www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources/lesson-plan/george-washingtons-rules-civility George Washington once again offered to forego a salary and only have his expenses paid. Congress felt the position required a salary, and instead gave Washington $25,000 a year for his services, a meaningful amount as the currency situation French book Rules of the United States had stabilized.Civility] ==Speeches from George Washington==*[[George Washington's First Inaugural Speech]]*[[George Washington's First Annual Message to Congress]]*[[George Washington's Second Inaugural Address]]*[[George Washington's Farewell Address]]

*"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 ==In 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}}

----==LinksExternal links ==*[https://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1.html White House biography]

*[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://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]]

 [[Category:George Washington|*]][[Category: American Revolutionary War Commanders]]