United States Presidents George Washington 4/30/1789-3/4/1797
Table of Contents Introduction Americas First President Setting Precedent Presidential Leadership (2) Acts to Reduce the Nations Debt The Whiskey Rebellion Foreign Policy Critics Retirement & Legacy Farewell Address Relief & Accomplishment The Death of Washington Final Thoughts (2)
Introduction George Washington was the first President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the current United States Constitution and during his lifetime was called the "father of his country. 3
Americas First President After leading his country through 8 long years of war, having established the United States of America, Washington was once again called upon to serve this country. During the presidential election of 1789, he received a vote from every elector to the Electoral College, the only president in American history to be elected by unanimous approval. He took the oath of office at Federal Hall in NYC, the capital of the United States at the time. 4
Setting Precedent Washington was astutely aware that his presidency would set a precedent for all that would follow. He carefully attended to the responsibilities and duties of his office, remaining vigilante to not emulate any European royal court. He preferred the title "Mr. President," instead of more imposing names that were suggested. At first he declined the $25,000 salary Congress offered the office of the presidency, for he was already wealthy and wanted to protect his image as a selfless public servant. Congress persuaded him to accept the compensation to avoid giving the impression that only wealthy men could serve as president. 5
Presidential Leadership Washington proved to be an able administrator. He surrounded himself with some of the most capable people in the country, appointing Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury, and Henry Knox as Secretary of War. He delegated authority wisely and consulted regularly with his cabinet listening to their advice before making a decision. Edmund Randolph became Attorney General 6
Presidential Leadership Washington established broadranging presidential authority, but always with the highest integrity, exercising power with restraint and honesty. In doing so, he set a standard rarely met by his successors, but one that established an ideal by which all are judged. 7
Acts to Reduce the Nations Debt During his first term, Washington adopted a series of measures proposed by Treasury Secretary Hamilton to reduce the nation's debt and place its finances on sound footing. Hamilton knew to for our new government to be respected, it had to pay ALL its debts, including federal and state war debts. Several southern states had already paid their debts and did not like this idea. Hamilton s compromise was to pay all debts and for the southern states build a new capitial city in the south, Washington, D.C. 8
Washington s administration established several peace treaties with Native American tribes. * In 1791, Washington signed a bill authorizing Congress to place a tax on distilled spirits, which stirred protests in rural areas of Pennsylvania.
The Whiskey Rebellion Quickly, the protests turned into a full-scale defiance of federal law known as the Whiskey Rebellion. Washington invoked the Militia Act of 1792, summoning local militias from several states to put down the rebellion. Washington personally took command, marching the troops into the areas of rebellion and demonstrating that the federal government would use force, when necessary, to enforce the law. The protesters dispersed. 10
Foreign Policy In foreign affairs, Washington took a cautious approach, realizing that the weak, young nation could not succumb to Europe's political intrigues. In 1793, France and Great Britain were once again at war. At the urging of Hamilton, Washington disregarded the U.S. alliance with France and pursued a course of neutrality. In 1794, he sent John Jay to Britain to negotiate a treaty (known as the "Jay Treaty") to secure a peace with Britain and clear up some issues held over from the Revolutionary War. 11
Critics Washington's administration had its critics. They questioned what they saw as extravagant conventions in the office of the president. During his two terms, Washington rented the best houses available and was driven in a coach drawn by 4 horses, with outriders and lackeys in rich uniforms. Being overwhelmed by callers, he announced that except for the scheduled weekly reception open to all, he would only see people by appointment. Washington entertained lavishly with private dinners and receptions at invitation only. He was, by some, accused of conducting himself like a king. 12
Retirement & Legacy Desiring to return to Mount Vernon and his farming, and feeling the decline of his physical powers with age, he refused to yield to the pressures to serve a 3 rd term, even though he would probably not have faced any opposition. By doing this, he was again mindful of the precedent of being the "first president," and chose to establish a peaceful transition of government. 14
Farewell Address In the last months of his presidency, Washington felt he needed to give his country one last measure of himself. With the help of Alexander Hamilton, he composed his Farewell Address to the American people, which urged his fellow citizens to cherish the Union, avoid partisanship, and permanent foreign alliances. In March 1797, he turned over the government to John Adams and returned to Mount Vernon, determined to live his last years as a simple gentleman farmer. His last official act was to pardon the participants in the Whiskey Rebellion. 15
Relief & Accomplishment Upon returning to Mount Vernon in the spring of 1797, Washington felt a reflective sense of relief and accomplishment. He had left the government in capable hands, at peace, its debts well-managed, and set on a course of prosperity. He devoted much of his time to tending the farm's operations and management. Although he was perceived to be wealthy, his land holdings were only marginally profitable. During his long absence, the plantation had not been productive, and there was much work to be done. 16
Death of Washington On a cold December day in 1799, Washington spent much of it inspecting the farm on horseback in a driving snowstorm. When he returned home, he hastily ate his supper in his wet clothes and then went to bed. The next morning, on December 13, he awoke with a severe sore throat and became increasingly hoarse. The illness progressed until he died late in the evening of December 14, 1799. 17
Final Thoughts Washington could have been a king, instead, he chose to be a citizen. He set many precedents for the national government and the presidency: The 2 term limit in office, only broken once by Franklin Roosevelt. Later ensconced in the Constitution's 22 nd Amendment. He crystallized the power of the presidency as a part of the government s 3 branches, able to exercise authority when necessary, but also accept the balance of power inherent in the system. 18
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