Dave+H.+-+GW+-+F10

// George Washington // Born February 22, 1732- Died December 14, 1799 No Political Party Served As President: 1789-1797 (Two Terms) Vice President-John Adams (Both Terms) George Washington is probably one of the most recognized names in American history. The man who saved us from the British, who laid the tracks for American prosperity, and the nation’s very first president. In reviewing the facts, George Washington’s presidency deserves an A+ because of his hard work and the very little criticism against him. He is well known for his acts in the American Revolution, but his presidency is equally as admirable because of his unbiased outlook, his take on wars and his careful and cautious planning. Washington’s handling of his role as President allowed the United States to spread its wings and take off as one of the most powerful and influential countries in the world.

Washington’s life before presidency must be investigated before the investigation of the presidency is begun. Washington served as a lieutenant colonel for the British in the French and Indian War. This is where he learned the art of war. When the war was over he returned to his home of Mount Vernon and continued his life, serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses. After a while, he soon also grew tired of Britain’s tyrannical rule and joined the revolution becoming the head of colonial forces and eventually defeating the British and freeing America. It was for these actions he was nominated for president.

A major factor in Washington’s agreement to run for president was his distaste for the Articles of Confederation. He believed that the Articles (the first constitution of the United States) needed much review and revise. To his happiness the Articles of Confederation was dropped and in its place (launched in 1789) the United States Constitution was put right before Washington’s inauguration. Also, Washington was very much for the United States staying neutral in world affairs (Washington was not against “temporary alliances”, just permanent ones. He believed however that the temporary alliances should only be created in extraordinary emergencies.). This opinion was greatly expressed after France and England went to war in 1793. Even though the United States and France had an alliance that America would help out France in case of war, Washington believed that the United States was not stable or strong enough to do anything to help France. Washington wanted America to be “free from political connections with //every// other country, to see them independent of all, and under the influence of none. In a word, I want an //American// character that the powers of Europe may be convinced that we act for //ourselves//, and not for others.” (George Washington Biography p.17) Washington achieved his goal (at least during his presidency) because America did not side in any wars or political disagreements with any other country. Finally, Washington wanted America to be unified in government, basically meaning he did not want there to be many different parties vying for their way in government. Much to his dismay, when he left office in 1797, two parties were already beginning to form.

Washington had very little trouble when it came to congress. In his day there were no real political parties. If any divide was present it was more northern states versus southern states (i.e. northern merchants versus southern planters). The very first session of congress began and the hot button issue was Alexander Hamilton’s financial plan. The Northerners were for it while the Southerners were against it. Washington was also for it, but kept his mouth shut so he would not influence congress. Finally, the conflict was resolved after Washington agreed to Jefferson’s agreement that if the capital was moved to the south, then Jefferson would convince southerners to vote yes on the bill. Also, in 1790, congress met again to vote for Hamilton’s plan for a National Bank. Once again, the North was for it while the South was against it. Eventually, this split would birth the exact opposite of what Washington wanted: two separate political parties. Whenever Washington would get a bill to sign, he would never veto it unless he felt it went against the Constitution. Washington had a very quiet, yet powerful relationship with congress.

Washington’s entire presidency changed the future of America, but certain situations affected it more. The most positive outcome of his presidency was the establishment of Hamilton’s financial plan. After it was passed, the United States began to thrive. It went from a financial disaster to a financial explosion. It turned America into a financial force to be reckoned with and help get the country on its feet after the revolution. Another positive of Washington’s administration was the idea of neutrality. As previously stated, when France and Britain went to war, America disregarded the alliance it had with France and did nothing. This practice was continued until finally, the tension built and the United States got involved in world affairs….in 1941 after the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Washington’s neutrality practice was kept in play more than 100 years after he left office. Washington’s administration achieved great things while he was in office. On the other hand, Washington’s administration did have a downside to them. One of the administration’s failed calls was the tax on whiskey and the whiskey rebellion. Whiskey productions soared in the 1790’s, so the government rallied a tax. In 1794 in Pennsylvania, a group of men led a rebellion against the tax collectors. Washington jumped the gun, thinking the small uprising was a threat to national security and pulled militias out of many states and sent them down to defend against the uprising. With little violence the uprising parties collapsed in defeat. The downside to all this was after the incident ended two big changes came to Washington’ administration; Henry Knox (Secretary of War) quit in 1794 and Alexander Hamilton (Secretary of Treasury) followed him a month later.

Being the first President, all of Washington’s decisions held some importance. One thing that influenced all the presidents after him was something very simple: the title. Once Washington got into office congress began debating on what to call him. Various names had already been mentioned such as His Highness, The President of the United States and Protector of Their Liberties, and His High Mightiness. Washington, not wanting to become another king, decided on the term “Mr. President”. Something as simple as a title affected the long list of names who would one day take over his position. If the name “His Highness” would’ve been chosen, could America have turned into a tyrannical monarchy if someone would’ve let the name go to their head? More importantly, Washington is a role model for all presidents after him. Washington was a very humble man who only shared his thoughts on a topic when it was extremely necessary. He didn’t try to force people to believe what he believed or to do what he did, he never even have a party, which shows total nonpartisanship. The man saved the country that is known today as the United States of America, and all presidents after him have looked at his doings for guidance in their own terms of office. In the end the real number of George Washington’s attributions to the United States is uncountable. The United States was better off in all aspects because now, it was an actual country. Washington’s presidency molded the once sad and replaceable group of settlements into one of the strongest unions in world history. Thanks to him the government of the United States was able to prosper into what it is today, and it is because of this that Washington’s entire presidency deserves an A+.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

"George Washington Biography." // Bio. True Story //. A&E Networks, 2010. Web. 1 Sep 2010. .

Cooper, John S. "The Washington Administration: Of Presidents and Precedents." // Suite 101 //. Suite 101, 2004. Web. 1 Sep 2010. < [] >

"American President: George Washington." // Miller Center of Public Affairs //. University of Virginia, 2010. Web. 1 Sep 2010. .

"SparkNotes:George Washington." // SparkNotes //. SparkNotes, 2010. Web. 1 Sep 2010. .