George Washington
One of the most well know stories involving George Washington is about him chopping down his father’s cherry tree. When he was confronted by his father the young George said he could not tell a lie. He is also well known as the first President of the United States of America. Washington held the position from 1789 to 1797.
Many of the concepts and leadership roles that Washington established during his two terms as President are still used in the White House today. He worked hard to establish a treasury for the United States to help fund military operations and control government spending and debt. Since he was a military man himself he often bestowed honors upon the top military leaders.
He worked hard to establish peaceful relations with other countries and avoid war. Yet he also maintained the integrity of the colonies. Other countries knew they would not be pushed back or taken over without a tremendous fight. His virtue, dedication, and honor made him a well respected President.
Washington was always a leader from the time he was a young man. He led many military expeditions during the American Revolution. He rebelled against the exploiting taking place from the British merchants as well as their difficult policies. He quickly took the opportunity to become one of the Delegates to meet for the Continental Congress in 1775.
However, he quickly returned to his military status only a few months later. He led his men into a battle that lasted for a full six years. His strategy included continually harassing the British to get them to engage in battles and then retrieve in defeat. His victories over this period of time helped shape the ability of the colonies to stand united and claim their independence from England.
George Washington continued to be an advocate for personal freedom even after his Presidency ended in 1797. He passed away a few years later due to a complication resulting from an infection in his throat. His contributions to the military and political arenas helped shaped the United States into a very independent Nation. He is commonly referred to endearingly as the Father of the Nation. Many American’s still rank him as the best President ever.
