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 StatesPresentation by: Hillary HackerBackground photo: American Flag By: ladybugbkthttp://www.flickr.com/photos/branditressler/989489697/lightbox/

2. Young LifeBorn February 22, 1732Raised in Virginia Father died when he was 11Educated in the United StatesWorked on family farmhttp://www.mountvernon.org/learn/meet_george/index.cfm/ss/21/

3. Western ExpansionTaught himself surveyingJoined expedition to West VirginiaAt 17 became county surveyorWent to Barbados with Lawrence FairfaxContracted Smallpox

4. Early Military CareerVery interested in MilitaryCould have joined British NavyGained a place in Virginia Militiahttp://www.flickr.com/photos/mbell1975/3158104410/in/set-72157622999843869/lightbox/

5. French-Indian War 1754-1763Appointed to MajorDelivered letter to French military Appointed to lieutenant colonelFought many battlesReceived little support from BritishEventual British win

6. American RevolutionElected Commander in Chief of the Continental ArmyJuly 3, 1776 took charge of 14,000 man armyFamous attack on Christmas eve 1776Gained respect among citizenshttp://www.flickr.com/photos/wallyg/2554466239/

7. Early Political Career1783 Resigned from commissionMade him a national HeroMay 1787, unanimously elected presiding officer of constitutional conventionRallied for support of ConstitutionWanted to retire from politics

8. PresidencyWas voted unanimously by all electorsServed 2 terms1st term focused on organizationConcerned with opposing parties being formed2nd term focused on foreign affairsBelieved neutrality was essentialAt end of term most major conflicts were resolved

9. Late LifeWould not accept 3rd termAppointed commanding general of a provisional armyDecember 12, 1799 became sickDied December 14, 1799

10. LegacyMost respected PresidentPolicies still applied todayAssociated with success of the nationhttp://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. Bibliographyhttp://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