The pressure of the first president of the newly formed United States of America was immense. The first president found himself in a position that was unfamiliar and with incredible power. The United States had just become independent from the British Empire and need a strong hand in moving forward to avoid crumbling back under British control. With so many issues that could have destroyed the United States, President Washington superseded all expectations when he took office. One of the biggest issues that plagued Washington was how to deal with foreign affairs and foreign policies, something that every president since has also had trouble with. Some historians have argued that Washington would not have accomplished much if it were not for …show more content…
The ratification of the Constitution created a lot of debate among the federalist and the republicans. Numerous states were slow in ratifying a document that would give more power to the federal government. Without the endorsement of George Washington, the Constitution may have never been ratified. Having gained popularity through leading the Continental Army through years of war, Washington 's opinion was highly valued. Many historians agree that George Washington 's reputation and vouching for the document lead to the ratification and the support of the Americans. Before tackling the issues outside of the United States, George Washington help accomplish a big domestic issue, ratification of the Constitution. A country that was somewhat divided was able to come together, with the help of Washington and ratify this important document. The fact that Washington was able to conduct a task this large shows the power he held during this time. This power was largely tied to knowledge, people trusted his word due to his experience. With the support of most Americans, this set up the stage for Washington to go on to conquer foreign …show more content…
George Washington kept a close eye on his neighbors to the west, he understood the threat that Native Americans posed to the survival of the United States. The Native Americans posed threats domestically and abroad as well due to alliances. The Native Americans on the west frontier had the support of great European powers like Britain and Spain. With the help of these countries, these tribes were able to keep Americans from expanding westward. This created an issue, domestically, for the Americans to support their new government, they wanted to feel protected from Native Americans when exploring the west. Otherwise, Washington worried that this new republic would have the same issue they faced under the Articles of Confederation. George Washington looked for ways to resolve this issue as peacefully as possible, he did not want to anger the Native Americans or their allies in Europe and provoke a war. George Washington to met with the Indian Confederation and worked out treaties defining borders and new land the United States bought from the Native Americans. Washington, with the help of a military advisor, conducted these treaty negotiations, solely on his own. He understood the severity of Native American and the Americans relationships
George Washington contributed in helping establish a stable government after the adoption of the Constitution. Washington negotiated treaties to help stabilize the United States government. The first treaty was the Jay Treaty with Great Britain. This treaty was to address any loose ends that America had with its mother country including unfair trade policies, presence of British troops, and impressment of American sailors. Impressment was when the British would kidnap American sailors and force the sailors to work in their military under brutal conditions. Through the treaty, the U.S. realized on an international level how weak America appeared, as well as not have much negotiating power with Great Britain in the treaty. People disliked how the United States gave into Britain’s negotiations. Although the Jay Treaty did not do much for America, the Pinckney Treaty did. This treaty was negotiated with Spain, who controlled New Orleans at the time, and allowed the Unites States to use the New Orleans port to trade. This was considered a very successful accomplishment, as farmers in the Northwest Territory could now ship their goods down by the Mississippi River to trade. Washington also helped to
Thomas Jefferson and George Washington are the two most prominent leaders in establishing a stable government after the adoption of the Constitution. After the Revolution, America was unstable but was controlled after policies and regulations were set under the presidency of Washington and Jefferson. Washington excelled in making the right decisions based on what he thought was right for America’s future. Jefferson expanded independence because of his wants for more political liberty and freedom of religion and education. Although the two had different views, they both succeeded in greatly changing the nation's government for the better. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson helped in establishing a stable government for the new nation by
The United States Constitution is a national government that consist of citizen’s basic rights and fundamental laws. This document was signed on September 17, 1787 in Philadelphia by the majority of representatives. Today, the United States Constitution’s purpose is to supply a strong central government. However, before the United States Constitution was developed, many citizens did not support the constitution due to the fact that they found it contradicting and detached from the original goals of the Declaration of Independence. These citizens were known as anti-federalists. Fortunately, George Washington was a supporter of the constitution and had an enormous impact in the public support of the constitution. With a few adjustments, some
George Washington was the leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, led the Continental Congress in the development of the United States Constitution and served as the first United States President. His enduring contributions were far reaching and greatly impacted the course of American and world history. While Washington is the epitome of a strategic leader, he was not without his weaknesses. As a military commander, Washington made serious mistakes, however, his most significant strength was his ability to survive his mistakes and learn from them. Setbacks early in life, coupled with disappointment at the start of his military career set the foundation for Washington to emerge as America’s most iconic strategic
The U.S Constitution is recognized as a document that secures basic rights for citizens and structures the American national government. Before the Constitution, the states had all the power and the national government was very weak. Therefore, the creation of the Constitution was necessary to grant the national government power. Even though, the Constitution was signed in 1787, there was still debate in that the Constitution gave the national government too much power. Some of the individuals whom opposed the Constitution where Patrick Henry and George Mason. Patrick Henry became the leader of the opponents, because of his strong legal and rhetoric skills. On the other hand, George Mason was a patriot during the American Revolution, whom believed in the inalienable rights of the people. These two man were important figures that argued the dangers ratifying the Constitution would bring and that the Constitution would give too much power to the national government.
Hamilton's plan worked, New Yorkers throughout the state voted for ratification of the Constitution, and became the eleventh state to do so. New York's ratification can be attributed almost entirely to Hamilton's efforts as coordinating author of the Federalist Papers and as a speaker and debater. Alexander Hamilton was very persuasive when it came to the ratification of the Constitution. He drew many key points that supported is federalist ideas about a strong central government, and use The Federalist Papers to support and strengthen his thoughts on the ratification. Hamilton used his verbal skills to captivate and persuade the State delegates to agree with his ideas o a strong central government. He took down the Anti-Federalists viewpoints and persuaded them to accept the ratification of the Constitution.
During 1787 and 1788 there were quite a few debates over the ratification of the United States Constitution. The issues disputed are outlined and explored in the Federalist Papers, an assortment of letters and essays, often published under pseudonyms, which emerged in a variety of publications after the Constitution was presented to the public. Those who supported the Constitution were Federalists, and those who opposed were Anti-Federalists. Their deliberations concerned several main issues.
George Washington set a legacy that we are still following and are inspired by today. His legacy that has been handed down for generations and for many generations to come, is one that provides our country with leadership and is the foundation of our country’s strength. George Washington is also known as the father of our country. After the American Revolution George Washington actually wanted to retire to his home in Mount Vernon. He refused to accept payment for his service in the Army. However, his country needed a good humble man like himself, and he could not say no to helping the country get started. Washington helped with the making of the Constitution, and he was elected president of the Second Continental Congress. The Constitution is still the law of the land 226 years later. He was elected as our first president in 1789. George Washington had to face some major problems as the first president of the United States. One was he had to build the foundation of our government. Right now our current presidents have to deal with world issues and debt. George Washington had to build the government from the ground up. Also, you have to realize that this is a baby country. This country that he is leading just got its independence from Great Britain, where they had a monarchy g...
George Washington, the first president of the United States, had written a very important historical speech and document towards the end of his time in office. He had written the Farewell address which focused on helping America understand the importance of preserving unity, acknowledging the rise of political parties forming, strengthening religion and morality, and he stated his position on American foreign policy. He addressed these ideas with strong tone and used incredible amount of dictions that strengthens his tone as well as representing his appeal to ethos to a strong degree. However, today’s society seemed to forget Washington’s position on foreign policy and has created a new form of the policy. But nonetheless as time grew, change occurs. In today’s society Washington’s foreign policy would include many positive and negative manifestations, but it is still a speech and document that will always apply to America.
Another extremely important issue Washington faced was that of the Whiskey Rebellion. The whisky rebellion started when a tax was placed upon distilled liquor. The farmers of Pennsylvania completely infuriated at the taxed because Whisky was their most profitable product and their form of money. In 1794, they set up an armed uprising against the taxes. Alarmed by the attack, and following Hamilton’s advice, Washington sent over 12,000 troops into Pennsylvania for peace keeping. This was the first time a national militia was ever used in the new country. Washington’s decision proved to the people that Congress finally had th...
The Constitution had to be ratified by the states before it went into full effect; however, states had different ideas and hopes for their new government, so a national debate over ratifying the constitution sparked. In general, there were two big parties that had opposing ideas; the federalists supported the constitution, and the anti-federalists did not support this fairly new document. Additionally, the constitution needed 9 out of 13 states to sign off the Constitution before it became official, but in order for the Articles of Confederation to be amended there had to be a united consent within the nation. The major fears produced by the writing and ratification of the United States constitution stemmed from the difference between classes; for instance, the “common man” had different views and opinions compared to the “elite man.”
The Constitution is the foundation of our county it represents liberty and justice for all. We are able to live freely and do, as we desire because of the constitution. The constitution was, signed September 17, 1787 at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. It took time and many debates were held before an agreement was achieved in both the drafting and ratification of the constitution. These disagreements came with several compromises before the constitution was fully ratified on May 29, 1790, with Rhode Island being the last and the thirteenth. The First, challenge was the Articles of Confederation; it was a sort of a draft of the Constitution but was weak and inadequate. Second, obstacle was the Anti-Federalists fight for more
I believe that his role as the first president had much more of an impact on the United States than Presidents Jefferson and Jackson. Being the first president would have been very difficult because Washington did not know exactly what his role was and what he was supposed to do. He had to make it up as he went. Washington once wrote, “Few can realize the difficult and delicate part which a man in my situation has to act. I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of my conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.” President Washington had to establish a lot of the conditions and aspects of the executive branch. He helped to make the role of the president what it is today. This is part of the legacy that he left behind. As I mentioned earlier, Washington had many successes in battle and was seen as a national hero. Washington passed along a legacy of national purpose, courage, strength, and integrity. I believe that these legacies are accurate because of all that Washington did for the people and the federal
...war, he influenced the nation to have a strong central government. After his death and the rejection of a third term, the two-term limit was made. The first president of the United States, George Washington held many reliable traits as a young man, as he grew to a war hero, and an influential leader for generations to come.
George Washington has influenced the United States in many positive ways as the first president of the United States. Washington was molded into a great leader at a young age through his life experiences. He helped unite the people and helped organize the country through his great leadership skills. Washington served in the American Revolution as a leader for the continental army before he became president. George was a war hero and a role model for the United States.