George Washington was born in Virginia in 1732. He gained military experience and leadership skills while serving in the French and Indian War. After the war, he married Martha Dandridge Custis and became a farmer at Mount Vernon. Washington was involved in opposing British policies before the American Revolution and attended the First Continental Congress. During the Revolutionary War, he commanded the Continental Army and helped the colonies gain independence from Britain. After the war, Washington served as the first President of the United States and helped establish democratic traditions and precedents for the new nation. He retired from public office and passed away at Mount Vernon in 1799.

1. George Washington

2. Background: Early Life

Born: February 22, 1732 in VA Father Dies Connection to Fairfax family
1743
Appointed to official surveyor Mother does not allow
of Culpeper County George to join Navy
Brother dies of
Tuberculosis; job Given rank of Major in Militia Joined Free Masons
divided
French &
Pope’s Creek Estate
Indian War

4. Gaining Experience

 British Military Tactics  Political Skills
 Military Skills  Leadership Skills
 Organization  Displayed:
 Logistics
 Command Presence
 Battlefield Tactics
 Organize  Toughness
 Drill  Courage
 Discipline

5. Life After War
Washington married

Martha Dandridge Custis Moved to Mount Vernon
Had no children
of his own with
Martha due to
illness.
Professional Life (Pre-War)
Farmer Politician
Aristocrat
Tobacco Wheat

6. Early Revolution

Passively opposed the Stamp Act of 1765
Became actively involved after passing of
Townshend Acts in 1767
Attended First Virginia Convention & First
Continental Congress

8. The First Presidency

EVENT LEGACY
 Hiring Advisors  Presidential Cabinet
 Residence Act  Washington D.C.
 Whiskey Rebellion  Domestic Defense
 Jay Treaty  English-American Relations
 Two-Terms Served  Model for future Presidents

9. Retirement
Returned to Mount Vernon to run his
Plantations
Military advisor under Adams’ Presidency
Passed away December 14, 1799 at Mount Vernon

10. The pictures in this presentation
lack citation. The citations can not
be found at this time. If an owner
of any of these photos would like
me to take them down I would
gladly comply. Thank you for
your understanding.