GEORGE WASHINGTON - THE FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE USA (1732-1799)

Abstract

The first US President, General George Washington, who led the American army in the war for the independence of the British colonies in North America, was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. In 1774-1775, Washington participated in the First and Second Continental Congresses in Philadelphia as a representative of Virginia, strongly opposed the repressive measures of the British authorities, although initially he was not a supporter of independence. During the war with England that broke out back in 1774, Washington became commander in chief of the army of the colonies, called the Continental Army by Congress. He managed to create a disciplined army from the militias, which by the end of hostilities had accumulated considerable combat experience. In September 1796, Washington addressed the country with a farewell message. The President called for strengthening the unity of the states, fighting corruption, saving public funds and not maintaining a large army in peacetime. He also believed that one should not conclude political alliances with other states, but only maintain trade relations with them.