...The first president of the United States, George Washington, established the course for all future presidents; and as Dennis Mahoney writes, “Everything he did set a precedent, not only for America but for the world, because his position as a republican chief executive was unique” (Mahoney 2860). And unique his presidency was with all of his accomplishments. He raised money, dealt with international concerns and brought people together. First off, when Washington took office “the federal treasury was virtually empty” (Tindall and Shi 210); therefore Washington brilliantly released James Madison and Alexander Hamilton to figure out the best possible solution to pay off debt and raise capitol to protect the nation’s interests. Even though, Washington...
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...George Washington’s Farewell address is a letter of resignation written to the American people stating his advice and warnings of long term safety and happiness. Washington’s letter was released to the public in September 1796 but “drafted in 1792, with the help of James Madison,” as he prepared to retire to Mount Vernon following his first term. Wikipedia.com/Washington’s farewell address. Washington’s main concerns were unity of the states, upholding the constitution, foreign alliances, government spending, religion, morality and education. UNITY OF THE STATES. Washington begins his warnings that their independence, at home and abroad, safety, prosperity, and liberty all depend on the unity of states. That their union will come under attack by foreign and domestic enemies of America “as this is the point in your political fortress against which the batteries of internal and external enemies will be most constantly and actively (though often covertly and insidiously) directed”, to be suspicious and look down upon anyone who seeks to abandon the union or weaken the Constitution, to look beyond any slight differences between them in religion and politics and place their independence and freedom above all else, “With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles”, and the dangers of sectionalism arguing that the true motives are to create distrust or rivalries between regions and people to gain power and take control of...
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...George Washington’s “Farewell Address” George Washington wrote a farewell speech in 1796, marking the retirement of his leadership of the United States of America. He published his goodbye, titled his “Farewell Address,” in many papers. The long, revised copy of his speech, originally intended to be read at the end of his first term, tells of how he wanted to retire four years previous, but how he had been begged to stay on. He states that he never considered himself to be worthy of leading the country, and then goes on to give his thoughts and opinions of many matters in the government. Looking at the way he had led the country for the previous eight years, and the 45 he had given to serving it, should only make this country want to heed his warnings and advice. George Washington was a great man, with the country’s best interest at heart and mind, and only gave his honest opinion regarding many subjects such as the importance of national union and the constitution. He also spoke of the evils and dangers of political parties and debt, and stressed the importance of religion and morality in our government. In all honesty, no man ever left a more dignified farewell. Many people fought and died to make this country a nation; a whole....
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...Abstract Though some of the greatest political minds of the time, including Alexander Hamilton and John Jay assisted in the effort, the final draft was Washington’s. Without question the address portrayed his ideals and principals. 1) The Benefits of Unity Washington encourages the American people to stay united “That your union and brotherly affection may be perpetual” His desire was for them to protect the sanctity of the Constitution, and to insure that it is administered with wisdom and virtue. He addresses the unity of government with the people. Washington states that unity is what will hold America together and in fact is the very foundation that supports it. "The unity of government...is a main pillar in the edifice of your real independence...of your tranquility at home, your peace abroad; of your safety; of your prosperity; of that very liberty which you so highly prize." The American people should never take for granted the “Collective and individual happiness” and they should watch for, and take every measure at their disposal to protect these liberties from threats both from within, and outside the United States. Washington encouraged a strong infrastructure for the Union “Here every portion of our country finds the most commanding motives for carefully guarding and preserving the union of the whole” Washington foresaw the importance of a common government and unified laws, that would encourage commercial enterprise and trade between the different geographical...
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...George Washington, Sun Tzu’s Apprentice The American defeat of the British during the Revolutionary War was a direct result of George Washington’s incredible leadership and generalship which showed the greatness of Sun Tzu’s “Art of War”. The key to the success of the American Revolution was the George Washington himself. Faced with an almost impossible task of defeating a powerful enemy, Washington was required to defy the odds. So how does Washington’s accomplishment of this task relate to Sun Tzu and his teachings of “The Art of War”? There crucial points come to light: Washington’s selection as to command the Continental Army and inherent command capabilities, Washington’s strategy for winning the war against the Empire of Great Britain, and the art of maneuver that eventually lead to the critical defeat of Cornwallis and the British at Yorktown. George Washington was the greatest leader to choose for the revolutionary war. Sun Tzu said a leader needs to have wisdom, sincerity, humanity, courage, and strictness. These five crucial traits are shown in Washington’s strategy to win the War of independence. Washington was the embodiment of everything fine in the American character. In caring for his troops and their families he would spend his own money to help them. Washington brought more than just military ability and statesmanship to the Revolution he brought character. General Washington was respected not just by the rank and file, but also by people in all parts of...
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...The Father of America: George Washington James Butler, a founding father of America, stated during the first Presidential elections, that “many of the members cast their eyes towards General Washington, as President, and shaped their ideas of the powers to be given a President, by their opinions of his virtue” (“George Washington” 127). In saying this, he meant that George Washington was a man that, in the eyes of all the chair-holders, fit all the characteristics that a President should have. For over 150 years before George Washington’s time, America was a colony of the British Empire that controlled the do’s and don’ts of the people living there. However, with the accumulation of laws and acts set forth by the distant British Empire, the...
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...When one thinks of the American Revolutionary War, the first name that often come to mind is George Washington. However, there are many important figures in the war that began in 1775, a lot forgotten. In fact, without many of the forgotten figures, George Washington would have not lived through the Revolution, including Hercules Mulligan. Mulligan, an Irish man who immigrated to America at the age of six, supported the Patriots despite living in British-occupied New York City. He was a clever spy for General Washington and used his clothing emporium as cover to gain information to aid the rebel side. Hercules Mulligan was a forgotten man in the Revolutionary War, and was of great historical value, yet his accomplishments during the war period...
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...First President of the United States, George Washington began his military career as an aide in one of Virginia's four districts. Washington gradually advanced to the positions of Lieutenant Colonel, Commander and Chief of Virginia's militia, and finally Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War against Britain. His hard work and dedication to the War significantly impacted the outcome, as his actions certainly contributed to America’s win. Washington won the first presidential election for the United States on April 30, 1789 after the War had ended. George Washington is responsible for America’s success in the Revolutionary War because he was a strong and smart leader of the Continental Army, he was a very successful...
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...Fast Facts on George Washington * Born: February 22, 1732 Pope’s Creek, Virginia * Children: no natural children (Adopted the children of Martha Custis) *Grandfather by marriage of Confederate General Robert E. Lee * Military Service: Commander General, Revolutionary War * Profession: Surveyor/Planter * Political Party: Federalist * Home State: Virginia * Political Offices: Chairman of Constitutional Convention * Died: December 14, 1799 (Age- 670 Last Words: “I die hard, but I am not afraid to go. “Tis well.” Buried: Mount Vernon, Virginia * Term of Office: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797 * Number Of Terms Elected: 2 Terms * Nickname: “Father of Our country” * First Lady: Martha Dandridge Custis * George Washington quote: “I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of me conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.” * Major Events While In Office: * Elected to first term with a unanimous electoral vote. (1789) * First United States census(1790) * District of Columbia Established(1791) * States Entering Union While in Office: * Vermont(1791) * Kentucky(1792) * Tennessee(1796) Childhood and Education Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He lost his father at age 11 and his half-brother, Lawrence, took over that role. Washington’s mother was protective and demanding, keeping him from joining the British Navy as Lawrence wanted. Lawrence owned Mount Vernon...
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...George Washington and John Adams were the first two presidents of the United States. They played vital roles in creating the American Republic, and had it not been for them, our current American Republic would be very different or possibly even nonexistent. Yet, despite the hard work they put into our nation’s beginnings, they were also very different. Both men came from the same era, but could one be considered better than the other? George Washington, born on February 11, 1732, in Westmoreland Country, Virginia was our nation's first President. Washington and his ancestors were quite influential in Virginia “The patriarch of the family, John Washington, had come over from England in 1657 and established the Washingtons as respectable, if not...
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...What is a hero? Many people have different beliefs on who heroes are and what defines them. Some say that heroes are the martyrs that gave theirs lives for various causes, while others believe that heroes are ordinary people who find the strength to overcome great adversity, and yet others who believe that heroes are spandex clad individuals that save lives in the pages of comic books.Heroes are people held in high regard for their great qualities and accomplishments. One such hero is George Washington. George Washington has many heroic qualities, including personal sacrifice, perseverance, and dedication. He also achieved many great accomplishments, including leading the Continental Army to victory in the Revolutionary War, assisting in the creation of the Constitution, and defining what it means to be president....
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...George Washington is well known as the general who helped the colonies gain their freedom from the British. As the first president of a young country, he helped form the government and laws that still exist today. How he acted as president would affect the office from that time on. Washington was born February 11, 1731 in Virginia, which at the time was a British colony. According to the New World Encyclopedia, “Washington was the oldest child from his father’s second marriage. Washington had two older half-brothers: Lawrence and Augustine, Jr and four younger siblings: Betty, Samuel, John Augustine and Charles.” (2) Washington’s parents were of British descent and his father was a plantation owner, which included slaves....
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...Thomas Paine was an influential man who achieved many accomplishments throughout his life. He was born in England as the only child to Joseph and Frances Paine. He struggled as a young adult and was unemployed at the age of 36 until it was time for him to take up challenges having the help of Benjamin Franklin emigrate in America taking him to an interesting turn in his life(Foner). Thomas Paine is a prominent man who enlightened people through his writing, modify many United State citizens by his inspiring pamphlet “Common Sense”, and the change he was made in the United States because of his accomplishments. Thomas Paine wanted to show the common man why they should be independent of Britain. Paine wanted to reveal the corruption of the British monarchy and how the king was martinet. “in America, Paine believed there was a chance of righting the balance and bringing the ordinary citizen into power , if only the country could be made to see the necessity...
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...The speech was delivered at the George Washington University in the year 2013 on May 19. This is where the actress Kerry Washington gave her insightful and motivated speech. Before she reached the podium, one of the faculty members introduced Kerry Washington. His tone was educative, and informative when speaking to the audience. He spoke about Kerry Washington’s childhood background, and how she achieved several accomplishments, not just as a student at George Washington University, but on a nation scale with her awards and nomination from the NAACP. Overall, Kerry Washington’s speech is intimate, insightful, and motivating. When Kerry Washington finally begins to talk, the first words she says is “I love you too” to the audience. This sentence...
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...When people think of our most prominent founding fathers, who comes to mind? George Washington? Benjamin Franklin? How about Alexander Hamilton? Often an overlooked founding father, Hamilton was a very important person in our country's history. He expertly juggled his time-consuming position in the newly-independent country with having a wife and children. He had a very rich, interesting childhood, an interesting education, and made many great achievements for a man who died at the young age of 49. Nevis of the British West Indies was his birthplace, the second of two boys. The west Indies’s distance from everything else made it the ideal dumping place for those not bad enough to be executed, yet not good enough to live with civilized people....
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