George Washington
Our first leader: Let’s look at the life of America’s first president.
George Washington was an amazing figure in our nation’s history. Washington faced many challenges throughout his life, however, Washington’s faith in God and his ability to endure and persevere allowed him to overcome any obstacle that stood in his path. His leadership set an example for generals and presidents alike to follow in the decades following the founding of the United States.
Washington was bold and brave, and he inspired others around him to do great things as well. A sense of dignity surrounded him, one which commanded respect from all the other Founding Fathers.
Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in the British colony of Virginia. His great-grandfather John Washington had left England for Virginia in 1656. His father was a judge in Virginia. He came from a very wealthy family.
When Washington was 17, he got a job as a surveyor of land, a profession that exposed him to the vastness and beauty of America. His experience as a surveyor taught him a lot about America’s terrain, which would help in his pursuit of a career as a soldier.
In 1754, Washington earned a spot as a major in the Virginia Militia, working alongside the British. As an inexperienced fighter, Washington learned he bit off more than he could chew. Years later, he would again be called upon to fight a war in 1775. But this time, it was to be against the same British Army he fought for during the French and Indian War.
When George Washington agreed to lead the Continental Army, victory for the colonists was not guaranteed. General Washington knew that there was a good chance they might fail, but he was willing to risk everything and dedicate his life to the cause of American independence and freedom.
After many years of fighting, the British surrendered. This secured the freedom of the thirteen colonies! Washington was very popular for his accomplishments.
Following the approval of the constitution, America needed someone to lead them! They knew just the man for the job. George Washington himself.
Washington didn’t want to be president. He wanted to return to his quiet life at Mount Vernon. But finally, he gave in. In 1789, the people elected George Washington to serve as the first president of the United States.
George Washington served two presidential terms. He finally retired in 1797. The decisions that Washington made were always made with the future of the American people in mind. He weighed everything that he did through the lens of considering how those who supported him would look to his example and lead with fairness and integrity.