George Washington

Born in the Colony of Virginia, Washington became the commander of the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War (1754–1763). He was later elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses, and opposed the perceived oppression of the American colonists by the British Crown. When the American Revolutionary War against the British began in 1775, Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He directed a poorly organized and equipped force against disciplined British troops. Washington and his army achieved an early victory at the Siege of Boston in March 1776 but were forced to retreat from New York City in November. Washington crossed the Delaware River and won the battles of Trenton in late 1776 and Princeton in early 1777, then lost the battles of Brandywine and Germantown later that year. He faced criticism of his command, low troop morale, and a lack of provisions for his forces as the war continued. Ultimately Washington led a combined French and American force to a decisive victory over the British at Yorktown in 1781. In the resulting Treaty of Paris in 1783, the British acknowledged the sovereign independence of the United States. Washington then served as president of the Constitutional Convention in 1787, which drafted the current Constitution of the United States.
Washington was elected president unanimously by the Electoral College in 1788 and again in 1792. As the first U.S. president, he implemented a strong, well-financed national government while remaining impartial in the fierce rivalry that emerged within his cabinet between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton. During the French Revolution, he proclaimed a policy of neutrality while supporting the Jay Treaty with Britain. Washington set enduring precedents for the office of president, including republicanism, a peaceful transfer of power, the use of the title "Mr. President", and the two-term tradition. His 1796 farewell address became a preeminent statement on republicanism: Washington wrote about the importance of national unity and the dangers that regionalism, partisanship, and foreign influence pose to it. As a planter of tobacco and wheat at Mount Vernon, Washington owned many slaves. He began opposing slavery near the end of his life, and provided in his will for the manumission of his slaves.
Washington's image is an icon of American culture and he has been extensively memorialized; his namesakes include the national capital and the State of Washington. In both popular and scholarly polls, he is consistently considered one of the greatest presidents in American history. Provided by Wikipedia
Showing 1 - 20 results of 307 for search 'Washington, George, 1732-1799', query time: 0.06s
Refine Results
-
1Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
2Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
3Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
4Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
5Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
6Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
7Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
8Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
9Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
10Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
11Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
12Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
13Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
14Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
15Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
16Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
17Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
18Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
19Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book -
20Call Number: Loading...
Located: Loading...Book
Search Tools:
Related Subjects
History
Politics and government
Description and travel
Sources
Agriculture
Presidents
Washington's Expedition to the Ohio, 1st, 1753-1754
Correspondence
Politique et gouvernement
Foreign relations
Histoire
Military pensions
Generals
Inland navigation
Washington's expedition to the Ohio, 2d, 1754
Addresses, sermons, etc
Anniversaries, etc
Biography
Death and burial
Diaries
Estate
Etiquette
Prisoners and prisons
Revolution
Travel
American
American appreciation
Autographs
Brandywine, Battle of, Pa., 1777
Campaigns
Canals
Catholics
Causes
Charities
City planning
Command of troops
Constitution
Constitution of the United States
Constitutions
Contentment