George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Virginia. Washington served as a general and chief of the colonial armies during the American Revolution, and later became the first president of the United States. He died on December 14, 1799, in Mount Vernon, Virginia. In 1748, when he was 16, George traveled with a surveying party plotting land in Virginia’s western territory.
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| Wife Martha and kids with George Washington |
Washington was given the honorary rank of colonel and was asked to join British General Edward Braddock's army in Virginia in 1755. Though he fought bravely, he could do little and therefore led the army back to safety. In August, 1755, Washington was made commander of all Virginia troops at age 23. A month after leaving the army, Washington married Martha Custis, a widow, who was only a few months older. She brought to the marriage a fortune and with that and land he was granted for his military service, Washington became one of the wealthy landowners in Virginia. Martha's also brought to the marriage two young children, John and Martha.
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| George Washington&slaves |
Retiring from the Virginia militia until the start of the Revolution, George Washington devoted himself to the care and development of his land holdings. He worked six days a week, often taking off his belongings and performing manual labor with his workers. He kept over 100 slaves, and was said to dislike the institution, but accepted the fact that slavery was the law. He entered politics and was elected to Virginia's House of Burgesses in 1758.
George Washington was actually chosen to be the United States' first president because it was thought that he had the necessary characteristics to be so. however; the fact that he had been Commander in Chief for the Continental Army and delegate for both Continental congresses, added to his list of qualifications.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington became a successful individual and was offered an abundant amount of opportunities.
ReplyDeleteMaybe it might be because of the time period of slavery, probably George Washington and others like him believed that there should be slaves in the United States. But I wonder what does he thinks of slavery. Nicely done report about George Washington, it was a great summary of his life.
ReplyDeleteWashington did not speak out publicly against slavery because he did not wish to risk splitting apart the young republic over what was already a sensitive and divisive issue.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington was a powerful individual that most of his peers adored, he said and did things that thought would make the Americas prosper, he seemed perfect to be the first president because he did not seem to get crazy or obsessed with power.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington made wise decisions for the Americas in trying to avoid war at all costs and he also foresaw the conflicts of political parties.
ReplyDeleteAt the same time Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army, Hancock was appointed President of the Congress as well.
ReplyDeleteI believe that leading an army and battalion was the true passion of George Washington. I think this is what made him the favorite to become president.
ReplyDeleteGeorge Washington is truly an honorable man. He was a key of the american independence and the first American president which made one of the most outstanding and famous individual in American history.
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