The Importance Of George Washington's Inaugural Speech

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On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath to become president and gave an inaugural speech. He gave the speech at Federal Hall in New York City (“George”). Observes said he had looked like he would rather be facing cannon and musket fire then taking the political helm of the country (“George”). When giving the speech, he wore a plain brown broadcloth suit holding a ceremonial army sword (“George”). George Washington’s Inaugural Speech paved the way for the United States government to function as an independent country.
He was unanimously elected the President of the United States on February 4, 1789 (Meltzer 141). When George was headed to New York, citizens and officials presented marks of affection and the artillery roared a salute of honor to him (The U.S.). The tributes were supposed to make his trip a triumphant procession, but it filled him with anxiety (The U.S. & Meltzer 141). He would bow to visitors as they were presented, but he would not shake hands with none, not even with personal friends (Cunliffe 125). He would act as the ceremonial head of government when meeting anybody (Cunliffe 125). He would tell himself that he would leave office when his services were no longer needed (Meltzer 141).
“Lacking precedents to guide them in their preparation for the first presidential inaugural, Congress appointed a joint committee to consider the time, place, and manner in which to administer to the president the oath of office required by the constitution,” said the authors of OurDocuments.com. Congress considered the committee’s suggestion that the ceremonies be held on Thursday, April 30, and the oath be administered to the president at the Representative’s Chamber (The U.S.). Congress took their suggestion and tweak...

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...ss and he had to find the means to raise money, to deal with the Indians, and to build a national defense (Meltzer 144). A bag of loose and ragged diplomatic problems had been dumped upon him by the confederation; the new republic had to establish federal courts, to organize territories and regulate trade (Meltzer 144). Thousands of men who clamored for well-paying jobs had to be sorted by the President individually (Meltzer 144).Congress and Washington was setting precedents for the future (Meltzer 145).
He must change world history (Meltzer 143). With the new government being an experiment in democracy, it could prove that the people could govern (Meltzer 143-144). If this government failed, liberty might die and the hopes of humankind everywhere (Meltzer 144). With his success along with many others, America became a role model in government for some countries.

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