A brief overview of our first President: He began his career as a surveyor in colonial Virginia, where he developed his skills in navigating the wilderness. Washington then served in the provincial militia during the French and Indian War, also known as the Seven Years’ War. As a Virginia landowner, he became increasingly critical of British policies and taxation, which ultimately led him to join the revolutionary cause.
In June 1775, a date we recently celebrated, George Washington formed the militia and was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army by the Continental Congress. They held their meetings right here in Philadelphia at Independence Hall, and Philadelphia was also the first capital of the newly formed United States of America.
He was instrumental in holding an inexperienced militia made up mostly of landowners and farmers, and despite overwhelming odds, led them to victory over the most powerful navy and militia in the world. He was unanimously elected our 1st President in 1789 and re-elected in 1792. Under his leadership, he set many precedents, first swearing in, with a Hand on the Bible, the first Inaugural Address promoting unity, the formation of the cabinet, and the voluntary relinquishment after two terms, ensured the nations stability in its infancy, played a key role in shaping economic and foreign policies while navigating internal divisions within his administrations and giving the State of the Union Address, to the people.
He oversaw his Administration Cabinet, established the first Executive Branches of the Secretary of State, Vice President, the Treasury, and War Departments. He appointed John Jay as the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the newly formed Executive Branch. Jay’s leadership under Washington negotiated two critical treaties, the Jay Treaty and the Pinckney Treaty, securing our borders while improving free trade.
He stabilized the nation’s finances and established a national banking system. He signed the first Copyright Act of 1790, which protected the rights of authors and encouraged learning. His administration secured treaties with foreign powers and established trade relationships that benefited our young nation. In his Farewell Address to the Nation, he emphasized the importance of national unity and cautioned against the dangers of political discord. By doing this, he set the tone for a stable and functioning Republic, earning the respect of both the country and the world.
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