🏛️ 1: George Washington
Born: 1732-02-22 in Pope's Creek, VA
Died: 1799-12-14
Lifespan: 67 years
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Early Life
Conditions at birth:
Born into a moderately wealthy Virginia plantation family that owned enslaved people. Lost his father at age 11. Limited formal education, but well-connected through his family.
Path to the Presidency
Political and military career:
- Surveyor for Virginia (1749-1750s)
- Colonial military officer (French and Indian War, 1754-1758)
- Member of Virginia House of Burgesses (1758-1775)
- Commander-in-Chief of Continental Army (1775-1783)
- President of the Constitutional Convention (1787)
Rose to national prominence through military leadership in the American Revolution. Admired for uniting the colonies and voluntarily stepping down from power, establishing a precedent for civilian leadership.
Presidency
Policies & Actions
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Domestic:
- Signed the Judiciary Act of 1789 (established federal courts)
- Managed national debt via Hamilton’s financial plan
- Put down the Whiskey Rebellion (asserted federal power)
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Foreign:
- Proclaimed neutrality in European conflicts (especially France vs. Britain)
- Jay Treaty with Britain (controversial, but avoided war)
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Oversteps or controversies:
- Use of federal force during Whiskey Rebellion was seen by some as authoritarian
- Owned over 100 enslaved people during presidency
Legacy
- Positive:
- Established many norms (2-term limit, presidential cabinet)
- Known as “Father of His Country”
- Model for peaceful transition of power
- Negative:
- Failed to act against slavery
- Jay Treaty split public opinion
End of Presidency
Voluntarily stepped down after two terms in 1797, declining a third. Retired to Mount Vernon. His farewell address warned against political parties and entangling alliances.
⚰️ Death
Cause of death: Likely acute epiglottitis or pneumonia
Where: Mount Vernon, VA
He freed his enslaved people after his wife's death (in 1802) in his will, but the stipulations applied to fewer than half of the people in bondage at Mount Vernon.