George Washington was the first President of the United States. He was born in 1732 in Virginia and became a surveyor before joining the military. Washington played a pivotal role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution, where he was commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. After the Revolutionary War, Washington was unanimously elected the first President and established important precedents for the office during his two terms. He declined to run for a third term and died in 1799, becoming a national hero and symbol of the new nation.

1. George WashingtonThe First President of the United States Presentation by: Hillary Hacker Background photo: American Flag By: ladybugbkt http://www.flickr.com/photos/branditressler/989489697/lightbox/

2. Young Life Born February 22, 1732 Raised in Virginia Father died when he was 11 Educated in the United States Worked on family farm http://www.mountvernon.org/learn/meet_george/index.cfm/ss/21/

3. Western Expansion Taught himself surveying Joined expedition to West Virginia At 17 became county surveyor Went to Barbados with Lawrence Fairfax Contracted Smallpox

4. Early Military Career Very interested in Military Could have joined British Navy Gained a place in Virginia Militia http://www.flickr.com/photos/mbell1975/3158104410/in/set-72157622999843869/lightbox/

5. French-Indian War 1754-1763 Appointed to Major Delivered letter to French military Appointed to lieutenant colonel Fought many battles Received little support from British Eventual British win

6. American Revolution Elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army July 3, 1776 took charge of 14,000 man army Famous attack on Christmas eve 1776 Gained respect among citizens http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/2554466239/

7. Early Political Career 1783 Resigned from commission Made him a national Hero May 1787, unanimously elected presiding officer of constitutional convention Rallied for support of Constitution Wanted to retire from politics

8. Presidency Was voted unanimously by all electors Served 2 terms 1st term focused on organization Concerned with opposing parties being formed 2nd term focused on foreign affairs Believed neutrality was essential At end of term most major conflicts were resolved

9. Late Life Would not accept 3rd term Appointed commanding general of a provisional army December 12, 1799 became sick Died December 14, 1799

10. Legacy Most respected President Policies still applied today Associated with success of the nation http://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/2560878009/sizes/m/in/photostream/

11. “It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.” -George Washington

12. Bibliography http://www.mountvernon.org/learn/meet_george/index.cfm/ss/21/ http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/georgewashington http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/washington/george1.html http://www.theamericanrevolution.org/peopledetail.aspx?people=1