George Washington PDF

GEORGE WASHINGTON  BACKGROUND February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799 Virginia farmer, then a surveyor, then a soldier—joined during French and Indian War Married to Martha Washington—wealthy widow with children Commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary War...

GEORGE WASHINGTON  BACKGROUND February 22, 1732 - December 14, 1799 Virginia farmer, then a surveyor, then a soldier—joined during French and Indian War Married to Martha Washington—wealthy widow with children Commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary War President of the Constitutional Convention  Odd 1/2 SETTING PRECEDENTS Washington’s decisions as the first president would be highly regarded by those who followed him. Knowing this, Washington did his best to carry out the ideas and values in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. He set many precedents , or examples that would be followed. First, he refused a fancy title such as “His Excellency” that John Adams suggested. Many members of Congress argued that it “reeked” of royalty. Instead, after a long debate in Congress, Washington shared that he preferred to be called “Mr. President.” Near the end of the second term, he announced that he would not run again, a precedent that would be followed until the 1940s.  Even 2/2 SETTING PRECEDENTS: CABINET Unfortunately for Washington, the first Congress was deeply divided on many issues, including determining executive departments and their powers. Eventually, a few departments were approved and Washington chose men he trusted to lead each; Thomas Jefferson became Secretary of State and Alexander Hamilton became Secretary of the Treasury. These leaders eventually became known as the president’s cabinet.  Odd 1/3 WHISKEY REBELLION Cause 1/2: The most critical problem facing the new government was money. The national treasury was empty and now that Congress had the power to tax, they argued endlessly about what to tax and how much. In 1791, Congress agreed to place an excise tax on whiskey and other “luxury” goods.  Even 2/3 WHISKEY REBELLION Cause continued 2/2: Settlers living west of the Appalachian Mountains were particularly upset by the whiskey tax. It was too expensive for them to haul their grain across the mountains, so they depended on distilling their wheat into whiskey, which could be shipped more easily. To end the protests, Congress lowered the taxes in 1793. Most farmers began to pay up, but the “Whiskey Boys” of western Pennsylvania still refused. Instead, they tarred and feathered tax collectors.  Odd 3/3 WHISKEY REBELLION Decision: Seeing the rebellion as a threat to the government’s authority, Alexander Hamilton convinced Washington to do something. Washington led roughly 13,000 state militia troops across the mountains to crush the rebels. Effect: When they heard the President himself was riding out to stop them, the rebellion quickly melted away. Thomas Jefferson felt that sending an army to put to the tax rebels was foolish and violated people’s liberties and tension towards Hamilton rose.  Odd 1/4 FRENCH REVOLUTION Cause 1/3: Meanwhile, tension was also building across the nation as debate over events in France raged. In 1789, the French people rebelled against their king. They hoped to build a nation based on “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity.” After three years, France became a republic. This thrilled many Americans, including Jefferson and his followers, who called themselves Democratic-Republicans, or just Republicans.  Even 2/4 FRENCH REVOLUTION Cause Continued 2/3: In time, news from France caused supporters of the rebellion to think again. By 1793, the leaders had executed the king and queen and would eventually do the same to 20,000 of wealthy French citizens, using a new machine called the guillotine, that chopped people’s heads off. Hamilton and his followers, the Federalists, were appalled by the bloodshed. Being wealthy themselves, they began to wonder if their own future might involve a similar fate.  Odd 3/4 FRENCH REVOLUTION Cause continued 3/3: In 1793, France went to war against Britain. In April 1793, they sent Edmond “Citizen” Genêt (jzeu-nay) to recruit American volunteers to attack British ships. He traveled around the country preaching against kings and nobles. Genêt was popular with the Republicans and soon, the cheering crowds went to his head. When Washington did not react so enthusiastically at their meeting, Genêt began to make speeches attacking the president.  Even 4/4 FRENCH REVOLUTION “You’re hotheaded, Decision: Even for Jefferson, disrespectful, and who supported the French, indecent!” Genêt’s actions were too much. “Old man Washington is As Secretary of State, he asked jealous of my the French government to recall success...” its representative. Effect: Washington’s cabinet established a policy of neutrality, or not getting involved in foreign affairs.  Odd 1/2 FAREWELL ADDRESS When Washington’s first term was up in 1792, he agreed to second term in part because he was disturbed by the bitter rivalry developing between Federalists and Republicans. He left office after his second term. Before leaving office, Washington prepared a farewell address with an important message.  Even 2/2 FAREWELL ADDRESS 1. Washington urged Americans to remember that they were all united by their shared experience in the American Revolution, and their shared values of freedom. 2. He warned against the development of political parties dividing the nation. 3. He also urged Americans to avoid entanglements and alliances with other countries.  WASHINGTON’S WARNINGS With slight shades of difference, you have the same religion, manners, habits, and political principles. You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together. I have already intimated to you the danger of parties in the State…now let me warn you against the baneful effects of the spirit of party. Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with the foreign world.  RETIREMENT Washington returned to his estate at Mount Vernon, Virginia where he devoted his time to his plantations. Washington died at home on December 14, 1799 at the age of sixty-seven. He had suffered many illnesses throughout his life and his strength had faded. People around the world mourned his death. He is buried in a tomb at Mount Vernon although there was a tomb set up for him in the Capitol as well.