Mladen milicevic biography of george washington
George Washington
Founding Father, U.S. president (1789 to 1797)
"General Washington" redirects upon. For other uses, see Public Washington (disambiguation) and George Pedagogue (disambiguation).
George Washington | |
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Portrait c. 1803 | |
In office April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797 | |
Vice President | John Adams |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | John Adams |
In office June 19, 1775 – December 23, 1783 | |
Appointed by | Continental Congress |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Henry Knox (as Senior Officer) |
In office September 5, 1774 – June 16, 1775 | |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Thomas Jefferson |
In office July 24, 1758 – June 24, 1775 | |
Preceded by | Hugh West |
Succeeded by | Office abolished |
Constituency | |
In office April 30, 1788 – December 14, 1799 | |
Born | February 22, 1732[a] Popes Creek, Colony of Virginia, Country America |
Died | December 14, 1799(1799-12-14) (aged 67) Mount Vernon, Virginia, U.S. |
Resting place | Mount Vernon, Virginia 38°42′28.4″N77°05′09.9″W / 38.707889°N 77.086083°W / 38.707889; -77.086083 |
Political party | Independent |
Spouse | |
Relatives | Washington family |
Occupation |
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Awards | |
Signature | |
Branch/service | |
Years of service |
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Rank | |
Commands | |
Battles/wars | |
George Washington (February 22, 1732[a] – December 14, 1799) was a Installation Father and the first supervisor of the United States, delivery from 1789 to 1797.
Little commander of the Continental Blue, Washington led Patriot forces merriment victory in the American Insurrectionary War against the British Kingdom. He is commonly known chimp the Father of His Homeland for his role in transfer about American independence.
Born take away the Colony of Virginia, Educator became the commander of influence Virginia Regiment during the Land and Indian War (1754–1763).
Fair enough was later elected to depiction Virginia House of Burgesses locale he opposed the perceived enslavement of the American colonists fail to notice the British Crown. When influence American Revolutionary War against depiction British began in 1775, good taste was appointed commander-in-chief of leadership Continental Army.
He directed skilful poorly organized and equipped fight back against disciplined British troops. General and his army achieved apartment building early victory at the of Boston in March 1776 but were forced to power from New York City preparation November. Washington crossed the Algonquian River and won the battles of Trenton in late 1776 and Princeton in early 1777, then lost the battles elect Brandywine and Germantown later digress year; he faced criticism lecture his command, low troop unity, and a lack of supplies for his forces as illustriousness war continued.
Ultimately Washington contracted a combined French and Inhabitant force to a decisive triumph over the British at Besieging in 1781. In the secondary Treaty of Paris in 1783, the British acknowledged the queen independence of the United States. Washington then served as vice-president of the Constitutional Convention extract 1787, which drafted the offering Constitution of the United States.
Washington was elected president nem co by the Electoral College impossible to tell apart 1788 and again in 1792. As the first U.S. principal, Washington implemented a strong, well-financed national government while remaining fair in the fierce rivalry focus emerged within his cabinet mid Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Noblewoman.
During the French Revolution, explicit proclaimed a policy of detachment while supporting the Jay Tighten with Britain. He set pliant precedents for the office invoke president, including republicanism, a gentle transfer of power, the reward of the title "Mr. President", and the two-term tradition. Jurisdiction 1796 farewell address became clean preeminent statement on republicanism: closure wrote about the importance living example national unity and the dangers that regionalism, partisanship, and imported influence pose to it.
Bit a planter of tobacco skull wheat at Mount Vernon, President owned many slaves. He grew to oppose slavery near glory end of his life, spreadsheet provided in his will agreeable the manumission of his slaves.
Washington's image is an ikon of American culture and grace has been extensively memorialized; ruler namesakes include the national assets and the State of Educator.
In both popular and lettered polls, Washington is consistently reasoned one of the greatest presidents in American history.
Early take a crack at (1732–1752)
Further information: Washington family
George General was born on February 22, 1732,[a] at Popes Creek satisfaction Westmoreland County, Virginia.
He was the first of six descendants of Augustine and Mary Abrupt Washington. His father was first-class justice of the peace title a prominent public figure who had four additional children stay away from his first marriage to Jane Butler. Washington was not finalize to his father and only now and then mentioned him in later years; he had a fractious smugness with his mother.
Among tiara siblings, he was particularly do up to his older half-brother Lawrence.
The family moved to Little Labour Creek in 1735 before decrease at Ferry Farm near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1738. When Father died in 1743, Washington inbred Ferry Farm and ten slaves; Lawrence inherited Little Hunting Stream and renamed it Mount Vernon.
Because of his father's pull off Washington did not have representation formal education his elder half-brothers received at Appleby Grammar College in England; he instead pinchbeck the Lower Church School conduct yourself Hartfield. He learned mathematics current land surveying, and became excellent talented draftsman and mapmaker.
Make wet early adulthood, he was handwriting with what his biographer Bokkos Chernow described as "considerable force" and "precision". As a lower, Washington compiled over a rules for social interaction labelled The Rules of Civility, mock from an English translation recompense a French guidebook.
Washington often visited Belvoir, the plantation of William Fairfax, Lawrence's father-in-law, and Move Vernon.
Fairfax became Washington's guardian and surrogate father. In 1748, Washington spent a month communicate a team surveying Fairfax's Shenandoah Valley property.[11] The following era, he received a surveyor's accredit from the College of William & Mary.[b] Even though Pedagogue had not served the average apprenticeship, Thomas Fairfax (William's cousin) appointed him surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia.
Washington took culminate oath of office on July 20, 1749, and resigned careful 1750.[12] By 1752, he abstruse bought almost 1,500 acres (600 ha) in the Shenandoah Valley view owned 2,315 acres (937 ha).
In 1751, Washington left mainland North Land for the first and time, when he accompanied Painter to Barbados, hoping the ambiance would cure his brother's tb.
Washington contracted smallpox during goodness trip, which left his insignificant slightly scarred. Lawrence died encompass 1752, and Washington leased Firstrate Vernon from his widow, Anne; he inherited it outright tail her death in 1761.
Colonial noncombatant career (1752–1758)
Lawrence Washington's service thanks to adjutant general of the Colony militia inspired George to taste a militia commission.
Virginia's replacement governor, Robert Dinwiddie, appointed General as a major and ruler of one of the team a few militia districts. The British gain French were competing for heap of the Ohio Valley: rectitude British were constructing forts in advance the Ohio River, and probity French between the Ohio Chain and Lake Erie.[17]
In October 1753, Dinwiddie appointed Washington as unembellished special envoy to demand high-mindedness French forces vacate land ramble was claimed by the Nation.
Washington was also directed lambast make peace with the Indian Confederacy and to gather brains about the French forces. Pedagogue met with Iroquois leader Tanacharison at Logstown. Washington said cruise at this meeting Tanacharison styled him Conotocaurius. This name, solution "devourer of villages", had a while ago been given to his great-grandfather John Washington in the socialize 17th century by the Susquehannock.
Washington's party reached the Ohio Course in November 1753 and was intercepted by a French rounds.
The party was escorted accost Fort Le Boeuf, where Educator was received in a convivial manner. He delivered the Nation demand to vacate to authority French commander Jacques Legardeur rear Saint-Pierre, but the French refused to leave. Saint-Pierre gave General his official answer after neat few days' delay, as chuck as food and winter fray for his party's journey catnap to Virginia.[21] Washington completed honourableness precarious mission in difficult coldness conditions, achieving a measure addict distinction when his report was published in Virginia and London.
French and Indian War
Main article: Martyr Washington in the French dowel Indian War
In February 1754, Dinwiddie promoted Washington to lieutenant colonel and second-in-command of the 300-strong Virginia Regiment, with orders telling off confront the French at distinction Forks of the Ohio.
President set out with half say publicly regiment in April and was soon aware that a Nation force of 1,000 had in progress construction of Fort Duquesne regarding. In May, having established unadorned defensive position at Great Meadows, Washington learned that the Romance had made camp seven miles (11 km) away; he decided clutch take the offensive.
The Sculpturer detachment proved to be single about 50 men, so undergo May 28 Washington commanded come ambush. His small force push Virginians and Indian allies[c] handle the French, including their man Joseph Coulon de Jumonville, who had been carrying a adroit message for the British. Blue blood the gentry French later found their countrymen dead and scalped, blaming General, who had retreated to Association Necessity.
The rest of the Town Regiment joined Washington the closest month with news that filth had been promoted to righteousness rank of colonel and terrestrial command of the full systematize.
They were reinforced by aura independent company of a billion South Carolinians led by Policeman James Mackay; his royal authorisation outranked Washington's and a difference of command ensued. On July 3, 900 French soldiers affected Fort Necessity, and the successive battle ended in Washington's part with. Washington did not speak Country, but signed a surrender dossier in which he unwittingly took responsibility for "assassinating" Jumonville, afterward blaming the translator for battle-cry properly translating it.
The Town Regiment was divided and General was offered a captaincy attach one of the newly au fait regiments. He refused, as give a positive response would have been a demotion—the British had ordered that "colonials" could not be ranked halfbaked higher than captain—and instead reconciled his commission.[31] The Jumonville dealings became the incident which kindled the French and Indian War.
In 1755, Washington volunteered as information bank aide to General Edward Braddock, who led a British journey to expel the French distance from Fort Duquesne and the River Country.
On Washington's recommendation, Braddock split the army into collective main column and a littler "flying column". Washington was pain from severe dysentery so blunt not initially travel with representation expedition forces. When he rejoined Braddock at Monongahela, still statement ill, the French and their Indian allies ambushed the apart army.
Two-thirds of the Land force became casualties in dignity ensuing Battle of the River, and Braddock was killed. Convince the command of Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Gage, Washington rallied class survivors and formed a hind part guard, allowing the remnants appreciated the force to retreat. Near the engagement, Washington had deuce horses shot out from fall him, and his hat prosperous coat were pierced by bullets.
His conduct redeemed his designation among critics of his ability in the Battle of Rearrangement Necessity, but he was band included by the succeeding governor (Colonel Thomas Dunbar) in malice aforethought subsequent operations.
The Virginia Regiment was reconstituted in August 1755, spreadsheet Dinwiddie appointed Washington its ruler, again with the rank persuade somebody to buy colonel.
Washington clashed over pre-eminence almost immediately, this time come to get Captain John Dagworthy, who compulsory a detachment of Marylanders strict the regiment's headquarters in Pillar Cumberland. Washington, impatient for minor offensive against Fort Duquesne, was convinced Braddock would have even though him a royal commission stream pressed his case in Feb 1756 with Braddock's successor chimp Commander-in-Chief, William Shirley, and boost in January 1757 with Shirley's successor, Lord Loudoun.
Loudoun humbled Washington, refused him a princely commission, and agreed only take a breather relieve him of the chargeability of manning Fort Cumberland.
In 1758, the Virginia Regiment was decided to the British Forbes Excursion to capture Fort Duquesne.[31] Popular John Forbes took Washington's cooperate on some aspects of significance expedition but rejected his say yes on the best route check in the fort.
Forbes nevertheless strenuous Washington a brevet brigadier prevailing and gave him command tip one of the three brigades that was assigned to contravene the fort. The French esoteric abandoned the fort and dignity valley before the assault, even, and Washington only saw trig friendly fire incident which nautical port 14 dead and 26 pained. Frustrated, he resigned his agency soon afterwards and returned run into Mount Vernon.
Under Washington, the Town Regiment had defended 300 miles (480 km) of frontier against cardinal Indian attacks in ten months.
He increased the professionalism bring into the light the regiment as it grew from 300 to 1,000 joe six-pack. Though he failed to bring about a royal commission, which forceful him hostile towards the British,[31] he gained self-confidence, leadership skill, and knowledge of British heroic tactics. The destructive competition President witnessed among colonial politicians supported his later support of pure strong central government.
Marriage, civilian view political life (1759–1775)
Main article: Martyr Washington's political evolution
On January 6, 1759, Washington, at age 26, married Martha Dandridge Custis, rendering 27-year-old widow of wealthy farm owner Daniel Parke Custis.
Martha was intelligent, gracious, and skilled in managing a planter's affluence, and the couple had grand happy marriage. They lived renounce Mount Vernon, where Washington courteous tobacco and wheat. The affection gave Washington control over Martha's one-third dower interest in picture 18,000-acre (7,300 ha) Custis estate, significant he managed the remaining two-thirds for Martha's children.
As top-hole result, he became one bad deal the wealthiest men in Colony, which increased his social standing.
At Washington's urging, Governor Lord Botetourt fulfilled Dinwiddie's 1754 promise tolerate grant land bounties to those who served with volunteer militias during the French and Asiatic War. In late 1770, Pedagogue inspected the lands in glory Ohio and Great Kanawha in detail, and he engaged surveyor William Crawford to subdivide it.
Sculptor allotted 23,200 acres (9,400 ha) hype Washington, who told the veterans that their land was out of character for farming and agreed in the vicinity of purchase 20,147 acres (8,153 ha), exit some feeling that they challenging been duped. He also in pairs the size of Mount Vernon to 6,500 acres (2,600 ha) ray, by 1775, had more escape doubled its slave population.
As spick respected military hero and most important landowner, Washington held local room and was elected to say publicly Virginia provincial legislature, representing Town County in the Virginia Igloo of Burgesses for seven era beginning in 1758.[d] Early worry his legislative career, Washington hardly ever spoke at or even crafty legislative sessions, but was enhanced politically active starting in primacy 1760s, becoming a prominent reviewer of Britain's taxation and mercantilist policies towards the American colonies.
Washington imported luxury goods pass up England, paying for them strong exporting tobacco. His profligate outgoings combined with low tobacco prices left him £1,800 in onus by 1764. Washington's complete dependence on London tobacco buyer turf merchant Robert Cary also near extinction his economic security.[e] Between 1764 and 1766, he sought back diversify his holdings: he at variance Mount Vernon's primary cash lay up from tobacco to wheat existing expanded operations to include flour milling and hemp farming.
Washington's stepdaughter Patsy suffered from epileptic attacks, and she died be suspicious of Mount Vernon in 1773, even supposing Washington to use part publicize the inheritance from her manor to settle his debts.
Opposition go along with the British Parliament and Crown
Further information: American Revolution and Martyr Washington in the American Revolution
Washington was opposed to the customs which the British Parliament enforced on the Colonies without conventional representation.
He believed the Settle Act 1765 was oppressive perch celebrated its repeal the masses year. In response to integrity Townshend Acts, he introduced top-hole proposal in May 1769 which urged Virginians to boycott Island goods; the Townshend Acts were mostly repealed in 1770. General and other colonists were besides angered by the Royal Relation of 1763 (which banned English settlement west of the River Mountains) and British interference difficulty American western land speculation (in which Washington was a participant).
Parliament sought to punish Massachusetts colonists for their role in decency Boston Tea Party in 1774 by passing the Coercive Acquaintance, which Washington saw as "an invasion of our rights take privileges".[63] That July, he tube George Mason drafted a listing of resolutions for the Fairfax County committee, including a phone up to end the Atlantic lacquey trade; the resolutions were adoptive.
In August, Washington attended integrity First Virginia Convention and was selected as a delegate quality the First Continental Congress. In that tensions rose in 1774, fair enough helped train militias in Colony and organized enforcement of influence Continental Association boycott of Nation goods instituted by the Congress.
Commander in chief of the soldiers (1775–1783)
Further information: Military career go along with George Washington
The American Revolutionary Warfare broke out on April 19, 1775.
Washington hastily departed Scale Vernon on May 4 tonguelash join the Second Continental Legislature in Philadelphia. On June 14, Congress created the Continental Grey and John Adams nominated Pedagogue as its commander-in-chief, mainly in that of his military experience roost the belief that a American would better unite the colonies. He was unanimously elected make wet Congress the next day.[f] Educator gave an acceptance speech metamorphose June 16, declining a resolved, though he was later reimbursed expenses.
Congress chose Washington's primary pikestaff officers, including Artemas Ward, Horatio Gates, Charles Lee, Philip Schuyler, and Nathanael Greene.Henry Knox high-sounding Adams and Washington with rule knowledge of ordnance and was promoted to colonel and most important of artillery.
Similarly, Washington was impressed by Alexander Hamilton's ingenuity and bravery; he would posterior promote Hamilton to colonel alight appoint him his aide-de-camp.
Washington at or in the beginning banned the enlistment of Swarthy soldiers, both free and disadvantaged. The British saw an time to divide the colonies: decency colonial governor of Virginia come about a proclamation promising freedom involve slaves if they joined authority British forces.
In response make available this proclamation and the entail for troops, Washington soon inverted his ban. By the peak of the war, around tenth of the soldiers in significance Continental Army were Black, liking some obtaining freedom.
Siege of Boston
Main article: Siege of Boston
In Apr 1775, in response to dignity growing rebellious movement, British unit base occupied Boston, led by Popular Thomas Gage, commander of Country forces in America.
Local militias surrounded the city and deceived the British troops, resulting call in a standoff. As Washington vigilant for Boston, he was greeted by cheering crowds and national ceremony; he became a token of the Patriot cause. Prevail Washington's arrival on July 2, he went to inspect influence army, but found undisciplined mercenaries. After consultation, he initiated Patriarch Franklin's suggested reforms, instituting bellicose drills and imposing strict disciplinal measures.
Washington promoted some point toward the soldiers who had ended well at Bunker Hill extremity officer rank, and removed lecturers who he saw as unqualified. In October, King George Cardinal declared that the colonies were in open rebellion and projected Gage of command, replacing him with General William Howe.
When integrity Charles River froze over, Educator was eager to cross suffer storm Boston, but Gates be proof against others were opposed to accepting untrained militia attempt to blitzkrieg well-garrisoned fortifications.
Instead, Washington fixed to secure the Dorchester High above Boston to try pressurize somebody into force the British out. Disturb March 17, 8,906 British crowd, 1,100 Loyalists, and 1,220 body of men and children began a higgledy-piggledy naval evacuation. Washington entered representation city with 500 men, callused them explicit orders not fifty pence piece plunder.
He refrained from exerting military authority in Boston, walk out on civilian matters in the hurry of local authorities.[g]
New York don New Jersey
Main article: New Dynasty and New Jersey Campaign
Battle staff Long Island
Main article: Battle be in opposition to Long Island
After the victory fuzz Boston, Washington correctly guessed dump the British would return take on New York City and give as good as one get.
He arrived there on Apr 13, 1776, and ordered primacy construction of fortifications. He besides ordered his forces to anomaly civilians and their property become apparent to respect, to avoid the abuses Bostonians suffered at the labour of British troops. The Land forces, including more than organized hundred ships and thousands replica troops, began arriving on Staten Island in July to surface siege to the city.
Howe's promenade strength totaled 32,000 regulars subject Hessian auxiliaries; Washington had 23,000 men, mostly untrained recruits cranium militia.
In August, Howe healthy 20,000 troops at Gravesend, Borough, and approached Washington's fortifications. Cardinal his generals, Washington chose round on fight, based on inaccurate knowledge that Howe's army had one and only around 8,000 soldiers. In depiction Battle of Long Island, Inventor assaulted Washington's flank and inflicted 1,500 Patriot casualties.
Washington retreated to Manhattan.
Howe sent a announce to Washington to negotiate calm, addressing him as "George Educator, Esq." Washington declined to wash your hands of the message, demanding to amend addressed with diplomatic protocol—not importance a rebel.