First President Of The United States

The first President of the United States was a fascinating man who helped shape the early political climate and expectations of the United States and the world.  After centuries of being under the control of various European nations, the United States became the only colony at its time to successfully break away from its mother country and establish a democratic government; calling it a trendsetter would be appropriate.  But the country could have not succeeded without its excellent leaders, including George Washington.  

Before The Revolution.  George Washington actually became somewhat of an infamous character during the years before the American Revolution.  In 1754, George Washington brashly attacked a group of French soldiers at Fort Necessity, promptly contributing to a handful of diplomatic blunders that precipitated the French and Indian War.  Despite his impulsiveness (though well understood since the British and French were centuries-old rivals) and a dropped chance of getting promoted within the British colonial army, he gained valuable insight into British fighting tactics during the French and Indian War; such tactics greatly assisted him during the Revolution.  

During The Revolution.  After more than eleven years of living as a successful farmer in Virginia at Mount Vernon, Washington began to experience, like many other American colonists, the political leash that came with the 1765 Stamp Act.  Under this parliamentary decree, most basic goods bought in America had substantial taxes tagged to them in order to make up for an economic slump that was occurring throughout the British empire.  Washington fervently opposed British policies, especially since he believed that British parliament had no legitimacy in establishing taxes without colonial representation present.  However, it wasn't until the Townshend acts and the First Continental Congress meeting ten years later than Washington became the established commander of the continental army, and a vocal opposition against the British monarchy.  

Personality and Leadership.  The first president of the United States was incredibly stoic; many reports and primary sources of his writings indicate he was often quiet, proposing options and speaking only when he felt it contributed to the benefit of solving the issue.  In addition to that, Washington was a very brilliant military strategist, and after having been in the British army for years, he knew the fighting styles and incredible rigidity of the army, which both proved insufficient at stemming the waves of colonial fighters who used guerilla tactics, much like the Native Americans had for centuries.  He was a beacon of hope and persistence and despite the early blunders by the continental army during the War, he helped turned the tide towards the end.  

Presidency and Policy.  George Washington was famous for being the only President to receive 100% support from the electoral college for his election.  People knew his name and achievements during the war, which was enough of a reason for them to accept him as the first President of the United States.  Washington was very supportive of neutrality in European conflicts.  He knew the effects of the Revolution would cause ripples in Europe and that the United States did not yet have the strength to offer support to any nations: America needed to build itself up.  Not only that, but Washington spent a majority of his Presidency promoting the idea that the federal power will always supersede that of the states; without it, the US would be nothing but another failed government under the Articles of Confederation.