George Washington is the first president of the United States, the father of the American nation. Biography of George Washington

George Washington is born short biography who will be presented to your attention in the article, February 22, 1732 in Virginia and became the third child in the family. His father, a wealthy man, a large land surveyor and slave owner, a successful tobacco planter, died when his son was only eleven years old.

Lawrence, George's half-brother and part-time participant in the Anglo-Spanish War, became the new head of the family after the death of Augustine Washington. In those years, slavery was extremely widespread in England: people were bought and sold, and everyone treated this as a common and commonplace phenomenon. But George has early years I have a slightly different opinion on this matter. The boy considered slavery an immoral and low phenomenon, but nevertheless recognized that eliminating this social problem it will take many more years.

Meanwhile, Lawrence became increasingly interested in his brother's military affairs, telling stories based on personal experience. George had some success in his studies, was engaged in self-education, and stood out from the rest for his resourcefulness, curiosity and endurance.

Lord Faafex

A certain turning point in Washington’s life, after which life was divided into two periods, “before” and “after,” was a meeting with one of the largest landowners and planters of those times - Lord Feafex. The situation is to some extent reminiscent of the story from Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”: a flighty and inexperienced young man is guided on the right path by a wealthy sailor, Dan Cody, who has landed on the shore.

Here Faafex acts as a mentor. He helps and supports George, fascinates him with land surveying affairs, teaches him noble manners, introduces the guy to an adult independent life. Having accepted the lord's offer, the future US president had the opportunity to go on a forest expedition, where he became closely acquainted with the culture of the Indians, their customs and traditions.

Military career

After Lawrence's death, George inherited the Mount Vernon estate, but the young man abandoned the routine and peaceful life of a planter and land surveyor and decided to try his hand at military affairs. His career began at the age of 20 with the rank of major. Washington was assigned to control the selection of young soldiers and supervise their training. Being a responsible person, the major approached his work very seriously, did not save energy, but rather, on the contrary, spent it all without a trace.

War with France

Relations between France and England have always been ambiguous. The two major powers acted in their own interests throughout their existence. The situation especially began to heat up in the late 40s of the 18th century. A military clash was inevitable.

As the biography testifies, George Washington, by that time already a well-read, trained and quite experienced commander, in 1754 was placed at the head of several Virginia regiments. Already at the beginning of the operation, Washington’s detachment suffered a crushing defeat. The French were significantly outnumbered, which was the main reason for the loss.

However, the young commander was not blamed for the failure; on the contrary, the government thanked George for his courage, courage and selfless service to the fatherland. Meanwhile, hostilities slowed down, during next year Things were quite peaceful: the powers were slow in making decisions.

Return to the front

After the first and immediately unsuccessful operation Washington “left the battlefield” and returned to his estate, however peaceful life didn't last long. Virginia again faced the French. Catastrophe was inevitable, and then the British government decided to provide support and allocated two regiments under the command of General Braddock.

Troops were sent to the colony, but the general was not ready to shoulder the entire burden of responsibility and command everything on his own. George arrived on the battlefield as Braddock's assistant. At the Monongahele River took place major battle between two armies. Once again, Washington's side suffered a crushing defeat. The general was killed, and his assistant with the remnants of the army miraculously managed not to be captured.

Consequences

Another failure had enormous consequences. The future US president decided to leave the battlefield once and for all and end his military career. However, this time George was not subject to censure and accusations. The Virginians loved the commander for his courage, courage and condescension towards his subordinates.

The resignation failed. George Washington, whose photo you can see in the article, took command of all Virginia troops and continued to study military affairs. There were still many difficulties ahead. The situation was heating up: the Indian tribes were pursuing an extremely hostile policy. The soldiers turned out to be, to put it mildly, untrained. The army consisted of 2000 people, most of whom were ordinary volunteers, seekers of adventure and profit. The task was not easy: in as soon as possible from volunteers to form a high-quality and well-coordinated team.

Fort Duquesne and the end of the war

England again decided to help the Virginia colony and sent three detachments to help, along with General Abercrombie and Brigadier Forbes. After connecting Washington’s detachments and arriving reinforcements from England, the general army moved to the Duquesne fortress, which was the refuge of the main forces of the French army. The fort was surrendered without a fight: the opponents retreated to the Ohio River, and thus the Anglo-French war was over.

This time, in 1759, George left military affairs and ended his career as a commander. Returning to his estate, the twenty-seven-year-old native of Virginia took up farming, and in particular his plantations.

Post-war period

In relation to his slaves, Washington always stood out for his kindness and condescension. Even from my youth, the entire system of slavery seemed humiliating, low and contrary to the essence of man. IN conflict situations In the vast majority of cases, George resorted to persuasion and reasoning cries rather than punishment. This behavior was a consequence of good upbringing and the correct value system.

As for self-development, the young man did not lag behind here either. Throughout his military career, George read books, studied a variety of combat tactics, exposed himself physical activity, in particular practiced fencing. All this had a huge influence on Washington: he was reserved, educated, inquisitive, and he was fascinated by the fate of the state, in particular the Virginian one.

War for independence

No one will argue that George played a key role in freeing the American colonies from dependence on England. His immense contribution has long been appreciated by historians and has no direct analogues.

Preparation

Meanwhile, after his resignation, Washington led a peaceful and measured lifestyle. However, soon the liberation movement affected him too. Great Britain needed funds; in the absence of them, the state imposed higher taxes on its colonies. This caused widespread discontent.

Being a strong patriot, George could not help but join the fight for independence; for him this was a paramount duty. By decision of Congress, convened on May 10, 1775, 10 formed regiments were attached to the Boston police. All together constituted the general army of America, which was commanded by Washington, promoted to general.

But even at the formation stage, certain difficulties arose. The troops, previously estimated at 20 thousand soldiers, did not exceed 5. This, in turn, significantly reduced the capabilities of the fighters for independence. And so the greater responsibility placed on Washington increased.

First stage

The war of liberation has begun. In 1776, troops under George's command forced land enemies to abandon Boston and the naval flotilla to sail far out to sea. Later, on July 4, 1766, the colonists declared their independence. Next, the British government sends a letter setting out the conditions for the cessation of hostilities. It is worth noting that this was done without due respect. England still did not recognize the States. The terms of the truce did not satisfy Washington and the colonial government, and the war continued.

Second phase

After the refusal by the States, the war continued in a new way. The English General Howe soon realized that the colonists posed a real and very serious threat. This soon began to affect the state of military affairs. One of the main periods of the war was the winter of 1777-1778. The soldiers were subjected to enormous physical exertion coupled with cold and hunger. But the courage of the freedom fighters did not allow them to give up and retreat back. General Washington was declared a dictator and had the right to make any decisions independently.

The final stage

In 1788, the most important battles took place at Princeton and Trenton, from which the colonists emerged victorious. France decides to recognize the independence of the States and is obliged by treaty to help Washington.

Meanwhile, England, already realizing the deplorability of its condition, decides to make peace with the colonists. And again a refusal: the Congress has already decided to go to the bitter end and snatch victory, no matter what the cost. And so, in 1781, under pressure from the troops of George and France, England capitulated and recognized the independence of the United States of America.

Post-war sentiment

The former colonies greeted the surrender of England and recognition of independence with pride and dignity. Of course, at first it was unusual to recognize ourselves as a full-fledged state; it was necessary to form a strong government and begin to more actively manage the affairs of the foreign economy.

George, after the end of the war, renounced all his dictatorial privileges and even the offer of Congress to reimburse all costs. Washington returned to his home estate and began to lead household and study social activities, namely the development of education and the widespread opening of public schools.

The entire American people were eternally grateful to George for his invaluable contribution to the war and the winning of independence. All the highest political bodies saw him as the leader of the newly formed state.

Political activity

As mentioned above, the former general had immense respect. It was for this reason that in 1787 George was elected to the conference at which the drafting of a new Constitution of the United States was to be undertaken. It is worth noting that the same Constitution, but with only minor amendments and changes, is in force in America to this day.

The history of George Washington contains information that in April 1787 he was already unanimously elected president, regardless of party or belief. This event was extremely predictable, since it was difficult to find a candidate more suitable for such an important and responsible position.

First term

President George Washington began his reign measuredly and without drastic reforms: the country had just won a difficult war, it was necessary to wait until peace came, which new president I was just trying to support. Democracy flourished in the state; the provisions of the Constitution were not imposed on citizens, but rather they were instilled in them, and their correctness, fairness and objectivity were explained.

The first US president, George Washington, refused his salary. He only needed funds to maintain the White House. George did not pay attention to nationality and religion when recruiting government officials; he maintained good relations with Congress, but in no way pandered to it.

Second term

The re-election of the first president, George Washington, took place without any questions: everyone, again, single-handedly cast their votes for one candidate. During his second term in office, the president developed several projects that were very useful for the country, such as the financial development project. George also pursued a very competent foreign policy, maintained peaceful relations with other countries and did not question the independence of his state.

Personal life

Here for Washington, things are not as dynamic and turbulent as in his military and political career. Having met Martha Katis in 1759, George took her as his wife. This was his only wife throughout his life.

Demise

America's first president, George Washington, died of illness, namely pneumonia and severe laryngitis, on December 15, 1799. The whole country was in a state of mourning. Many buildings were named in honor of Washington and his portrait was installed on dollar bill. Today, George Washington's grave is a place of pilgrimage for thousands of Americans and guests of the country.

Afterword

Of course, George Washington, whose biography was the subject of our review, is one of the most colorful figures in history. This man abolished slavery, won the independence of the United States of America, and had an amazing military and political career.

George Washington. Born February 22, 1732, Bridges Creek, Virginia - died December 14, 1799, Mount Vernon, Virginia. American statesman, first President of the United States of America (1789-1797), Founding Father of the United States, Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, participant in the War of Independence, creator of the American institution of the presidency.

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 into a family whose fourth generation lived in Virginia. He spent his childhood and youth in modest conditions, was educated at home, and was self-educated. He was the third of five children in the family when he lost his father Augustine, a tobacco plantation owner and land surveyor, at the age of 11.

The coat of arms of the Washington family has been known since the 12th century, when one of George Washington's ancestors moved to Washington's Old Hall estate, located in County Durham in Northeast England.

The coat of arms is a silver shield with two red sashes and three red five-pointed stars at the head.

In 1938, the US Congress convened a commission to create an official flag for the District of Columbia. The commission announced a public competition, the winner of which was graphic designer Charles Dunn, who proposed his version back in 1921. His image of the flag was based on family coat of arms George Washington. On October 15, 1938, the resolution on the adoption of the flag came into force.

Washington had naturally red hair. He, contrary to popular belief, did not wear wigs, but powdered his hair. Washington had dental problems throughout his life. He lost his first permanent (non-baby) tooth at the age of twenty-two, and by the time he became president he had only one. John Adams said that he lost them because he chewed brazil nuts, But modern historians it is believed that this was due to mercuric oxide, which was given to Washington as a cure for smallpox and malaria. Washington had several dentures, four of which were made by dentist John Greenwood. Contrary to the legend widespread in the United States, Washington's dentures were made not of wood, but of ivory, hippopotamus bone, gold, lead, and human teeth and animal teeth (including horse and donkey teeth).

In 1748, Washington participated in Lord Fairfax's expedition to survey the Shenandoah Valley. Since 1749 he has been a surveyor of Culpepper county. George was raised by his half-brother Lawrence, after whose death he inherited the Mount Vernon estate near Alexandria, on the Potomac River, in 1752, and in the same year became a major in the local militia.

In his neighbor Lord Fairfax, who belonged to the wealthiest landowners in Virginia, Washington found a mentor. Fairfax introduced him to the lifestyle of the untitled nobility and supported him on his path to a career as an officer and surveyor.

In 1753, Washington was ordered to warn the French not to advance into the Ohio River Valley. The trip lasted for eleven weeks, Washington had to travel 800 kilometers and endure many dangerous episodes. In 1753-1754 he commanded one of the Virginia militia districts. Washington's participation in the campaign against Fort Duquesne dates back to 1755, where he was captured. During a second expedition to the same fort, Washington showed courage, for which he received the rank of colonel and was appointed commander of the Virginia Provincial Regiment. Washington continued to participate in hostilities against the French and Indians, taking up defensive positions, but on December 31, 1758, he returned to Virginia and resigned.

On January 6, 1759, Washington married wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis (who took his last name) and received a rich dowry: 17 thousand acres of land, 300 slaves and a mansion in Williamsburg. The marriage turned out to be happy, although the couple had no children. Washington raised his wife's two children from his first marriage. Thanks to hard work and strict order, he managed to increase the income of his estate and become one of the richest landowners in Virginia. On his farms along the Potomac River, he grew tobacco, wheat, and by 1772 he was already exporting fish and flour to the West Indies.

Washington's worldview and political philosophy were influenced by English oppositional or agrarian literature of the early 18th century. Washington admired Cato the Younger, whom he considered the model of all Roman virtues. He tried to correspond to these models in public and personal life, adhering to the classical style of speech and dignified gestures and facial expressions.

Self-control, strict control of emotions and disciplined behavior became his outstanding qualities, under which the original spontaneity began to appear less and less. Conservative and judicious in temperament, moderately religious, without deep interest in theological issues, but always ready to accept new ideas and thoughts, he combined virtue with the progressive consciousness of the Enlightenment.

From 1758 to 1774, Washington was elected to the Virginia Legislative Assembly. When contradictions with the mother country began, Washington began to fight for the rights of the colonies. In 1769, he introduced a draft resolution to the House, according to which only the legislative assemblies of the colonies had the right to impose taxes. However, this problem became less acute when customs duties were abolished.

Together with Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, Washington organized a union in Virginia to boycott British goods. However, he disapproved of violent acts, including the Boston Tea Party on December 16, 1773. The British government's subsequent measures, known as the Intolerable Laws, forced the colonies to put aside their differences. In Williamsburg, without the knowledge of the governor, the Civil Chamber of Virginia met, which proclaimed the convening of the First Continental Congress (September 5-October 26, 1774).

Washington was elected one of seven delegates, but took little part in its work. Congress accepted a number of protests, but refused to openly break with Great Britain. In a letter to an old friend, Captain R. Mackenzie, who was serving in the British forces in Boston at that time, Washington noted: “As to independence or anything of the sort ... I am quite satisfied that no reasonable person in North America desires anything of the kind.” " However, the situation soon escalated, and armed clashes between the militia and the British army began. Despite expressions of loyalty to George III, the Second Continental Congress put the colonies on the defensive. Washington gradually realized the futility of attempts at reconciliation with Great Britain and, after the first clashes showed the inevitability of a rupture, he donned a military uniform and offered the services of a military leader to Congress.

In June 1775, Washington was unanimously elected commander in chief of the Continental Army. He took command on July 3, 1775, and led the siege of Boston. The army, created on the basis of militia units of various states, constantly experienced difficulties with recruitment, training and supplies. Its advantage was the scattered formation tactics, which were successfully used against the classic linear formation of the British. Washington managed to increase the combat effectiveness of troops and the level of discipline among soldiers.

In 1775-1776 the campaign took place with varying success. Fearing Washington's troops, the Boston garrison was evacuated to Halifax on March 17, 1776. On July 2, 1776, British troops (32 thousand soldiers, including 9 thousand Hessian mercenaries) under the command of General William Howe landed on Staten Island. Washington, tasked by Congress with holding New York at all costs, prepared for defense. This was followed by the Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776), the Battle of Harlem Heights (September 16, 1776), and the city's surrender to the British. With the remnants of his troops, George Washington retreated south. On December 12, Congress, fleeing Philadelphia for Baltimore, granted dictatorial powers to Washington.

Washington took revenge at Trenton (December 26) and Princeton (January 3, 1777); in March of the same year, the siege of Boston ended in victory. The commander in chief's success boosted the morale of the American army. On October 17, 1777, the Americans won a victory at Saratoga, which strengthened the international position of the United States. The campaign of 1777 ended with the collapse of the plans of British strategists, almost all the central states were liberated, and the British held only Philadelphia, New York and Newport.

After the Continental Army, they managed to win a series of victories, ending with the surrender of the British army on November 19, 1781 at Yorktown, after which military operations in the United States practically ceased. After the Battle of Yorktown, among the officers who feared non-payment of salaries by Congress, there was a desire to make Washington a dictator or king (the “Newburgh Conspiracy”). With a personal appeal to the officer corps in March 1783, Washington restored discipline and established the principle of subordination of military leadership to civilian leadership.

In November 1783, after the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty, Washington resigned. After leaving his post as head of the army, Washington sent a circular letter to state governments, advising strengthening of the central government to avoid the collapse of the country.

Having settled in his Mount Vernon estate after the war, Washington nevertheless monitored the political situation in the country. When Massachusetts farmers rebelled against the Boston government in 1786, he called his supporters to action. As a supporter of strengthening the central government, dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation, he was unanimously elected chairman of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which developed the Constitution of the United States of America in 1787.

Washington's support for the Constitution greatly contributed to its ratification by all thirteen states. Washington's popularity was due to his unanimous election by the Electoral College to the presidency of the country, which he took on April 30, 1789, taking the oath of office in New York. In 1792 he was unanimously re-elected for a new term, although Washington himself in his election campaign did not participate. To this day, he remains the only US president for whom all members of the Electoral College voted. Congress established an annual wages president at $25,000. Being a wealthy man, Washington initially refused such a reward, but later accepted the payment.

One of Washington's main goals as head of state was to preserve democratic changes, instill popular respect for the Constitution, and from the very beginning create a government apparatus based on the principles won by the Revolution. George Washington, as the first president, tried to create precedents and make the very concept of office clearer.

Throughout his administration, he constantly demonstrated respect for the Constitution, trying to promote the development of self-awareness of the American people. Washington helped improve the functioning mechanisms of the three branches of government and laid the foundations of the US political structure. Washington surrounded himself with intellectual figures; in his first government he included Henry Knox (military affairs), Edmund Randolph (justice), leaders of opposing political factions - Republican Thomas Jefferson (who became the first US Secretary of State) and Federalist Alexander Hamilton (finance). The president himself tried to stay away from political conflicts, preferring to remain above the parties. Washington tried to build cooperative relations with Congress and used the veto power very sparingly, guided by the conformity of laws with the constitution, and not by personal position.

The first US president initiated the practice of delivering messages to the US Congress. The most important achievement was the passage of the Bill of Rights, carried through Congress by Madison. This disarmed critics of the constitution, who believed that it did not provide broad rights and freedoms.

The President was overcome by serious doubts about whether he should nominate his candidacy for a second term. Numerous entreaties from friends, the instability of the Union and the threat of its collapse forced the weakening Washington to yield. In 1792, Washington was unanimously re-elected to a second term, confirming his enormous popularity.

In his second inaugural address on March 4, 1793, Washington promised to help constitutional form government took root “in the virgin soil of America.” The second term in office was aimed at stabilizing the situation. Washington's soberly calculated, cautious course prevented the US from becoming involved in European conflicts and stimulated economic growth. The programs developed by Hamilton to stabilize the financial and industrial development countries that diverged from Republican intentions. Washington's transition from a supra-party position to supporting the federalists aggravated the domestic political situation.

In relations with the indigenous population, Washington relied more on military force; he managed to force the Indians to cede many territories. In 1791, Congress banned distilled alcohol, which led to protests in the frontier areas. In western Pennsylvania, protests escalated into a riot called the Whiskey Rebellion. The federal army was too small to suppress the resistance, and Washington summoned the state militia and, at the head of an army of 13,000, set out to suppress the rebellion.

The uprising ended before military force was used. The leaders were captured, sentenced to death, but pardoned by Washington. These events proved the federal government's ability to use armed forces to preserve the state. During his presidency, Washington repeatedly took the initiative in Congress to found the National Academy of Sciences, but his proposals were ignored.

Decision to place federal district Columbia between the states of Maryland and Virginia and building a capital on the Potomac River was supposed to symbolize the equality of the South and the North. Washington benefited personally from this, as he was one of the largest landowners in Virginia. The President often visited the city under construction. Site for the presidential mansion, which became known as " The White house", he chose personally. Georgetown was the first city in the United States to be built according to a clear plan.

In the field foreign policy Washington initially established the primacy of the executive branch over the legislative branch. The President advocated US non-interference in the confrontation between European powers, issuing a proclamation of neutrality in 1793. However, at the same time he recognized the French revolutionary government and confirmed the treaty of friendship of 1778, although avoiding any conflicts. Jay's Treaty, signed in November 1794 by the President's representative, ended the threat of war with Great Britain, but split the country into two camps. More favorable was the Pinckney Treaty of 1795, which established the boundaries between the United States and Spanish possessions and granted Americans freedom of navigation on the Mississippi. Thus, Washington managed to strengthen the position of the United States on the American continent and protect the country from harmful interference in European affairs. Washington's foreign policy also brought considerable benefits to the development of trade.

George Washington was asked to run for a third term, but he refused, explaining that a president should not serve more than two terms in a row. In his farewell address, he confirmed that he would leave the presidency. Thus Washington established a tradition that was observed without any legislative framework until the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 20th century.

On September 20, 1796, Washington’s farewell address to the nation, which he had been preparing since the spring of that year, was published. His main desire was to warn against the destructive influence of the party spirit. To ward off this danger, the President recommended adherence to the principles of religion and morality as "the great pillars of human happiness." Washington also bequeathed to “maintain peace and harmony with all countries,” to develop trade relations, but to have “as few political connections as possible.” The latter provision became the basis of the Monroe Doctrine and the policy of isolationism, which allowed the United States to remain aloof from European conflicts, increasing its influence in America itself. In the United States, a tradition has been established: the farewell address is read annually before the Senate and House of Representatives on February 22, before the opening of the session of the US Congress.

Last years Washington's life was spent in Mount Vernon, surrounded by family and visitors. Even after leaving the post of head of state, Washington often visited the capital under construction, which workers called “Georgia.” Washington devoted a lot of time to agriculture and built a distillery on his estate. On July 13, 1798, during a period of sharp aggravation of relations with France, President John Adams, taking into account Washington's popularity and reputation, symbolically appointed him commander-in-chief of the American army with the rank of lieutenant general.

George Washington played an outstanding role in the independence of the United States of America and made a major contribution to putting the young state on a solid path of development. As commander-in-chief of American forces, he led the long struggle with Great Britain, which ended in victory for the colonies. Washington contributed significantly to the beginning of the transformation of the United States into a modern federal state. He took an active part in the development and adoption of the Constitution, which bears his signature as a delegate from the state of Virginia. As president, Washington consolidated the achievements of the War of Independence, implemented the Constitution, laid the foundations of the American state and the institution of presidents, largely determining their further development.

On December 13, 1799, Washington, while inspecting his possessions, spent several hours on horseback and was caught in the rain and snow. He went to dinner without changing his wet clothes. The next morning Washington began severe runny nose, fever and throat infection that turned into acute laryngitis and pneumonia. The next day he felt worse. Medical supplies At that time they did not help, and on the night of December 14-15, at the age of 67, Washington died. Modern doctors believe that he died largely due to treatment, which included treatment with mercuric chloride and bloodletting. After her husband's death, Martha Washington burned their correspondence. Only three letters have survived.

The author of the mourning resolution of Congress, General G. Lee, described Washington as “first in the days of war, first in the days of peace and first in the hearts of his fellow citizens.” The capital of the country, a state, a lake and an island, a mountain and a canyon, many settlements, colleges and universities, streets and squares. In 1888, a majestic monument (over 150 m high) to the first American president was opened in the US capital. During the Bicentennial of the United States (1976), Congress posthumously awarded George Washington the title of General of the Armies of the United States.

George Washington (1732-1799) - American statesman and politician, the first US President who was elected by the people. He is one of the founding fathers of the United States (this is the name given to a group of American politicians who played an important role in the founding, formation, and achievement of independence of the state). In the Revolutionary War he commanded the Continental Army. Created the American Institute of the Presidency. In America, the capital, state, mountain, canyon, island, lake, numerous streets and squares, universities and colleges bear his name.

Pedigree

George was born on February 22, 1732 in North America in the Virginia Colony. His ancestors were English, the roots of the Washington family go deep into medieval English history (in the 12th century). His lineage begins with the knights who fought against the Scots and thereby earned the approval of the English kings. During the time of Henry VIII, George's ancestors were close to the throne, sincerely serving the monarchs during the reign of the Tudors and Stuarts. In 1648-1649, when the revolution took place in England and the Civil War, Colonel Washington was a commander in the cavalry of Charles I.

The family was ancient and aristocratic, but George was never proud of it, which he directly wrote about in his letters and diaries. His ancestors were staunch monarchists, and it had to happen that it was in this family that a fighter for freedom and independence appeared.

At the end of the 17th century, George's ancestors fled the consequences of the English Revolution to America. They had somewhere to run; their relatives already lived here. George's father, John Augustine Washington, an impoverished descendant of a noble family, became the fourth generation to own plantations in Virginia. It was a classic American colony, where Indians and black slaves were not recognized as people at all. In his youth, his father received higher education, was rich, managed to go broke and get rich again, thanks to a successful marriage to George Washington’s mother, Mary Bol. She was a beautiful, rich, intelligent woman, she bore John Augustine four sons and two daughters.

On their estates, the Washington family grew tobacco, hemp and tea, which was highly valued and shipped from plantations with a special stamp throughout America.

Childhood and youth

George spent his childhood in the lap of nature; it was comfortable, but modest. The boy did not receive any special education; he acquired most of his knowledge by studying on his own. George's parents found themselves separated from their ancient ancestors by an entire ocean; they forgot about their aristocratic roots and did not strive to give their children a proper, sophisticated education. George's initial education was at home.

Then the boy studied at a local school, which was more like a vocational school. educational institution, since they mainly taught land surveying there. The main school subjects were geometry, mathematics and the art of land surveying. After graduating, Washington received a diploma in land surveying. This profession at that time was practical, because the family had a lot of estates and estates, and there was often a need to measure them.

When the boy was eleven years old, the father of the family, John Augustine, died. From now on, George was raised by his older brother Lawrence.

When young Washington was 15 years old, his brother Lawrence married. His wife was the daughter of a neighboring landowner, Lord Fairfax. George became friends with the lord. Fairfax took up the education of the young man, helped him study history and other sciences, and also advised him to take up land surveying professionally.

The Shenandoah Valley was located in the state of Virginia, where sixteen-year-old Washington went on his first working expedition in 1748. This trip was organized by Lord Fairfax; George carried out surveying work during the expedition.

Since 1749, Washington worked as a surveyor in Culpepper County.

Military way

In 1752, Brother Lawrence died, and young George inherited the Mount Vernon estate, which was located on the Potomac River near the city of Alexandria. In the same year, the young man became a major in a local militia organization that opposed the British government. By this time, he had already learned how to masterly ride horses and shoot very accurately. And his tall stature and considerable physical strength combined with the authority given by nature, they contributed to an officer’s career.

In 1753, George was carrying out a responsible task. He needed to convey a warning to the French that they should not move into the Ohio River Valley. The fulfillment of this assignment lasted for eleven weeks, the young man covered about 800 km, and he had to endure several dangerous moments. Having completed the task and returned, he was appointed to the post of commander of one of the militia districts of Virginia.

In 1755, a campaign took place against Fort Duquesne, in which Washington not only participated, but was also captured. He was released and later made a second attempt to attack this fort. It turned out to be more successful; after such a military expedition, Washington received the rank of colonel.

George was a very successful military man, but he won most of his victories through negotiations and agreements rather than attacks and battles. He fought a little more against the French and local Indians and at the end of 1758 he resigned.

War for independence

After finishing his military career, already in 1758 Washington was elected as a delegate Legislative Assembly Virginia. He was elected to this position until 1774. George began to wage a persistent struggle for the rights of the colonies, and together with his associates he organized a boycott of British goods. This led to armed clashes between militias and British army soldiers, and the situation escalated.

Washington realized that peaceful attempts at reconciliation with the British were futile. He was forced to put on his uniform again, and in the summer of 1775, George was unanimously elected commander in chief of the Continental Army. The American War of Independence began.

The army was created from militias from different states, and there were constant difficulties with food, supplies, training and recruitment. At first the army suffered setbacks; some cities in the center had to be surrendered North America. But Washington turned out to be an excellent military leader, he managed to increase the level of soldier discipline and combat ability. In addition, he chose the winning tactics of a scattered formation, which he successfully used against the classic English linear formation. At the end of 1776, Washington was granted the rights of a military dictator by Congress.

The failures of the Continental Army were over, victories followed one after another. The spirit of the army began to strengthen, and with it the position of the United States in the international arena. The British suffered several defeats and capitulated in November 1781.

In 1783, the Treaty of Paris (also called the Treaty of Versailles) was signed, ending the American War of Independence.

First President

After the war, George settled on his estate, from where he closely monitored the political situation in the country. He sent letters to the leadership of all states in which he asked to strengthen the central government to preserve the integrity of the United States.

He was soon elected chairman of the Constitutional Convention, which in 1787 drafted the US Constitution.

In 1789, George was elected as the first President of the United States.

In 1792, he did not take part in the election campaign, but was unanimously re-elected to a second term. Until now, no one has broken Washington's record; he is the only American president for whom all members of the electoral college voted.

Congress set the president's salary at $25,000 a year. Washington at first refused it, since he was a wealthy man, but later agreed to receive a salary.

Washington's main achievements as President of America:

Preservation of democratic changes.
Laying the foundations of the US political system.
Adoption of the Bill of Rights.
Organization of a two-party system - Republicans and Democrats.
He became the founder of the annual Presidential Address to the US Congress.
During both terms of his rule, America was not drawn into European conflicts.
I personally chose the location for the US capital and for the presidential mansion called the White House.
US economic growth.

George was offered to remain President of the United States for a third term, but he refused, saying that one person should not hold this position more than two times in a row. Thus, he became the creator of a tradition that was not confirmed by law, but was observed until the twentieth century, until Franklin Roosevelt took this place.

Personal life

Washington experienced his first love at a young age, when he developed feelings for the young wife of his mentor Lord Fairfax. He fell in love with the charming Sally so much that he even began to write poetry. He did not show his lyrical works to anyone, much less publish them anywhere later, since he wrote for himself in a fit of passion. Sally spoke fluent French, which prompted George to become interested in ancient literature.

But Washington could not even admit the thought of showing his passion and thereby offending Lord Fairfax. George managed to suppress his fiery feelings. They remained excellent friends with Sally and later even staged home plays together. Many years later, the elderly Washington wrote about this first hobby: “Love is like all living things. If you feed it, it will grow quickly. If you don’t give it nutrition, it will slow down its growth, remaining in the fetal state.”.

Ten years after this romantic interest, in 1759, when George left military service, he married the widow Martha Dandridge Custis. We can say that it was a reasonable marriage rich woman. She had two children, 17 thousand acres of land, an impressive fortune (23 thousand pounds sterling), a mansion and 300 slaves. The wedding was celebrated magnificently. Washington had a good paternal fortune, but not as significant as that of the Widow Custis. So George became the richest planter in Virginia.

Despite all the reasonableness, the marriage turned out to be very happy. George always remained faithful to his wife, and Martha was by his side until his last breath. The couple did not have children together, and Washington always dreamed of a son, so he gave all his unspent love to his stepchildren. True, he did not receive reciprocal love in return, since the girl died too early, and the boy grew up and became dissolute, although George made every attempt to protect Martha’s son from dissipation.

Strict order in everything and hard work allowed George to significantly increase the income from the estate. On his plantations he grew wheat and tobacco, and later began to export flour and fish. Washington became a successful landowner, had many slaves, land, and money. At the same time, he treated the slaves very well, no savage punishments were ever applied to them, they were always well fed and had a special doctor for them. In his will, George freed most of the slaves, realizing how much they wanted to be free.

Death

After the end of his political career, George spent all his time with his family on his estate, was engaged in agriculture, and built a distillery.

On December 13, 1799, George was inspecting his estates. He rode on horseback for several hours and was caught in the rain and snow. Arriving home all wet, he immediately sat down to dinner without changing his clothes for dry ones. And already in the morning he began to have a severe runny nose, George began to feel feverish. The doctor arrived and diagnosed a throat infection, which developed into acute laryngitis and pneumonia. Washington suddenly became worse and worse, and on the night of December 15 he died.