The OG of American Presidents: What Did George Washington Actually Do?
So you think you know American history, eh? You can probably rattle off the presidents in order (Washington, Adams, Jefferson...), maybe even impress your friends with some obscure trivia about Millard Fillmore (look him up, it'll be a wild ride). But what did these guys actually do in office? Let's set the Wayback Machine to 1789 and take a peek at George Washington, the first dude in the big chair.
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| What Did George Washington Do As President |
From General to Politician: Trading Swords for Suits (But Still Keeping an Eye on the Military)
Washington wasn't exactly rocking a resume filled with political experience. His claim to fame? Leading the Continental Army to victory against the British. So, what's a war hero to do when peace breaks out? Become president, of course! Washington wasn't one to abandon his military roots though. He established the first Department of War (fancy name for the Department of Defense) and even put down a small rebellion over whiskey taxes (because apparently, even back then people liked their booze).
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The Not-So-Secret Weapon: Setting Precedents Like a Boss
Washington didn't have a crystal ball, but he sure knew how to lay the groundwork. He set many of the important precedents that future presidents would follow, like the number of terms served (two, thank you very much), and how to deal with foreign policy (stay neutral, avoid drama). He even started the whole cabinet of advisors thing, proving that even the most powerful dude needs a brain trust (looking at you, future presidents who tried to go it alone).
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Did He Have Any Fun? (Spoiler Alert: Probably Not)
Being the first president was no walk in the park. There weren't any fancy Air Force Ones or reality TV shows about the First Lady (sorry, Martha). Washington's days were filled with building a new nation, dealing with international squabbles, and probably dodging rotten tomatoes from disgruntled colonists facing newfangled taxes. Fun? Not exactly. But hey, the guy did get his face on the dollar bill, so there's that.
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Frequently Asked Founding Father Facts
Alright, alright, so we covered the highlights, but maybe you're still curious. Here's a quick FAQ to quench your thirst for knowledge:
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- How to become the first president? Be a war hero with a knack for leadership and a serious case of selflessness (willing to give up a comfy retirement for the good of the nation, that kind of thing).
- How to deal with a political party divided? According to Washington, stay neutral and avoid picking sides (though this strategy didn't exactly prevent the rise of two-party politics).
- How to establish a strong federal government? Be a master negotiator and convince thirteen independent colonies to basically become one big, happy family (or at least a family that tolerates each other).
- How to create a lasting legacy? Lead a revolution, become president, set a bunch of important precedents, and get your face on the most used form of currency in the US. Easy peasy, right?
- How to have fun as president? Well, according to Washington's schedule, that part seems to be optional.
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