On this day, April 30th, in 1789, George Washington was inaugurated as the first President of the United States. [1]
Before His Presidency
Before George Washington became the first president, he served in the military for the French and Indian War and the War for Independence. During the war, Washington was a general and commander-in-chief of the colonial armies. [2]
Surveying and Marriage
Before joining the military, Washington was a surveyor. He surveyed land for all types of people. He also married Martha Custis.
Constitutional Convention
When the Constitutional Convention met in 1786, Washington was unanimously chosen as president. [3]
Presidency
In 1789, George Washington was elected as the first President of the United States. In 1793, Washington was elected for two terms as president.
Farewell Address
In 1997, when his second term ended, Washington gave a farewell speech. In his farewell address, Washington stressed national unity, unselfish cooperation, caution in foreign affairs, a strong defense, and a respect for God’s laws. You can read the full Farewell Address here.
George Washington set multiple precedents for all the successive presidents to follow. One was a two-year term (even though Franklin D. Roosevelt served four terms). George Washington was a great example for everyone.
Notes:
- ^April 30: On This Day in History. (2021, April 30). Retrieved from (go back ↩)
- ^George Washington | Life, Presidency, Accomplishments, & Facts. (2021, April 30). Retrieved from (go back ↩)
- ^Biography. (2020). George Washington. Biography. Retrieved from (go back ↩)
