Download File

George Washington's Presidency
K. Herrera- American History, MVMS
First President
Financial Problems
Struggles with Native Americans
Problems with Europe
Political Parties
Farewell Address
First President

57 year old

Nation's capital, New York City

Wanted a quiet retirement, elected first
president under the federal Constitution

April 30, 1789

John Adams, first vice president

Most trusted leader, due to the Revolutionary
War
First President


Mr. President
New departments heads were chosen by
Washington


Later the departments were known as
'cabinets'
Bill of Rights added to the Constitution

December 1791
Financial Problems


Washington's focus was on foreign affairs, and
military matters.
Government economic issues were delegated
to the Secretary of Treasury


Alexander Hamilton
Government borrowed money during the
American Revolution to pay Spain and France
Financial Problems

To repay Americans for the government debt
Hamilton

Paid of bonds

Compromised with the southern states by
relocating the new nation's capital to the
banks of the Potomac River, between
Virginia and Maryland

Washington D.C.
Struggle with Native Americans



Spain and Britain urged Native Americans to
destroy American settlements west of the
Appalachian Mountains.
Continued battles between Americans and
Native Americans lasted for over three years.
Treaty of Greenville surrendered most of
present-day Ohio to the Americans.
Problems with Europe


French Revolutionary War between Great
Britain and France, left America awkwardly inbetween.

France requested aid

Proclaimed 'Neutrality'
Europe blockaded American ports and
attacked trade ships
Problems with Europe


Chief Justice, John Jay created a 'peace
treaty' with Great Britain

Jay's Treaty

Settle debts with Britain from American
Revolution

Pay for damaged ships and supplies

Americans would not aid France
Treaty of Spain

Free navigation to the Mississippi River and
New Orleans
Political Parties

Divided American into groups

Federalist stood for a strong federal
government.

Republicans or Democratic-Republicans
wanted to limit government's power.

Fearing of endangering people's liberties.
Washington's Farewell Address

September 1796 at 64 years old Washington
announced he would not seek a third term.


Set the precedent for future presidents.
Warned of the 'evil' in political parties (causing
division in the nation), and entanglement in
foreign affairs.
Exit Card

Answer in complete sentences

Give three reasons:

How Washington's presidency changed the
role of U.S. President for the future
generations