George Washington Research Paper

Garet Mason

April 1, 2018

WH 201

World History Essay

Our Nation’s First President’s Life Story

George Washington is one of the most well-known historic figures of the United States. American Patriots, during his presidency, and time as a war general worshipped the hero. When America was separating from Great Britain, General Washington was a major factor in winning the war against Britain. Washington perfected his military tactics prior to the revolutionary war and during the French and Indian war. Washington’s heroic character during these wars kept troops moral at an all-time high. His ability to give confidence to colony soldiers led them to independence. It all started with his political beliefs and Great Britain heavily taxing the thirteen

Washington spent most of his time maintaining Mount Vernon, and renting out land for crops. His detailed administration of the estate, including a chain of command for labor, foreshadowed his career as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. The war had left Britain with a much larger national debt, and during the 1760's and 1770's, the Crown and Parliament sought to pay off this debt by directly taxing the American colonies. One of the first acts passed was the Sugar Act of 1764, which placed a low duty on imported foreign sugar. This mildly upset the colonists, but would become the first step on the road to revolution. The Sugar Act was followed by the Stamp Act of 1765, which acted as a sales tax for all public documents and licenses. Regardless of the colonial opinion to the taxes, Britain imposed the Townshend Duties, which placed taxes on imported goods such as glass, paper and tea. This put American on the road to

Washington won the election as a Virginia delegate to the First Continental Congress in September-October 1774. War between the colonies and Britain finally broke out in April 1775 with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in Massachusetts. Yet again he was elected to the Second Continental Congress in May 1775. “Washington wore his Virginia colonel's uniform to the second Congress, to emphasize his view that the colonies must use united military force to win its fight with Britain. He also hoped that his appearance and determination would secure him a high-ranking position in a newly created Continental Army.” (Sara). John Adams our future second president, appointed Washington to lead the Second Continental Army on June 14. Adams Hoped by electing a Virginia man would keep the South in the fight. Washington took the job when he won against Samuel Adams, he refused to be paid only he be reimbursed. Washington's first campaign in the war was in response to the British capture of Bunker Hill. Washington led his troops to Cambridge, Massachusetts and organized the capture of Boston. Washington managed to force the British, commanded by General William Howe, in the spring of 1776. Washington's forces arrived in New York City as the British invasion force landed on Long Island. The British strategy was to take New York City, as well as control of the Hudson River. The Hudson at this time is a major port