George Washington

Served as president from 1781-1791
Era: The Early National Era

American Identity and Culture
During Washington’s presidency, two political factions appeared—the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans (who were previously known as the Anti-Federalists)—that led to a lasting effect on the American identity by permanently creating political parties. The Federalists supported a loose interpretation of the Constitution and favored a rule by the wealthy. On the other hand, the Democratic-Republicans had a strict interpretation of the document and favored states’ rights and power in the hands of the lower classes. They were supported by Southern agriculture and frontiersmen. These two factions contained conflicting ideas and due to this fact, stayed separate. Even to this very day, political parties remain in the government and struggle to gain more control than the other.
Economic Transformations and Globalization
George Washington appointed Alexander Hamilton as his Secretary of the Treasury. Due to the government’s financial difficulties, Hamilton presented a plan to Congress to place U.S. finances on a stable foundation. The first part of his plan called for the government to assume the war debts of the states, thus creating a permanent national debt. In return for widespread support, Hamilton agreed to Jefferson’s plan to locate the nation’s capital along the Potomac River. The second part of his plan was to raise revenue by imposing taxes. Since the tariff rates set by Congress were not as high as he had hoped, Hamilton persuaded Congress to pass excise taxes. Lastly, Hamilton wanted to set up a national bank that would stabilize currency. Washington supported Hamilton on this issue, and the Bank of the United States was created. This allowed the government to print paper money and use federal deposits to encourage business.
Environment
George Washington sent John Jay, who was Chief Justice, to Britain to settle on an agreement after Britain started searching and seizing American ships. This resulted in Jay’s Treaty where the British agreed to evacuate their posts in the Northwest and was allowed to continue their fur trade. The Jay Treaty and victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers gave the American government power over large areas of land. As a result, Congress encouraged settlers to occupy these lands by passing the Public Land Act in 1796. This divided and sold the land at reasonable prices. The Constitution also set up a process for admitting states to the Union which went smoothly with Vermont becoming the first new state in 1791. It was followed by Kentucky in 1792 and Tennessee in 1796.
Politics and Citizenship
Major events that occurred during George Washington’s term include his own farewell address and also the system of two terms. Washington had made it official for a president to only be able to serve for no more than two terms. His farewell address also left a major legacy towards America; He told Americans not to get involved in European affairs, to make permanent alliances with other foreign countries, to form political parties, and to avoid sectionalism. This speech was left as a legacy towards the Americans that brought major changes in the ideals of the citizens. Political parties were also a major part of his term. Between the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans, major arguments took place. Washington was against political parties but in the end, they became a major part of American society.
Slavery and its legacies in North America
One major legislation that was passed during this time was the 3/5ths compromise. It says that during American census, slaves were to count as 3/5th of a person so that they could count slaves into the population but instead of being 1 whole person they would be 3/5 so that they could balance the population of the south and the north. The south, which needed slaves for their plantation work in the fields, if their entire population count included slaves, it would greatly outnumber the north who had little to no slaves. George Washington, himself, was also a slave owner.
War and Diplomacy
War was abundant during the term of George Washington. It was during this time that the French revolution was happening in France. Also, during this time, there was also a war going on between Britain and France. During one major legislation that was passed, was the neutrality proclamation. This announced to the world, that the US was neutral so that they could trade with both the French and the British. During these trades, British attacked and stole US merchant ships and this brought another treaty that was brought out by Washington was the Jay Treaty, the treaty says that British agreed to evacuate its posts on the US western frontier but nothing about merchant ships that the British attacked and stole. Americans were angered by this but Washington’s neutrality was kept safe.