George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the oldest son of Mary Ball Washington and Augustine Washington. His early education included the study of such subjects as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and “rules of civility.” Washington then developed a powerful and convincing style of speech and writing. He enjoyed social occasions and playing sports.

His father died in 1743, and soon after that George went to live with his half brother, Lawrence, at his plantation on the Potomac at Mount Vernon. Lawrence became something of a father figure for his brother. His brother had married into the Fairfax family, a prominent and influential Virginian family who helped launch George’s career. In 1748, George began to survey lands in the Shenandoah Valley and was later appointed

After the war was over, Washington returned to Mount Vernon. He avoided involvement in Virginia politics, preferring to concentrate on restoring Mount Vernon. In May 1787, he headed the Virginia delegation to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia and was unanimously elected presiding officer. His presence lent prestige to the proceedings, and although he made few direct contributions, he generally supported the advocates of a strong central government.

The first United States census was taken in 1790, which showed the population to be four million. He created departments within the government, each with different jobs. The government issued money that was good in all states. President Washington also helped plan a new capital for the nation that was named "Washington" in his honor. Also, Vermont and Kentucky were added as states in 1791 and 1792 respectively.

In 1780, the main theater of the war shifted to the south. Although the campaigns in Virginia and the Carolinas were conducted by other generals, Washington was still responsible for the overall direction of the war. After the arrival of the French army in 1780, he concentrated on coordinating with the comte de Rochambeau and the comte d’Estaing, the well planned and executed Yorktown Campaign against Charles Cornwllis, securing the American victory.

George Washington was elected president of the United States in 1789, and in New York City on April 30, 1789, he took the oath of office as President of the United States at the age of 57. He was extremely influential in the initial operation of the new government. After the ballot he wrote, "My movements to the chair of government will be accompanied by feeling not unlike those of a culprit, who is going to the place of his execution." Washington's task was to organize a government but also create a role for the highest officer of the new nation. Both tasks earned him enemies.

One of Washington's first duties of office was establishing a cabinet. He

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