The Life of George Washington - Essay Example

01 July 2008 George Washington: A Biography "As the first of every thing, in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part that these precedents may be fixed on true principles." George Washington is popularly known as the first president of the United States of America and recognized as the Father of the Country. His contribution in the nation gained him the appreciation of being the "first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of countrymen" (George Washington 4). His efforts in putting the needs of the Americans among his priorities earned him the consistent ranking of being one of the greatest presidents of the US. He has also become a long-standing symbol of republicanism in practice (George Washington 5). The early life of this American president is nothing extra-ordinary. He was born the second child of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington in Westmoreland County Virginia in February 22, 1732 (The White House 4). Like any child in his day, he was educated at home under the diligent tutelage of his father and older brother. Being born in the family of farmers, his first interests are also on planting and agriculture. His manners, moral, and education embody that of an 18th century Virginia gentleman. Together with this passion, he also has two "intertwined interests" (The White House 6)-military arts and military expansion. He has been previously employed as a surveyor which geared him with the knowledge of the terrain in his homeland. During 1749, he was appointed as surveyor of then recently established Culpeper County where he became interested in Ohio Company which planned to exploit Western Land. From these humble occupations, he was commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754 and fought in the early series of French and Indian war. These exposures equipped him with the necessary skills of warfare and courage. During the following year, Washington "escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him" (The White House 7). After his brother's death, he inherited part his estate together with his responsibility as the adjutant in the colony. At the age of 20, he became Major Washington and "was charged with training the militia in the quarter assigned him" (George Washington 7). He became a Master Mason in Freemasons, a fraternal organization which had a lifelong influence in him. Washington served in the military during the seven years of French and Indian war. Between the war, he got acquainted with a widow named Martha Dandridge Custis who eventually became his wife. They got married on January 6, 1759 and moved to Mount Vernon where Washington began his career as a farmer and a political figure. Being married to a wealthy widow, Washington has been charged of tilling and managing thousands of acres of land. After his marriage, he has been devoted to a busy yet fulfilling life. However, he also shared the growing concerns of his fellow planters. Having been under British regulations, he also felt exploited by the British merchants because of the unfair practices and policies. In his quest of freeing himself and other planters of these restrictions, he took an active role in voicing out their concerns (The White House 10). He became a leader in the colonial resistance by introducing the proposal which called to boycott imported English goods. He was recognized by being very much passionate in pushing for his fellow planters' interests. When the fighting in the American Revolution broke out in 1775, Washington signaled his preparedness for war by appearing at the Second Continental Congress in his military uniform. Having the "prestige, the military experience, the charisma and military bearing," and "the reputation of a strong patriot" (George Washington 15) he was appointed Major General and elected by the congress as Commander-in-Chief. Thus, together with his troops, he embarked on war which lasted for six years. His efforts paid off because in 1781, he was able to force the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown through the help of the French allies. After the war, it is Washington's intention to stay in Mount Vernon. However, he realized that the "Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well" (The White House 12). In order to remedy the situation, he led the steps in establishing the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1797. The ratification of the Constitution won him the vote of the Electoral College which made him the president of the United States. During his reign, Washington continued to look after the needs of the people. His most important consideration has been the determination of foreign policy which has been a primary concern at that time. It should be noted that he remained neutral during the French Revolution instead of siding with one of the nations reasoning that United States should wait to be stronger. This commitment in keeping neutral was also emphasized on his warning on long term alliances. During his farewell address, he also advised his sovereign to "forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions." After retiring to Mount Vernon for less than three years after leaving the presidential office, he died of throat infection. Yet, through his accomplishments and deeds he is still in the hearts of his fellow Americans. Works Cited George Washington. Wikipedia the Free Encyclopedia. 2008. 1 July 2008 < http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington> Ross, John F (October 2005), Unmasking George Washington, Smithsonian Magazine The White House. George Washington. N.d. 30 June 2008 < http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1.html> Read More