Washington

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1-14-14 George Washington, the first president of the United States, was a strong and effective leader. His tenure as president would set the standard for those after him. He had great strengths as a leader, which would help him profoundly in the founding of the country.

In his early life, Washington lived on his father’s plantations, moving several times in his childhood.[2] He was born in 1732 to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. However, Augustine would die an unexpected death when Washington was 11.[1] Augustine’s death was a profound blow to the whole family. Mary Ball, with no experience in running a plantation, was now left to perform that task, with the assistance of George.[5] Another blow was that George Washington would not be able to receive a higher education as his brothers had, putting him at a disadvantage in that respect.[5]

In the years after the death of his father, Washington began working as a surveyor at the age of 16. He continued this work for years, and at the age of 17 became the official surveyor of Culpeper County.[1]

After his time as a surveyor, Washington was appointed as a major in the Virginia Militia. Shortly after this appointment, in 1763, Washington was sent to Fort Leboeuf to warn the French to leave territory claimed by England.[2] The French refused this request, however which led[2] to Washington being sent with troops to attack them.He succecceeded in capturing the fort.[2] Washington also fought in other battles of this war, and was appointed commander of all Virginia troops in 1755.[2] After several years of fighitng, Washington resigned from the army in 1758, and went to live at Mount Vernon.[1] Shortly after this, he married Martha Custis, a widow who had two children from...

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...le for much of the organization of the new government. He appointed Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Henry Knox.[2] Known for his honesty and integrity, Washington was well-respected by his countrymen. He spoke vehemently against the system of political parties, and was disappointed to see them gain prominence in his later life.[1] He served two terms as president, from 1789 to 1797. After his departure, he lived out his years at Mount Vernon, and died in 1799.

In conclusion, George Washington was an able and competent leader, who played a great role in the founding of our country. From his time in the revolutionary war, where he was responsible for victories in integral battles, to his time as president, where he organized the new government, Washington served well through all his years. He is remembered to this day as one of the fathers of the country.

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