Presidency of George Washington facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Presidency of George Washington
April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797
John Adams
Cabinet	See list
Party	Independent
Election	1788–1789 1792
Seat	Samuel Osgood House Alexander Macomb House President's House
• John Adams →
Dorsett seal

George Washington was the very first president of the United States. He started his job on April 30, 1789, and served until March 4, 1797. People chose him unanimously, meaning everyone agreed he should be president. He was re-elected in 1792, also unanimously. After two terms, he decided to retire, setting an important example for future presidents. His vice president, John Adams, took over after him.

Washington was a hero from the American Revolutionary War. He led the Continental Army to victory and helped create the new U.S. Constitution. Everyone expected him to become president, even though he wanted to retire. He helped set up the new federal government, choosing important officials and deciding where the nation's capital would be.

He supported economic plans by Alexander Hamilton. These plans helped the government manage state debts and created important institutions like the First Bank of the United States. Washington also led soldiers to stop the Whiskey Rebellion, a protest against taxes. In foreign affairs, he kept the U.S. neutral during wars in Europe, which helped the young country grow strong. He also made important treaties with Great Britain and Spain.

Washington worried about political parties dividing the country. He was the only president never officially part of a political party. Despite challenges, historians see him as one of America's greatest presidents, alongside Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Becoming President: The Elections of 1788–1789 and 1792

The First Election: 1788–1789

After helping create the U.S. Constitution, George Washington wanted to retire to his home, Mount Vernon. But most Americans wanted him to be their first president. Many people wrote to him, asking him to accept the job. Important figures like Alexander Hamilton also urged him to lead the new nation. Washington was hesitant, saying he preferred a quieter life.

The choice for vice president was less clear. The Constitution said the person with the second-highest votes would get the job. John Adams was a strong candidate.

On February 4, 1789, electors from each state cast their votes. Washington received all 69 electoral votes, making him president. John Adams became vice president with 34 votes. Washington accepted the role, knowing it meant giving up his private life for public service.

Starting the First Term

The new government was supposed to start on March 4, 1789. But travel was slow back then, so Congress didn't have enough members to start until April. John Adams arrived in New York City, the temporary capital, on April 20 and became vice president the next day.

Washington's journey to New York City was like a parade. People cheered him in every town. He arrived on April 23. On April 30, 1789, George Washington took the oath of office at Federal Hall in New York. He became the first President of the United States. Robert Livingston, a New York official, gave him the oath. Washington added "so help me God" to the oath. He used a Bible from a local Masonic lodge. After the oath, Livingston shouted, "Long live George Washington, President of the United States!"

The Second Election: 1792

By 1792, Washington was happy with how the government was working. He wanted to retire again, feeling old and tired. But his cabinet members, like Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton, convinced him to stay. They believed only he could lead the country during a time of war in Europe. Washington never officially announced he was running, but he didn't say no either.

The 1792 election was the first time political groups started to form. People mostly agreed Washington should be president. So, the main competition was for vice president. Hamilton's supporters wanted John Adams. Jefferson's supporters favored New York Governor George Clinton.

Washington was re-elected unanimously with 132 electoral votes. John Adams also won re-election as vice president with 77 votes.

Washington's second inauguration was on March 4, 1793, in Philadelphia, the new temporary capital. It was a much simpler ceremony than his first. His speech was the shortest ever, only 135 words.

Administration: Building the New Government

Washington's Cabinet

BEP engraved portrait of Washington as President

The Constitution allowed the president to choose leaders for different government departments. These leaders needed approval from the Senate. Three departments already existed: War, Foreign Affairs, and Finance. The Foreign Affairs department became the Department of State. The Finance Office became the Department of the Treasury. Congress also created the Attorney General position, who would be the president's chief legal advisor.

Washington first met with each department head separately. But in 1791, he started holding joint meetings. These meetings included the Secretary of War, Secretary of State, Secretary of the Treasury, and the Attorney General. This group became known as the President's Cabinet.

Washington chose Edmund Randolph as the first Attorney General. Henry Knox continued as head of the War Department. Thomas Jefferson became the first Secretary of State. For the important role of Secretary of the Treasury, Washington chose Alexander Hamilton. Hamilton was responsible for the nation's economic plans. Washington's first cabinet had leaders from different parts of the country.

Washington was very involved in foreign affairs and military matters. Jefferson left the cabinet in 1793. Other cabinet members also changed during Washington's second term. Hamilton and Jefferson had the biggest impact on the cabinet early on. They often disagreed on important issues.

Washington and his cabinet. From left to right George Washington, Henry Knox, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and Edmund Randolph.

The Vice President's Role

During his time as vice president, John Adams didn't attend many cabinet meetings. President Washington rarely asked for his advice. However, Adams was more active in the Senate, where he served as its president. He often spoke in debates and helped guide the Senate's work. He cast 29 tie-breaking votes.

Adams believed the vice president's job was "insignificant." He once wrote to his wife, Abigail, that his country had given him "the most insignificant office."

Presidential Veto Power

The Constitution gave the president the power to reject laws passed by Congress, called a veto. Washington used this power only twice. His first veto was on April 5, 1792. He stopped a bill about how House of Representatives seats were divided among the states. Washington thought the bill was unconstitutional. Congress then passed a new bill, which Washington signed.

Judicial Appointments

The U.S. Constitution created the judicial branch of the government. But it left many details for Congress and the president to decide. In September 1789, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1789. This law created a six-member Supreme Court, with one chief justice and five associate justices. It also set up federal district and circuit courts.

As the first president, Washington appointed all the first Supreme Court justices. He chose John Jay as the first Chief Justice. Other early associate justices included John Rutledge and William Cushing. All were quickly approved by the Senate.

John Jay, the first Chief Justice of the United States.

Over his two terms, Washington appointed many federal judges. When Chief Justice Jay left, Washington appointed Oliver Ellsworth as the third Chief Justice.

Domestic Challenges and Policies

During his presidency, George Washington dealt with many important issues at home. These included choosing a permanent capital city, creating tax laws, managing the economy, and stopping the Whiskey Rebellion. He also saw the rise of political parties and the addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. He also worked on policies for new settlements and Native American lands.

Choosing the Nation's Capital

For a long time, people argued about where the U.S. capital city should be. New York City was the temporary capital, but it wasn't meant to be permanent. Many cities wanted to be the capital because it would bring business and importance.

Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton.

President Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison wanted the capital along the Potomac River. Alexander Hamilton wanted it in the North. At the same time, Hamilton had a plan for the federal government to take on the states' debts from the Revolutionary War. This plan needed Southern votes to pass.

Jefferson and Hamilton made a deal, known as the Compromise of 1790. Southern congressmen agreed to support Hamilton's debt plan. In return, the capital would be moved to Philadelphia for 10 years. Then, a permanent capital would be built along the Potomac River.

Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson.

Washington chose the exact spot for the new capital. He oversaw the planning himself. In 1791, the new city was named Washington, D.C., in his honor. Construction on the White House began in 1792, and the United States Capitol cornerstone was laid in 1793. The government officially moved to Washington, D.C., in 1800, after Washington's presidency.

The Tariff of 1789

One of the first big challenges for the new Congress was how to raise money for the government. Direct taxes were unpopular. So, Congress decided to use tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods. These tariffs also helped protect new American businesses by making foreign goods more expensive.

In July 1789, Congress passed the Tariff of 1789, which Washington signed. This law placed a tax on goods brought in by foreign ships. It had a smaller tax on goods carried by American ships. These import taxes became the main source of government income for many years.

To collect these taxes, Congress created the United States Customs Service. It also established the Revenue-Marine (later the United States Coast Guard) to stop smuggling and enforce trade laws.

Hamilton's Economic Plan

After the first tariff, the government still needed more money to pay its debts from the Revolutionary War. Alexander Hamilton, the Secretary of the Treasury, proposed a bold economic plan. He suggested the federal government take on all state debts. He also wanted to issue federal bonds, which are like government IOUs. Hamilton believed this would strengthen the economy and make it easier for the government to borrow money when needed.

Some people, like James Madison, disagreed. They worried about speculators who had bought war bonds cheaply. Southern states, which had fewer debts, also opposed the plan. But through the Compromise of 1790, Hamilton's plan was approved.

Hamilton also proposed creating a national bank and a tax on whiskey. The national bank would help manage government money and provide loans for businesses. Some, like Madison and Attorney General Randolph, thought the bank was unconstitutional. But Hamilton argued that the Constitution allowed for "implied powers" to create such institutions. Washington agreed and signed the bill into law.

In 1792, Congress also created the United States Mint and the United States dollar. Hamilton's economic ideas helped stabilize the new nation's finances. However, they also led to disagreements between Hamilton and Jefferson, creating early political divisions.

The Whiskey Rebellion

Even with new tariffs, the government still needed more money to pay its debts. Alexander Hamilton suggested a tax on whiskey, which was the first federal tax on a domestic product. Many farmers in western Pennsylvania were upset. They often turned their grain into whiskey because it was easier to transport and sell. They felt this tax was unfair to them.

In 1794, some farmers began to resist paying the tax. They protested and sometimes used violence against tax collectors. This became known as the Whiskey Rebellion.

In leading the militia against the Whiskey Rebellion, Washington became one of only two sitting U.S. presidents to exercise battlefield authority.

President Washington was worried about this armed uprising. He decided to show that the new federal government could enforce its laws. He sent commissioners to talk with the rebels. At the same time, he prepared a large militia force. Washington personally led this army of nearly 13,000 men into western Pennsylvania.

The rebellion quickly ended without much fighting. Washington pardoned those involved. This event proved that the federal government had the power and willingness to enforce its laws across the country.

The Rise of Political Parties

Federalists used a black and white cockade as a symbol.

At first, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton worked well together. But they had very different ideas about how the government should run. Hamilton believed in a strong central government and a thriving business economy. Jefferson, however, feared a powerful central government. He favored a nation of independent farmers and believed in personal liberty.

These differences led to the formation of the first political parties. Supporters of Hamilton's economic plans became known as Federalists. They often supported closer ties with Britain. Those who sided with Jefferson and Madison became known as Republicans (or Democratic-Republicans). They often supported France and worried about too much government power.

Washington tried to keep these groups together and avoid political divisions. But the debates over economic policies and foreign affairs deepened the split. By 1792, these two parties were clearly forming. The Federalists were strong in New England, while the Democratic-Republicans had more support in the South and among middle-class Northerners.

Democratic-Republicans used a red, white and blue cockade as a symbol.

Foreign policy also fueled the divide. When France declared war on Britain, Americans were split. Jefferson's supporters wanted to help France. Hamilton's supporters wanted the U.S. to remain neutral. Washington's decision to stay neutral and his actions during the Whiskey Rebellion further solidified these party lines.

Constitutional Amendments: The Bill of Rights

On September 25, 1789, Congress approved 12 changes, or amendments, to the U.S. Constitution. These amendments were meant to protect individual freedoms and rights. They also set clear limits on the government's power. James Madison led the effort to pass these amendments.

With Washington's support, Congress sent these proposed amendments to the states for approval. By December 15, 1791, ten of the twelve amendments were ratified. These became the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights. They guarantee important rights like freedom of speech, religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Another amendment, the Eleventh Amendment, was ratified in 1795. It clarified rules about suing states in federal courts.

Slavery and Early Laws

In 1790, a group called the Pennsylvania Abolition Society tried to end slavery. However, many Southern congressmen strongly opposed this, as slavery was important to their economy. Congress decided to avoid discussing slavery directly.

During Washington's presidency, two laws related to slavery were passed. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 made it a federal crime to help an enslaved person escape. It also set up a system for returning escaped enslaved people to their owners. The Slave Trade Act of 1794 limited the U.S. involvement in transporting enslaved people from other countries.

The Northwest Indian War

Chief Little Turtle	Major General Anthony Wayne

After the Revolutionary War, American settlers began moving west into lands occupied by Native American tribes. Great Britain had given these lands (the Northwest Territory) to the U.S. But Native American tribes resisted this expansion, leading to many conflicts.

In 1790, Washington ordered the U.S. Army to enforce American control. Early military efforts against the Western Confederacy of tribes, led by chiefs like Little Turtle and Blue Jacket, were unsuccessful. In 1791, a major defeat for the U.S. Army, known as St. Clair's Defeat, shocked the nation.

Washington then appointed Major General "Mad" Anthony Wayne to lead a new army. Wayne trained his troops carefully. In 1794, Wayne's forces decisively defeated the Native American confederacy at the Battle of Fallen Timbers. This victory weakened Native American resistance.

Oil on canvas depiction of the Treaty of Greenville talks that ended the Northwest Indian War.

In 1795, the Treaty of Greenville was signed. Under this treaty, the tribes gave up most of what is now Ohio for American settlement. This treaty, along with the Jay Treaty (which saw the British leave their forts in the region), helped the U.S. gain control over the Northwest Territory. Washington and his Secretary of War, Henry Knox, hoped to encourage Native Americans to adopt American ways of life.

Foreign Affairs: Keeping America Safe

In foreign affairs, President Washington focused on keeping the young United States safe and stable. He dealt with the effects of the French Revolution, maintained peace with European powers, and secured important treaties.

The French Revolution and American Neutrality

Public Debate and Early Reactions

The storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789, marked the beginning of the French Revolution. President Washington kept the United States neutral during the conflict.

The French Revolution began in France on July 14, 1789. Many Americans were excited, remembering France's help during their own revolution. They hoped France would become a republic like the U.S. The Marquis de Lafayette, a French hero of the American Revolution, even sent the key to the Bastille prison to Washington.

However, the French Revolution soon became very violent. In 1792, France declared war on several European nations, including Britain. King Louis XVI was executed in 1793. This period became known for its many executions.

Americans became divided. Thomas Jefferson and his supporters admired the French Revolution's ideals. Alexander Hamilton and his followers worried about the violence and wanted to maintain trade with Britain.

Washington Declares Neutrality

The U.S. was a young and weak nation. Washington believed it was too unstable to join another major war. In 1793, France sent a diplomat, Edmond-Charles Genêt, to America. Genêt tried to get American support for France's war against Britain. He even tried to get American ships to attack British merchant ships.

Washington was very annoyed by Genêt's actions. After consulting his cabinet, Washington issued a Proclamation of Neutrality on April 22, 1793. He declared that the United States would remain neutral in the war between Britain and France. He also warned Americans not to help either side. This proclamation was later made into law by the Neutrality Act of 1794.

This decision was important for protecting the young U.S. economy and avoiding unnecessary conflict. Hamilton supported neutrality, while Jefferson's supporters were unhappy.

Relations with Great Britain

British Actions and American Outrage

When Britain went to war with France, British ships began stopping American merchant ships heading to French ports. They seized American goods, hoping to weaken France. By March 1794, over 250 U.S. merchant ships had been captured. Americans were very angry, and many wanted to declare war on Britain.

Congress responded by placing a temporary ban on all shipping in American harbors. To avoid war, Washington sent John Jay, the Chief Justice, to Great Britain as a special envoy. This decision angered Jefferson's supporters.

The Jay Treaty

Jay's mission was to get compensation for seized American ships and to clarify trade rules. He also needed to ensure the British would leave their forts in the Northwest Territory. In return, the U.S. would take responsibility for debts owed to British merchants from before the Revolutionary War.

Cover of a 1795 pamphlet containing the text of the Jay Treaty.

The Jay Treaty was signed in 1794. It allowed America to remain neutral and improved trade with Britain. Britain agreed to leave the western forts and open some of its West Indian ports to American ships. It also set up commissions to settle claims for seized ships and old debts.

The treaty did not address all American concerns, like the impressment of American sailors. When the treaty's details became public, many Americans, especially in the South, were outraged. They felt Jay had betrayed the country.

Washington, despite his own doubts, signed the treaty. He believed it was the best way to avoid war with Britain. The treaty passed the Senate by a narrow vote. This intense debate further deepened the divide between Federalists and Democratic-Republicans. The Jay Treaty pushed the U.S. closer to Britain and away from France, leading to future conflicts with France.

Dealing with Barbary Pirates

After the Revolutionary War, the U.S. Navy was disbanded. American merchant ships in the Mediterranean Sea faced attacks from Barbary pirates from North Africa. These pirates captured ships and held crews for ransom.

Without a navy, the U.S. had little protection. In 1793, a truce between Portugal and Algiers allowed the pirates to roam freely in the Atlantic. They captured many American vessels and sailors.

These attacks convinced Washington that the U.S. needed a navy. In 1794, Congress passed the Naval Act of 1794, authorizing the construction of six frigates. These were the first ships of what would become the United States Navy. Congress also approved funds to pay ransom for American captives and make peace treaties with the Barbary states.

The U.S. signed treaties with Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunis, agreeing to pay annual tributes for protection. Washington was unhappy with this, but the U.S. had few other options at the time. The new Navy ships were not ready until after Washington left office.

Relations with Spain

Pinckney's Treaty (effective August 3, 1796) defined the border between the United States and Spanish Florida. With this agreement, Spain relinquished its claim upon a large swath of land north of that borderline between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.

In the late 1780s, Georgia wanted to develop its land claims west of the Appalachian Mountains. This area, called the "Yazoo lands," was also claimed by Spain. Spain controlled lands west of the Mississippi River and the port of New Orleans. Spain tried to stop American settlers from moving into the region and closed New Orleans to American goods. This hurt American farmers who relied on the Mississippi River for trade.

Washington worried that Spain might work with Britain to cause trouble in the Yazoo lands. However, Spain's prime minister, Manuel de Godoy, became concerned about the Jay Treaty. He feared it might lead to an alliance between Britain and the U.S. against Spain. So, Spain sought to improve relations with the U.S.

In 1795, the U.S. and Spain signed the Treaty of San Lorenzo, also known as Pinckney's Treaty. This treaty established peace and friendship between the two nations. It defined the southern border of the U.S. with Spanish colonies and set the western border along the Mississippi River.

Most importantly, the treaty granted American ships unrestricted navigation rights along the entire Mississippi River. It also allowed American ships to use the port of New Orleans for duty-free trade. This opened up vast areas for American settlement and trade. The treaty was a major success for Washington's administration.

Presidential Residences and Tours

Presidential Homes

Washington's wife, Martha Washington, managed the presidential household. She also organized weekly public gatherings where she met with important guests and citizens. These events helped create a dignified image for the presidency.

Washington and his family lived in three different executive mansions during his presidency:

Residence and location		Time span	Notes
	Samuel Osgood House 3 Cherry Street New York, New York	April 23, 1789 – February 23, 1790	Congress leased the house from Samuel Osgood.
	Alexander Macomb House 39–41 Broadway New York, New York	February 23, 1790 – August 30, 1790	The "first family" moved into this larger house.
	President's House 524–30 Market Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	November 27, 1790 – March 10, 1797	Washington brought some of his enslaved people to Philadelphia, rotating them with those at Mount Vernon.

Presidential Tours

Washington made three major tours across the country. His main goals were to learn about different regions and meet with informed people. He also wanted to promote national unity.

His first tour was to New England in 1789. He visited cities like New Haven, Boston, and Portsmouth. People greeted him warmly everywhere. He inspected sites for roads and canals and observed textile mills. After Rhode Island joined the Union in 1790, he toured that state as well.

In 1791, Washington toured the Southern states, including Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. He had never traveled that far south before. He was warmly received and visited many Revolutionary War battle sites. These tours helped Washington connect with the American people and strengthen national unity.

New States Join the Union

When the federal government began in 1789, two states, North Carolina and Rhode Island, had not yet approved the Constitution. Both joined the Union during Washington's presidency: North Carolina on November 21, 1789, and Rhode Island on May 29, 1790. Rhode Island joined after the federal government threatened to cut off trade.

Three new states were also admitted to the Union:

• Vermont, on March 4, 1791
• Kentucky, on June 1, 1792
• Tennessee, on June 1, 1796

Washington's Farewell and the Election of 1796

The Farewell Address

Washington's Farewell Address.

As his second term ended in 1796, Washington was tired. He had served the country for many years. He was also bothered by constant criticism from newspapers. Washington felt he had achieved his main goals: a stable economy, control over western lands, and peaceful foreign relations. He decided to retire, setting a precedent that presidents would serve only two terms.

Washington worked with Alexander Hamilton to write his Farewell Address. This important letter was published on September 19, 1796.

In his address, Washington announced he would not seek a third term. He thanked the citizens for the chance to serve. He then spoke about the importance of keeping the country united and following the Constitution. He warned Americans to avoid strong political divisions and to be careful of foreign interference in their affairs. He also advised against getting involved in long-term alliances with other countries.

Washington's decision to leave power voluntarily was very significant. It showed the world that a democratic leader could step down peacefully. His Farewell Address became a famous document, studied in schools for its advice on American government and foreign policy.

The Election of 1796

Washington's announcement that he would not run again started a race for the presidency. The two main groups, the Democratic-Republicans and the Federalists, put forward their choices. The Democratic-Republicans favored Thomas Jefferson. The Federalists largely supported John Adams.

The campaign involved newspaper attacks and political rallies. In the end, the electoral votes were counted on February 8, 1797. John Adams won the presidency with 71 electoral votes. Thomas Jefferson came in second with 68 votes, making him the vice president. This election showed the growing power of political parties in America.

Historical Evaluation

The Lansdowne portrait by Gilbert Stuart (1796).

George Washington's presidency is widely seen as one of the most successful in American history. He is often ranked among the top three greatest U.S. presidents.

Historians praise Washington for many achievements. He created a new government, setting up its institutions and practices. He established a stable economy, created a national bank, and managed state debts. He kept peace at home and abroad, protecting settlers and stopping uprisings. He also showed that a republican government could work well without becoming too powerful or chaotic.

One of his biggest challenges was the rise of political parties. Despite his efforts, he couldn't prevent the country from dividing into different political groups. However, his overall impact on shaping the United States was immense. He truly earned the title "Father of the Nation."

See also

• Federalist Era, the period of American history during which Washington and John Adams served as President
• List of George Washington articles
• Timeline of drafting and ratification of the United States Constitution, covers pertinent events from 1785 to 1791