Washington’s Birthday

Washington’s Birthday

 

 

George Washington’s experience in the British Army during the French and Indian War (1754 to 1763) was a catalyst for his revolutionary leanings.  He resented being treated as a second-class officer due to his American status, particularly regarding pay and rank discrepancies, "I would rather prefer the great toil of a daily laborer...than serve upon such ignoble terms" (Why Did George Washington Join the Revolution?).  He grew increasingly angry over taxation policies and British control of the colonies and expressed the idea that armed conflict should only be the last resort.  Washington believed that the deprivation of American freedom was not acceptable, stating a willingness to use "arms in defense of so valuable a blessing" (Why Did George Washington Join the Revolution?).

Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress, not only due to his military experience but also for political reasons, being from outside of New England.  His arrival at Boston marked the beginning of six years of war that would keep him away from his home, "On June 14, 1775, the Second Continental Congress, responding to the growing crisis near Boston, directed that one of its own constituents – George Washington – take command of the newly designated Continental Army...there were also great political advantages in having a someone outside of New England take command of a military force that was congregated around Boston and largely made up of New Englanders" (10 Facts about Washington and the Revolutionary War).

While he began with little experience in commanding a large army, he was able to learn and adapt.  His ability to maintain the Continental Army throughout the difficult war, combined with his important strategic decisions and his unwavering commitment to republican ideals ultimately proved crucial to the success of the American Revolution (1765–1783) and the founding of the United States.  

Key Facts

Unanimously Elected President: February 4, 1789.
Inauguration: April 30, 1789.
Resigned: March 4, 1797.
Two Terms: Served two terms as President.
Vice President: John Adams.
Adams: Served as the second President of the United States (1797-1801).

George Washington's presidency was crucial in establishing the office's role, power, and procedures.  He aimed for a balance of power, making the office effective without becoming tyrannical.  He set precedents in political power, military practice, and economic policy "George Washington helped shape the office's future role and powers, as well as set both formal and informal precedents for future presidents" (First President).  He oversaw crucial legislation such as the establishment of the First Bank of the United States, the Naturalization Acts, the Copyright Act, the Residence Act, the Militia Act, the Fugitive Slave Act, the Naval Act, and treaties including The Jay Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty.

Washington was a disciplined man who valued duty and self-control.  He held a strong belief in the importance of character and was able to endure much criticism for his beliefs, “I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances.  We carry the seeds of the one or the other about with us, in our minds, wherever we go" (The Surprising George Washington).

Washington was a visionary leader and aware of the dangers of factionalism and being primarily concerned with national unity.  His leadership is characterized by his ability to wait strategically, and he was willing to sacrifice short-term popularity for long-term national stability.  He played the long game, "One might even say that his whole presidency can be seen as an exercise in buying time.  Stay out of murderous quarrels between nations in Europe, he reasoned, and given twenty or thirty years of peaceful development, the United States would be in a position to defy any power on earth" (The Surprising George Washington).

Washington’s greatest legacy is that he redefined greatness, transitioning it from conquest and power to the concept of renouncing power for the good of the people. 

After retiring, Washington wrote a letter called the “Circular to the States” on June 8, 1783 (National Archives).

“There are four things, which I humbly conceive...”

An indissoluble Union
A Sacred regard to Public Justice
A proper Peace Establishment
Friendly Disposition

George Washington's Birthday is an official federal holiday on the third Monday in February.  George Washington's actual birthday is February 22nd.  The holiday was initially established to celebrate his birth on this date, "In 1879, the United States made Washington's February 22nd Birthday a federal holiday" ("Presidents' Day"?  The Truth Behind the Holiday).

 

 

Credits

10 Facts About Washington and the Revolutionary War.  George Washington’s Mount Vernon.  (n.d.-a).  https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/ten-facts-about-the-revolutionary-war

Google LM

First President.  George Washington’s Mount Vernon.  (n.d.-a).  https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president

National Archives and Records Administration.  (n.d.).  The Surprising George Washington.  National Archives and Records Administration.  https://www.archives.gov/publications/prologue/1994/spring/george-washington-1.html

“Presidents’ Day”? The Truth Behind the Holiday.  George Washington’s Mount Vernon.  (n.d.).  https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/facts/the-truth-about-presidents-day?fbclid=IwAR1ShU5t288oBRuFgQMW3AbP-AYu8eYKJEGDKdUDcebWzNI-XexP9Kkmqcc

Why did George Washington Join the Revolution?.  George Washington’s Mount Vernon.  (n.d.-c).  https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-revolutionary-war/why-did-george-washington-join-the-revolution