George Washington's Politics and Persona from 1789-1799

George Washington was perhaps the most important of the Founding Fathers. He served as both the Commander and Chief of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and the first President of the United States under the Constitution. As President, Washington started many traditions for the office and traditions of the country that still are in place today. He passed many influential laws and treaties. Some of them are seen as backwards by today's standards and others are seen as ahead of his time. He still holds the title of being the only politically independent President. His politics and persona, which were defined by the period from his first Inauguration in 1789 to his death in 1799, have profoundly affected the American identity.

Washington was satisfied in his retirement to his home of Mount Vernon in Virginia, but joined the team who drafted the Constitution because of his dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation. Largely because of his popularity from his days as leader of the Continental Army, he was unanimously elected by the Electoral College as President after the Constitution was ratified. Washington set many precedents that future Presidents or the country as a whole followed. He believed in having a group of trusted advisors heading the departments of the executive branch, and therefore created the first Presidential Cabinet. He also set up the precedent of the President setting aside certain times for holding both formal and informal meetings with other influential people. Although he never lived there, Washington was instrumental in overlooking the building of the national capital that would take his name, even after he left office as President. The whole country's tradition of celebrating a day of Thanksgiving in late November was also set by him. Washington's vision for the country had diverse affects that can still be felt today.

While in office, Washington set the precedent that the President would have much say over foreign policy matters. Understanding that the USA was not yet a global power, Washington started a policy of neutrality on foreign matters that held for around a century. As a result, he placed both the pro-French Thomas Jefferson and the pro-British Alexander Hamilton in his Cabinet. Despite a previous alliance with France and the republican ideals of the French Revolution, Washington declined to aid France in its war against the other major powers of Europe. In his farewell address, Washington highlighted that foreign alliances should be avoided by the USA. In spite of these facts, Washington was not an isolationist. He appointed John Jay to negotiate with Britain, and the resulting 1795 treaty normalized trade relations between the two nations and sorted out issues regarding debt and British forts on the American frontier. Treaties with Spain and Tripoli were also passed while he was in office.

As for domestic affairs, Washington was very much for a strong central government, a separation of powers, and a strong presidency. He appointed Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury, and therefore supported Hamilton's financial policies of a national bank and a tax on spirits. The tax on spirits led to the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion in Western Pennsylvania, but Washington's personal entry into Pittsburgh with almost 13,000 militiamen ended the matter before significant fighting could begin. The first President owned slaves and passed an act that worked against fugitive slaves. However, he did oversee the beginning of the process that led to the end of American participation in the oversees slave trade. Washington always made sure that he had the consent of Congress (and/or his Cabinet) before acting on matters that needed their approval. He kickstarted the American judiciary without hesitation by appointing the entire first Supreme Court and many lower judges. In addition, he made sure that the President would have much power. He vetoed legislation and appealed to Congress to let him have the ability to fire any official in the executive branch. In addition to arguing against foreign alliances, Washington argued against political parties in his Farewell Address. Although he was a Federalist policy-wise, he stated that it was important for officials with different views to work together and avoid joining factions.

In conclusion, George Washington set an example as a proper leader that was emulated by many US politicians that came after him. His attitudes towards foreign and domestic affairs had profound affects that long outlasted his lifetime.