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Taylor Peterson

Professor William J. Greer

POLS-1100

22 February 2017

George Washington

I will be writing my Profile on the father of the United States, and our first president,

George Washington. It is told since we are young, that George Washington was a hero, and a

symbol of freedom to all of those who are Americans. We are told of his sacrifices, his courage,

his tenacity, and his luck and skill on the battlefield. We will be picking apart these stories piece

by piece to get a better understanding of our founding father, who I myself hold in high regards.

If the freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the

slaughter. - George Washington

As we may all know, George Washington was an influential figure in the formation of the

United States, and our very first president to take the reigns. He was also, however, an

influential figure in the Continental Army. Not only was George Washington president, but he

also took the duty of leading the Continental Army as General. Washington was born on the

22nd of February, 1732. Today he will be 285. Washington served, as mentioned above, A

general and commander in chief of the colonial armies and later became the first president of
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United States, serving from 1789 to 1797 (Biography.com). Washington's family line can
the

be traced from England, to North America at about 1657 when Georges grandfather migrated to

Virginia.

Later on in Washingtons life, we read that tragedy struck him often. Only being just 11,

the poor boy Washington lost his father. However, he was picked up by and mentored by his

half-brother Lawrence, who took care of him after his fathers death. Shortly after, however,

George was struck with more tragedy. His half brother had passed away as well. With this

passing, our dear Washington inherited the Mount Vernon estate. At this time, England and

France were also at war. Holding a commission in the British army, Washington led a poorly

trained and equipped force of 150 men to build a fort on the banks of the Ohio..

(Millercenter.org). It is believed that Washingtons resentment towards the Crown began when

he made the decision to open fire on a small French Force. This decision killed a French

minister, and began the fighting between the British and the French -- with one engagement

going very poorly for the British. Word spread of Washingtons valor against the French, and he

was revered as a hero..only in the colonies, however. Once the Crown received word of this

defeat, it would be put to blame on him and his actions alone. This caused Washington to resign

from the army, where he would return to farming until the days where our future nation would

need him most.

President Washington set a lot of rules and traditions that many presidents down the line

would follow. Washington served in office for 7 years and 9 months, and did not seek
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reelection after his second term (US-presidents-insidegov.com). Washington was a very

humble man, and was also someone to look up to. But lest some unlucky event should happen

unfavorable to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room that I

this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am

honored with (George Washington, goodread.com).

In his final address to the nation, Washington warned the people of the United States of

political party association, and longstanding alliances with other nations. The farewell address

itself was handed about to many people. The opening paragraphs were left unchanged from the

version James Madison had made in 1792. Most of the speech itself was penned by Alexander

Hamilton, who was Directed [by Washington] to remove the bitterness from an intermediate

draft that the president himself had written (UShistory.org). Washington continued to express

that what he had done in his years, would continue to guide those who take office later.

Washington expressed that National union was the cornerstone of happiness for those in the

United States. The name AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must

always be exalt the just pride of patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local

distinctions - George Washington.

Washington believed without a doubt that unity brought strength. He stated in his

farewell speech, Union promises greater strength, greater resource, and proportionately

greater security from danger. He continued, your union ought to be considered as a main

prop of your liberty. Washington ended his farewell with what he saw could be the downfall of
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the United States. Washington warned of the effects of the spirit of party. Political parties to

Washington were something that could cause deep harm to the nation. However, Washington

also believed that foreign influence can be just as dangerous. Washington stressed with upmost

importance that the United States should steer clear of permanent alliances. He continued

again, stating foreign nations could not be trusted to do anymore more than pursue their own

interests, when entering international treaties. He believed these to be commercial relations.

In conclusion, Washington was a great man and a great leader. He was raised to be

someone who could take the reigns of leadership, and excel. He was raised for this very purpose.

He was a humble man, he was a born leader. He warned us of the division that political parties

can cause, and he also warned us about the problems foreign influence can have on our nation.

Even though these years of his presidency have passed, we should still take word and warning

from our father. The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon.
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Works Cited

"Farewell Address." Ushistory.org. Independence Hall Association, n.d. Web. 22 Feb.

2017.

"George Washington." Biography.com. A&E Networks Television, 08 July 2015. Web. 22 Feb. 2017.

"George Washington Quotes (Author of George Washington's Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in

Company and Conversation)." George Washington Quotes (Author of George Washington's Rules of

Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation). N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb.

2017.

"Miller Center." George Washington: Life in Brief-Miller Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Feb.

2017.