George Washington: Most Influential Founding Fathers

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George Washington (Introduction) George Washington was one of America's most influential founding fathers. From his early life to his death, George Washington influenced our nation and left a longstanding legacy that many American people know. He was not only a president but also held many occupations, such as a general, farmer, and surveyor. Known as the “Father of His Country,” George Washington set the standard for future presidents and greatly influenced the way our country is led. Pre-Presidency George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father was Augustine Washington, a successful planter who greatly grew his estates in Virginia. His mother was Mary Ball Washington, the second wife of Augustine …show more content…
His skill in mathematics led him to become a surveyor at the age of sixteen. George Washington was proficient as a surveyor and in 1749 he was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County. As a surveyor, Washington became more resourceful and expanded his knowledge of the land. In 1752, Washington's half-brother Lawrence died due to tuberculosis, leaving twenty-year-old George Washington as the heir of the Washington lands and Mount Vernon after the death of Lawrence’s only daughter. Throughout his life, George Washington would continue to work and improve Mount Vernon. He thought farming was an honorable and profitable occupation and was extremely proud of Mount Vernon. Shortly after Lawrence's death, in 1752, George Washington was appointed as a military officer for the Virginia militia. This started his military career. Washington fought during the French and Indian War as a colonel and then commander of Virginia’s militia forces. By 1759, Washington was elected into the House of Burgesses, and after resigning from the military, he returned home to Mount Vernon. Immediately after his resignation, George Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy …show more content…
Even with his military experience, Washington had little experience with large military forces. However, due to his leadership and fortitude, Washington and his men were able to hold on long enough to secure victory at Yorktown and win independence for his new nation in 1781. Once the war was over, George Washington resigned from the military once again. Wanting to continue the rest of his life peacefully farming, Washington returned home to Mount Vernon on December 24, 1783. Presidency Four years after he returned home, in 1787, George Washington was invited to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Delegates at the convention realized that Washington was the most capable man to lead the country. On January 7, 1789, the first presidential election was held. George Washington won by unanimous vote. He became president with John Adams as his vice-president. He was inaugurated for his first term on April 30, 1789, in New York City, at the age of 57. After his first term ended Washington was once again elected, by unanimous vote, to be president in
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