1. George Washington George Washington (1732- 1799), first president of the United States (1789-1797) and one of the most important leaders in United States history. His role in gaining independence for the American colonies and later in unifying them under the new U.S. federal government cannot be overestimated George Washington (1732- 1799), first president of the United States (1789-1797) and one of the most important leaders in United States history. His role in gaining independence for the American colonies and later in unifying them under the new U.S. federal government cannot be overestimated

2. Early LIFE George Washington was born on his father’s estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. His first real adventure as a boy was accompanying a surveying party to the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia and descending the Shenandoah River by canoe. He was the eldest son of a well-to-do Virginia farmer. George Washington was born on his father’s estate in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. His first real adventure as a boy was accompanying a surveying party to the Shenandoah Valley of northern Virginia and descending the Shenandoah River by canoe. He was the eldest son of a well-to-do Virginia farmer.

3. General of the Continental Army On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress unanimously elected George Washington as general and commander in chief of its army. He was chosen for two basic reasons. First, he was respected for his military abilities, his selflessness, and his strong commitment to colonial freedom. Secondly, Washington was a Virginian, and it was hoped that his appointment would bind the Southern colonies. On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress unanimously elected George Washington as general and commander in chief of its army. He was chosen for two basic reasons. First, he was respected for his military abilities, his selflessness, and his strong commitment to colonial freedom. Secondly, Washington was a Virginian, and it was hoped that his appointment would bind the Southern colonies.

4. President of the United States The election of 1789 The electors met in each state on February 4 and unanimously voted for George Washington, who thereby became president. In mid-April Congress sent Washington official notice of his election as president. The election of 1789 The electors met in each state on February 4 and unanimously voted for George Washington, who thereby became president. In mid-April Congress sent Washington official notice of his election as president.

5. Second Term as president On March 4, 1793, in a brief ceremony, Washington was inaugurated for his second term of office. Just two weeks after the inauguration, Revolutionary France had declared war on Britain, Spain, and the Netherlands. He decided to maintain a strict neutrality