what year was george washington elected president

Washington’s Farewell Address, September 19, 1796 Browse these resources or jump from section to section by clicking the links below:Įxcerpt from Washington’s Farewell Address

He died there on December 14, 1799.īelow is a collection of resources recognizing George Washington’s influence in American political thought and as the ultimate founding father. In 1796, Washington made his famous Farewell Address, finally withdrawing from government service and retiring to Mount Vernon. He despised the partisanship that soon grew in government and set the precedent of a two-term limit in office. Once the Constitution had been ratified, Washington was elected President unanimously.Īs president, he set an ideal standard for all of his successors – Jefferson praised his impartiality and fairness in administration. He provided crucial support for the Constitution during the ratification process. Though he was not the most vocal participant, his opinions were greatly respected and sought after. Washington’s public duties were not yet over however – he found the Articles of Confederation ineffective and unsustainable and returned to public service in 1787, attending a convention preceding the Constitutional Convention, which he was chosen to preside over. After grueling years of war, he carried the nation to victory at the Battle of Yorktown in 1781 and resigned his commission in 1783. The warfare of the Revolution was like nothing he had experienced before, but he is credited with quickly devising bold military strategies that ultimately won the Revolution. In 1775, Congress commissioned Washington to take command of the Continental Army. After, he served in the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1758-1776. His courage resulted in him being given command of all of Virginia’s military forces. Soon, he rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and showed great bravery in battle. Early in his career, he was a surveyor and then volunteered to serve the British Army in the French and Indian War. Like many industrious American founders, Washington was largely self-educated. George Washington was born in Popes Creek, Westmoreland County, Virginia, on Februto Augustine and Mary (née Ball) Washington.

What year was george washington elected president