Transcript George Washington - Teachers in Charge

George Washington
• George Washington (17321799), first president of the United States
(1789-1797) and one of the most important
leaders in United States history.
• His role in gaining independence for the
American colonies and later in unifying them
under the new U.S. federal government
cannot be overestimated
Early LIFE
• George Washington was born on his father’s
estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on
February 22, 1732.
• His first real adventure as a boy was
accompanying a surveying party to the
Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia and
descending the Shenandoah River by canoe.
• He was the eldest son of a well-to-do Virginia
farmer.
General of the Continental Army
• On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress
unanimously elected George Washington as
general and commander in chief of its army.
• He was chosen for two basic reasons. First, he
was respected for his military abilities, his
selflessness, and his strong commitment to
colonial freedom. Secondly, Washington was a
Virginian, and it was hoped that his appointment
would bind the Southern colonies.
President of the United States
• The election of 1789
• The electors met in each state on February 4
and unanimously voted for George
Washington, who thereby became president.
• In mid-April Congress sent Washington official
notice of his election as president.
Second Term as president
• On March 4, 1793, in a brief ceremony,
Washington was inaugurated for his second
term of office.
• Just two weeks after the inauguration,
Revolutionary France had declared war on
Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands.
• He decided to maintain a strict neutrality