George Washington was American statesman and political figure, first President of the United States, founder of the Institute of presidency in the US, commander. On February 22, 1732 he was born in the state of Virginia, County of Westmoreland. His father was the immigrant from England, a wealthy landowner-planter, who died when George was 11 years old. His death has deprived the boy of a chance to study, according to family tradition, in the UK, so education was home: it was organized by Lord William Fairfax, who lived next door. He sent 16-year-old on his Western lands to work as a land surveyor. In 1752, George Washington after his death inherited the estate of mount Vernon, associated with the rest of his life.
Showing an interest in agriculture, Washington, however, dreamed of a serviceman career. In the same year as the militiamen, he began to fight the French and Indians. In 1758, in the rank of Colonel, he resigned and returned to the estate and was closely involved in its construction and agriculture. In 1759, George Washington got married and has gradually become one of the most not only wealthy but also influential planters in the state.
In 1758, George Washington started social activities: till 1774 he was chosen to the Legislature of Virginia, and in 1774 was elected a Deputy of the 1st Continental Congress in Philadelphia. As a member of the Legislative Assembly, he opposed violent actions, however, when in 1775 began the War for Independence, Colonel of the Virginia militia, George Washington, abandoning thoughts of peaceful resolution of the conflict with Britain, led the Continental army as commander – in-chief. He was chosen for the position unanimously.
Hostilities showed the remarkable talent of the military leader, administrator, showed bravery and courage as a person. The biggest victories of his troops, in which Washington has reorganized, were battles near Boston (Spring 1776), Princeton (Winter 1777), fighting under Saratoga (Autumn 1777) and Yorktown (1781 Autumn) (Custis, Lee, & Lossing, 1860). In 1783 was signed the Versailles peace Treaty in which the independence of the United States was recognized by Great Britain, and after this event J. Washington returned to mount Vernon, after resigning as commander-in-chief. It is largely thanks to George Washington that the American armed forces have evolved from a simple bunch of untrained, albeit determined, militias, understanding absolutely nothing in military affairs to a well-trained, disciplined and well-armed regular army.
In 1787, begins a new stage in the biography Washington: he was the head of the Commission of the U.S. Congress, which developed the state Constitution. 1789 was the peak of his political career as he was unanimous elected as President of the United States of America, the first in the country’s history. In 1792, he remained in the presidential seat for a second term. While in office, Washington had consistently implemented the principles of the young Constitution, has formed the system of governance, structures of power, took measures to stimulate the strengthening of the state, the economic development of the industry, promoted the active construction of the capital. The foreign policy of George Washington, was based on U.S. neutrality and non-interference in the Affairs of the country.
Washington not to stay for the third term and moved in 1798 to his estate in mount Vernon. There, on December 14, 1799 ended the life of the first American President, awarded with the title “father of the Fatherland”(Jones, 2002).
The worldview and political philosophy of Washington was influenced by English opposition or agrarian literature of the early eighteenth century. Washington admired Cato the Younger, who was considered a model of all Roman virtues. He was trying to conform these samples in public and private life, adhering to the classic style of speech and dignified gestures and facial expressions. Self-control, strict control of emotions and disciplined behavior were his outstanding qualities, which less and less appeared initial spontaneity. Conservative and judicious in temperament, moderately religious, without a deep interest in theological questions, but always ready to accept new ideas and thoughts, he connected virtue with the progressive consciousness of the Enlightenment (Thoennes Keller, 2002).
George Washington played a prominent role in the independence of the United States of America and made a major contribution to the development of the young state on a firm path of development. As commander in chief of the American forces, he led a long struggle with Great Britain, ended with the victory of the colonies. Washington largely contributed to the beginning of the transformation of the U.S. into the modern Federal state. He took an active part in the elaboration and adoption of the Constitution, on which is his signature as the delegate from Virginia. As President, Washington had secured the accomplishments of the War for independence, was put into practice by the Constitution, laid the first foundations of American government and Institute of presidents, significantly determined their further development.
Washington refused to run for a third term, laid the foundations of the constitutional Convention that the President cannot be elected for more than two terms. Until the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, this restriction was not formally established by the US Constitution, however, all American presidents adhere to it. After the death of President Roosevelt was developed and adopted the 22nd amendment to the Constitution, which established that the same person cannot be President more than two terms
George Washington was chosen for this research paper because he is the greatest leader and one of the most important persons for US. George Washington stands at the origins of American national history. He pretty much participated in all the initiatives that have accelerated the transformation of thirteen colonies into the Union of sovereign republics and then in the first modern Federal state. In Virginia and in the Continental Congress he was one of those who firmest way opposed British colonial policy. As commander in chief of the American forces, he organized and led the military resistance that after eight years of war led to independence. Convinced of the necessity of a strong Central government, he in 1787 – 1788 participated in the development and adoption of a new Constitution, and as President has created the basis for a Federal Republican state, in which the Americans were able to find national consensus.
- Custis, G., Lee, M., & Lossing, B. (1860). Recollections and private memoirs of Washington. New York: Derby & Jackson.
- Jones, R. (2002). George Washington. New York: Fordham University Press.
- Thoennes Keller, K. (2002). George Washington. Mankato, Minn.: Bridgestone Books.
