Premium Essay

Founding Fathers: George Washington

In:

Submitted By colemckay
Words 425
Pages 2
Cole McKay
Mr. George Gray 1-B
APUSH
25 September 2015
Founding Fathers Paper George Washington, born in Virginia on February 22, 1732, played an extremely important role in the history of the United States. He was a planter and a slave holder, real estate land speculator, and Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. He also was very prominent in politics. He was present at the Virginia House of Burgesses from 1759-1774 and was present at the Constitutional Congress from 1774-1775 where he was elected to be the first president of the United States. He was and still is a truly remarkable man in society and is a symbolic face of the history of the United States. George Washington, after being convinced to attend the convention, was made the first president of the United States. He had a unanimous vote in his favor and began his first term. Washington’s position as president gave him great influence over the people of the United States. His decision to support the ratification of the constitution influenced many others to ratify, and among all of the precedents that were established in the new nation’s first eight years, the most important was the careful and thoughtful manner by which he acted in areas where the new Constitution was vague or silent. It was from the implications of what was written and, in some cases, not written in the Constitution that the role and power of the presidency was largely derived, and it was Washington’s actions that established precedents, many of which still guide presidents today. One of which is that a president should only be able to serve two terms of four years each. Although Washington remained mostly silent during the Constitutional Convention, he had huge influence on the people of the United States in his support of a strong central government and the ratification of the constitution. He showed that a

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Who Is George Washington's Greatest Founding Father

...Out of our first five presidents, George Washington deserves the title of “America’s Greatest Founding Father” because of his contributions to the United States and possessing of personal qualities that we would expect from our leaders. George Washington was our first president and led good examples for what a true leader should have. Other presidents who were elected into officer throughout the years after his terms, took the example he set & saw him as a role model for how a president should act. With many well known historic events taking place with the greatest, george washington, you can truly see how he is our most important founding father. George Washington had the characteristics of a leader. He was our first president with leading our country for a two term time...

Words: 557 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

The Pros And Cons Of Founding Fathers

...scholars have firing debates about Founding Fathers’ Christian faith. Some historians said most of them were deists. However, it should be noted that, according to Mark David Hall, the professor of Politics at George Fox, “there is virtually no evidence that more than a handful of civic leaders in the Founding era—notably Benjamin Franklin, Ethan Allen, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and (if we count him as an American) Tom Paine—embraced anything approximating this view.” When the critics argued that the Founding Fathers should not be called Christians because they did not attend church, did not take communion, and attended un-christian-like war with Britain, Mark Hall asserted that, “In some cases, these critiques do not take into account historical context, such as the difficulty of joining Calvinist churches in 18th century America....

Words: 547 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Founding Leaders

...The Founding Fathers of the United States of America are some of the most praised leaders in modern history. Their passion to establish a new government by and for the people created an undeniable notion that they were great leaders. The Founding Fathers wrote political newspapers articles, led movements in their newly formed political parties, went on to become important figure heads of the new nation and future presidents using their greatness to create the United States today. The greatness of a leader can be defined in many areas but the most important are their integrity and leadership qualities. Great leadership is not defined by the giant statues left behind or even the books written about the impact that you make on the people a leader...

Words: 1339 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Slavery Argumentative Essay

...Back in the eighteenth century when slavery uprising happened in America, slavery was a debatable issue. Hence, the opinions toward it were a concern at that time. On July 4th, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was written to declare that the America was a separate country that had its own sovereignty rights. It was also stated that the two most important things that were “all men are created equal”, and they would have certain rights “among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. Slavery was a norm at that time, so the question arisen is how the Founding Fathers - leaders of America thought and took action about slavery. According to the Declaration, slavery is unacceptable. Among the Founding Fathers, George Washington...

Words: 1254 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

The Importance Of America's Founding Fathers

...question of "name at least three founding fathers of The United States," we could easily come up with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, or Alexander Hamilton. Now if that same survey asked instead "name one defining characteristic of these founding fathers," or "describe in your own words the significance of these individuals," we would get various responses. Despite the randomness of answers we would receive on such a survey, a common consensus could be reached about America's Founding Fathers, that is these individuals were great figures in our nation's history. The role they played in the 18th century to establish the basis for a nation that would continue to grow for centuries was significant....

Words: 1200 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

George Washington's Hardships

...Although George Washington accomplished many things, he faced many hardships in his pursuit of liberty and happiness. During the process of establishing the United States, Washington played a vital role ("George Washington"). Washington became an aide general of the Virginia settlement and was in charge of managing the districts militia, later became a colonel in the French and Indian War ("Founding Father"). Washington, who was a major of the Virginia militia at just twenty one faced hardships throughout his army career. In an attempt to evict the French and Indian troops who occupied the Ohio Valley, Washington and his men were forced to surrender and Washington was forced to sign a document confirming that he indeed killed the leader of...

Words: 280 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

The Statesmen, the Writer, and the Military Man

...Writer, and the Military Man: How George Washington, Thomas Paine, and Andrew Jackson Helped Construct America’s Identity All of America’s founding fathers contributed greatly to the formation of the United States and helped build this nation through their accomplishments and dedication to making their home a better place for all Americans. But of the 55-plus men whom history has given the name of “founding father,” the contributions of George Washington (1732-1799), Thomas Paine (1737-1809), and Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) stand out for their range of accomplishments, their contribution to critical components of democracy and its identity, and to military achievements that helped form the geography of the place we know as America. For me, this statesman, this writer, and this military strategist serve as the greatest examples of the titans of America we call our founding fathers. George Washington was not only our first president to be elected into office, but he is also notable for being the only president in the country’s history to receive a unanimous vote. Although our nation recognizes many founding fathers, Washington is known as the “Father” of The United States for many reasons — and not solely because he was elected as the first President of The United States in 1789 and unanimously elected again in 1792. His accomplishments before, during, and after his presidency have earned him the title “Father” of the United States. Washington assisted Congress with the adoption...

Words: 1679 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Dear Mr. President

...right. I would like everyone to take a moment of their time and remember that this gift, that we often take for granted, did not come without a price; and no one deserves our respect and thanks more than our first president George Washington. As one of the founding fathers he risked his blood, treasure and sacred honor to create the greatest nation known to man. I know that we already have president day, which was originally established in recognition of President George Washington, but perhaps we need a “Constitution Day” that focuses on George Washington and the other founding fathers and their work. George Washington was already a retired soldier who was no stranger to war, participating in the French and Indian war (1754-1763). Problems with Brittan started to spark conflict with the colonies. Britain deeply in debt after the French and Indian War demanded more revenue from the colonies (americanhistory.about.com). After a series of acts followed that restricted the colonies rights. In 1774 George Washington led a meeting to discuss growing problems with the British. His fellow Virginians would then select him to represent their colony at the First Continental Congress, which was a meeting of leaders from across the colonies. Then in 1775 George Washington took up arms to defend what he thought was right serving as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army (learn.flvs.net). He leaded the colonies to defend their independence in the Revolutionary...

Words: 456 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Founding Fathers In Joseph Ellis's Founding Brothers

...Brothers to each other and Fathers to the nation, James Adams, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison led the United States to independence over a series of revolutionary events. Joseph Ellis’s Founding Brothers successfully brings to life the issues and personalities of this period in time and is able to characterize these figures beyond their distinguished names, but as characters in a dramatic and remarkable history. Ellis succinctly analyzes six major events in the late 18th century: the Burr-Hamilton duel, the Compromise of 1790, the issue of slavery, Washington’s Farewell Address, the Adams Administration, and the friendship between Adams and Madison. He is able to vividly...

Words: 1037 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Strengths And Weaknesses Of John Adams And George Washington

...Topic: What are the strengths and weaknesses of John Adams and George Washington? Many people view our Founding Fathers as brave, intelligent men and I would not dare disagree with them. The men that started our nation were brave enough to stand up to the most powerful country in the world at that time with very little resources or people to back them up. They transformed the hardships of the original colony, Jamestown, into our fifty states we have today. Although I will give them credit in saying that what the Founding Fathers did is something that no one in history has ever dared to do or ever will again, these men were still human. Historians do not like to focus on the impurities of the originators of our nation but they, three hundred years...

Words: 771 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Alexander Hamilton: Our Nation's Founding Fathers

...With his own musical, Alexander Hamilton is one of the best of our nation’s founding fathers that helped find America. He creating America alongside George Washington, Aaron Burr, Thomas Jefferson and many other founding fathers of America. He is an effective founding father of America because he created the first National Bank, helped in the Revolutionary War, and helped the Constitution after the Revolutionary War. Known as the father of the National Banking System, Alexander Hamilton helped with the treasury by creating the first National Bank of America. George Washington place Hamilton as the first Secretary of the Treasury. “Washington was not comfortable with financial affairs and Hamilton was a trusted friend… He admired the British...

Words: 351 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Christianity and the Constitution

...Evans Christianity and the Constitution: Summary #4 Whenever someone thinks of the founding fathers the first person that probably comes to mind is George Washington. He was a legendary war hero during the revolutionary war and he was The United States' first president. Washington was a man of prayer and he is further proof that this country was founded on Christianity and it's ideals. When he was General of the American army Washington would even order or encourage fasting, prayer, and even attendance at religious services. He also deplored and prohibited drunkenness, gambling, and blasphemy. Four years later, Washington was chosen to chair the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. After this he became the first president of the United States. When he took office he added the inaugural oath “so help me, God.” His inaugural address also called “fervent supplications to that almighty being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect.” Washington declared many days of prayer and thanksgiving while he was in office. Washington did these things because he believed that good government is a blessing and gift from god and therefore we should obey him, thank him, and pray to him. “National entities should seek forgiveness from God for national transgressions as well as individual transgressions.” Washington gave many sermons on how government and God should work together in order to let men live...

Words: 525 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

How Did The Founding Fathers Disagree With Slavery?

...Slavery has been, and always will be a stain in history. Many have suffered through this horrendous act, and now people criticize those who partook in owning slaves in the past. Some of this criticism has been focused on the founding fathers. Most of the founding fathers disagreed with slavery, yet they still owned slaves. However, I do not believe the founding fathers deserve to be called hypocrites. I believe though they disagreed with slavery, they didn’t take the initiation to end it because it was ethically appropriate at that time. In fact, the majority of the founding fathers actually treated their slaves well. One of the founding fathers, James Madison, never made any public anti-slavery efforts, but he was quoted telling his “overseers...

Words: 400 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Joseph Ellis Founding Brothers

...In the beginning of the book called Founding Brothers, the author, Joseph J. Ellis, tells his purpose to research how the relationships of the main people in the Revolutionary generation changed the development of American history. The author asks the reader to see the stories from both foresight and hindsight, implying that the stories should be understood both in terms of how they occurred, and in terms of what was later revealed over the years. He has chosen to focus the structure of the book around the important members of the Revolutionary generation, including Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin, and Hamilton. The founding fathers realized that the new nation had great potential. George Washington was a great example because he thought the expansion into the West would help a civilized future. On page 7, George...

Words: 554 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Summary Of Joseph Ellis Founding Brothers

...In the novel,”Founding Brothers” author Joseph Ellis illustrates the Revolutionary era by providing insights of the Founding Fathers. Ellis also distinguishes the behind scenes look during the revolutionary period as he comes across the explanation of how America successfully achieved their independence from Great Britain, declaration of Independence, and established the United States Constitution. Ellis takes the reader back into American history to view how these founding fathers (Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison) contributed to the American Revolution.Alexander Hamilton “was [the] secretary of treasury”(48). He was described as an ambitious man, he had developed a financial plan to pay off the state debts. Part of his plan was to collaborate a National Bank. He wanted Congress to charter this bank that would provide stability to America's economy by establishing loans to merchants, handling government funds, and issuing...

Words: 803 - Pages: 4