Washington Presidency ( )

George Washington Presidency: ◦ Originally did not want to  Declined $25,000 salary Commander of Continental Army during Revolution ◦ Well liked; war hero Plantation owner  tobacco ◦ Small amounts of hemp ◦ Owned many slaves; opposed it; never challenged it

Fact? or Fiction? Cherry Tree? Wooden teeth? Directions: With a partner, read the two short articles on the myths of the cherry tree and Washington’s wooden teeth. After reading, discuss how this compares with you previously knew about Washington.

TAKES THE OATH Video clip

Takes the Oath (video clip) From the clip, what is George Washington like? What did he place his hand on to take the Oath of Office?

RUNNING A COUNTRY IS NEVER EASY

Debt Even though a new country, the U.S. was already in debt ◦ From the Revolutionary war Solution: Try selling war bonds ◦ Bad U.S. credit = low bond value  Didn’t work

Debt (cont.) Hamilton (1 st Treasurer): Agenda Raise money ◦ 5% tariff- (tax on imports/exports) ◦ Tax on whiskey (25%) Create Bank of U.S. ◦ Issue paper money  ”soft money” ◦ Hold federal money ◦ Lend money to stimulate economy Pay off bonds at face value to improve credit ◦ North buy bonds; agree to invest capital in South

Necessary and Proper Clause “The Congress shall have Power - To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper for carrying into Execution the foregoing Powers, and all other Powers vested by this Constitution in the Government of the United States, or in any Department or Officer thereof.”Congressforegoing Powers Hamilton claims bank is a “proper” way to make use of the power to collect taxes & regulate trade ◦  Enumerated powers (to natl. gov.)

WASHINGTON CHOOSES HAMILTON’S PLAN = U.S CREDIT IMPROVES

Washington’s Atlantic Wall (Proclamation of Neutrality) fighting between Fr and GB spread west into Atlantic G. Washington issued absolute neutrality ◦ No aid to Fr. or GB ships, no trade in weapons, etc… Unpopular w/ Americans as many were either pro-France or pro-Britain

Washington Says Goodbye 1797  dies in 1799 Succeeded by John Adams Farewell Speech: ◦ Warns of the dangers of political parties  Turn into power hungry professional politicians ◦ Worried U.S. may lose independence & need to ally w/ European Powers (Britain)

WHISKEY REBELLION READING AND QUESTIONS

Exit Slip Many consider George Washington as one of the greatest presidents in the history of the U.S. due to accomplishments before and during his presidency as well as because of his humble character. How might George Washington be considered a tyrant?