George Washington was the senior officer of the colonial forces during the first stages of the French and Indian War, the commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, the man who presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the United States Constitution, and the first president of what became the United States of America; is it any wonder we look to this brave and forward-thinking man for inspiration on how to live with courage and honor? Including letters to friends and foes during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, orders and instructions to the troops, and speeches he gave during his life, collected here are essays and advice by George Washington on living a courageous life.
George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and served as the first President of the United States of America (1789-1797). For his central role in the formation of the United States, he is often referred to as the father of his country.
Washington was baptized into the Church of England. In 1765, when the Church of England was still the state religion, he served on the vestry (lay council) for his local church. Throughout his life, he spoke of the value of righteousness, and of seeking and offering thanks for the "blessings of Heaven."
The Electoral College elected Washington unanimously in 1789, and again in the 1792 election; he remains the only president to receive 100% of the electoral votes.
Washington proved an able administrator. An excellent delegator and judge of talent and character, he held regular cabinet meetings to debate issues before making a final decision. In handling routine tasks, he was "systematic, orderly, energetic, solicitous of the opinion of others but decisive, intent upon general goals and the consistency of particular actions with them.
Washington died in 1799. He has been consistently ranked by scholars as one of the greatest U.S. Presidents.
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