"" (p. 98) .
Laboring against great difficulties, he created the Continental Army, which fought and won the American Revolution (1775-1783), out of what was little more than an armed mob. After an eight-year struggle, his design for victory brought final defeat to the British at Yorktown, Virginia, and forced Great Britain to grant independence to its richest overseas possession. With victory won, Washington was the most revered man in the United States. A lesser person might have used this power to establish a military dictatorship or to become king. Washington, however, continued to obey the weak and divided Continental Congress, but never ceased to work for the union of the states under a strong central government. He was a leading influence in persuading the states to participate in the Constitutional Convention, and used his immense prestige to help gain ratification of its product, the Constitution of the United States.
Although worn out by years of service to his country, Washington reluctantly accepted the presidency of the United States. Probably no other man could have succeeded in welding the states into a lasting union. Washington fully understood the significance of his presidency. During eight years in office, Washington laid down the guidelines for future presidents. Washington lived only two years after turning over the presidency to his successor, John Adams.
Adams was the second president of our great nation and has become one of the great figures in American history. He was born in Massachusetts to a family of farmers. Unlike Washington's family Adams' wasn't as wealthy. Adams, however, was motivated to change that. He was a very well educated man and eventually graduated from Harvard University. After Harvard, John Adams studied law and ultimately became one of the most famous attorneys in Massachusetts. This brought him wealth and notoriety, something Adams strove for. His desire for a famous reputation led him to a career in politics.