George Washington, born in 1732, became Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and led the American colonies to victory during the Revolutionary War. As the first U.S. President, Washington set many important precedents, including neutrality in foreign conflicts and federal authority over states. He served two terms, establishing the foundations of the new nation before retiring in 1797..

Washington’s early childhood remains a mystery. His great-grandfather, John Washington, sailed to America to buy tobacco, but when his ship sank as he was about to return to England, he remained in Virginia.

Washington was born at the family estate on the banks of the Potomac River in Westmoreland County, Virginia, at 10 a.m. on February 22, 1732.

Washington’s father died when he was 11 years old. His older brother, Lawrence Washington, apparently became a surrogate father for George. At the age of 16, George moved in with Lawrence at his estate, Mount Vernon. At 16, Washington helped survey the Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax.

The next year, 1749, Washington received his first official appointment—as surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia.

In 1752, his brother died of tuberculosis, and Washington inherited the Mount Vernon estate. That same year, Washington received his first military commission—as a major in the Virginia militia.

During the French and Indian War, he oversaw the construction of Fort Necessity in what is today western Pennsylvania. After the fort was overrun by superior French and Indian troops, Washington resigned his commission. He returned to service in 1755 as the aide-de-camp to General Braddock.

Braddock’s ill-fated attempt to seize Fort Duquesne from the French resulted in his death and the defeat of his forces. Washington assumed command, allowing the remaining British forces to retreat. After this battle, Washington was promoted to colonel and regimental commander.

In 1758, Colonel Washington resigned his commission after being elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses. In his position with the Virginia assembly, he was a leader among those pressing for strong action against England.

Washington was a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congresses. At first, he supported measures that might bring about an understanding with England, but he quickly decided this was unlikely to succeed.

Washington chaired the committee tasked with finding ways to arm the impending revolution. He became the unanimous choice to lead the new Continental Army, due to both his military experience and the prestige of having a prominent Virginian at the head of the army.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, Washington led the army from its early success in liberating Boston to its defeat in New York, through the hardships of Valley Forge to the ultimate victory at Yorktown.

Washington was the overwhelming choice to be President of the Constitutional Convention in 1787. He was a supporter of a strong federal government.

President Washington believed in a strong presidency. As the first president, he set many precedents. Washington believed in working closely with his staff and relied heavily on the advice of his cabinet.

Due to Washington’s popularity, Congress did not challenge any of his cabinet appointments. This established the principle that presidents would have their appointments approved. When Washington consulted Congress on foreign treaties, he felt he was treated without the dignity the presidency deserved. It was the last time he would consult Congress on foreign policy decisions, setting a precedent for future presidents.

During Washington’s presidency, two major political battles took place. The first was between those who believed in a strict interpretation of the Constitution and those who opposed it. The second was between those favoring England and those supporting France in the ongoing European war.

The strict interpretation advocates, led by Madison, believed the central government should be limited to powers explicitly stated in the Constitution. The Federalists, led by Alexander Hamilton, believed the government had implied powers over individual states. Hamilton proposed the establishment of a national bank to help fuel economic growth. Opponents argued the government lacked such authority, but Washington sided with the Federalists, and the Bank of the United States was established.

Thomas Jefferson, then Secretary of State, supported France in its war with England. Hamilton sided with England. Washington proclaimed strict neutrality, leading to Jefferson’s resignation. Washington believed the United States should avoid European conflicts and needed years of peacetime to build strength before engaging in further wars.

During his presidency, Washington personally ensured the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against a tax on whiskey, was suppressed, thus crushing the first challenge to federal authority.

One of the major achievements during Washington’s presidency was the ratification of the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights.

Washington wanted to retire after his first term, but he was persuaded to continue due to the rise of partisan politics, which he feared could undo much of the state-building he had accomplished. Washington retired from the presidency on March 3, 1797.