Humanity has always been interested in its own history. Since ancient times, leaders have formed in society who have led others to development and progress. And in the article we find out who was the first president of the United States. Whose city was named in the country of opportunity by whose name.
A few words about George Washington
He pulled himself out of a large farmer into a giant of politics, whose name is forever immortalized in the annals of history. You ask any American: what is the first president of the United States? He will answer you with accuracy and without hesitation that it is George Washington.
His power was ensured by popular election, which is not surprising. After all, he is one of the founders of the United States of America. In his possession was a large number of slaves, he participated in many battles. Not only that, he led the Continental Army and founded the institution of presidency.
short biography
The life path of the very first US president began on February 22, 1732 in the city of Virginia. His father was a wealthy slave owner, and his black employees worked on the Pops Creek plantation. George in the family was the third child of five, despite this, his parents devoted a lot of time to him and treated him well. When the boy was 11 years old, his father died, and the head of the family was the older half-brother named Lawrence. George attached great importance to self-education and studied at home.
Slavery
As noted, his father was a major slave owner and made a huge fortune on their work. But the first US president did not inherit the traits of the exploiter from his father. From early childhood, he believed that such a system was unfair and immoral, and thought that the liberation of slaves was a long process. Perhaps more than a decade will pass before they become free.
A huge role in the life of the boy was played by Lord Fairfax - one of the richest landowners in Virginia. He replaced George's father when he died. The Lord in every possible way helped the young guy and helped build a career as a surveyor and officer.
Literature of the beginning of the 18th century had an even greater role on politics. He was read by the biography of the ancient Roman politician Cato the Younger, whom he considered an example to follow, and tried to behave like that. He restrained his facial expressions, used a classic style in his speech and behaved with dignity as a member of high society.
The first US president, George Washington, became more restrained and self-disciplined with age. He always kept emotions in check, not letting them go free. Officially, George was a religious person, but he was neutral about this.
Politics
He refuses to build an officer career. George marries and continues the work of his father - exploits the slaves who work on the plantation. And politics is increasingly taking his thoughts. The first president of the United States makes several unsuccessful attempts to become a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Virginia.
He actively opposed the colonial policy of Great Britain, organized an association whose goal was a boycott of British manufactured goods. Which is quite natural, because Great Britain artificially restrained the development of the colonies and prevented the development of industry and trade.
Some of his allies are Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. In 1769, he develops a resolution on rights, which indicates the need for the colony itself to resolve its issues. Understanding the futility of the situation, the UK government decides to abolish customs duties. And people's interest in subversive activities is declining, as is George’s support.
The beginning of the struggle for independence
However, the influence of Great Britain remained significant and was an exorbitant burden for the colonial government. After the first skirmishes between the colonists and the soldiers of the mother country, George decides to join the first and begins to wear a military uniform. It was a kind of symbol, which signified a break with a past life and the beginning of the struggle for independence.
The first US president decides to enlist in the Continental Army. And already in 1775 he became commander in chief of this army. But the forces of such a formation are extremely small, because most of the soldiers are the militia, which was recruited from the states.
Washington faced a number of problems:
- The complete lack of discipline of soldiers.
- Not enough professional military and equipment.
Every day George reformed the war machine and made it more agile. He led the troops into combat readiness and taught the technique of the loose system.
First fights
Together with his soldiers, he attacked Boston and besieged him. And that was just the beginning of his military career. In 1776, his troops defended New York, but could not resist the strong pressure of the English troops and withdrew, leaving the city of Great Britain. Exactly one year later, the siege of Boston ends, and the city passes into the possession of Washington and its soldiers. And closer to the beginning of 1777, the Colonial Army prevailed over the British at the Battle of Trenton and Princeton. This greatly increased the authority of George as a military leader.
Another victory followed: with his army, he liberated most of the central states and won a Pyrrhic victory at the Saratoga River in a battle with the British. As soon as the Colonial Army captured Yorktown, Britain announced surrender.
American officers were promised a salary by Congress, and they doubted that they would be paid remuneration. Then they decide to appoint an honest and fair George Washington leader of the country. According to the results of the Paris Peace Treaty, which was signed in 1783, the struggle for independence officially ends. Then Washington sends letters to all states, where it asks to rally around one person in order to prevent the country's corruption.
New post - new responsibilities
As noted earlier, Washington considered Caton the Younger his idol. And he did not change his principles of honesty and integrity, as an adult. In the new chair, George tried to follow the created Constitution. And he demanded from others the same reverent attitude to the main document of the country.
The first president of the United States maintained democratic trends in recent years. He surrounded himself with smart and decent people, mainly by the intelligentsia, who could ensure the country's prosperity in reproach to personal time and worries. He was not an authoritarian leader and always consulted with Congress. He tried not to interfere in internal political conflicts, considering them a dirty business. And it is not surprising that he was elected for a second term.
In the second term, he decides to radically change the policy regarding industrial and financial development, begins to cooperate with industrialists and other businessmen. Does not allow America to the conflicts that occur in Europe. In relation to the indigenous population was cruel. With the strength and rattling of weapons he took away the land, sometimes he tried to come to an agreement. He sought the introduction of a ban on distillation of alcohol. And as a result of his efforts, Congress banned distillation.
