Who is George Washington. President Washington George: biography, activities and interesting facts

Born into a landowner's family. He was educated at home, was fond of reading books. At the age of 11, he lost his father. He worked as a surveyor, participated in the expeditions of Lord Fairfax (English) Russian .. In 1752 he inherited the estate of Mount Vernon, in the same year he joined the militia, took part in hostilities against the French and Indians, was captured. In 1758 he retired with the rank of colonel. In 1759, Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis and was actively engaged in arranging his estate, becoming one of the richest planters in Virginia. In 1758-1774, Washington was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Virginia, where he fought with the metropolis for the rights of the colonies, condemning, nevertheless, violent actions. He was one of the delegates to the First Continental Congress. After armed clashes with Great Britain, he abandoned attempts at reconciliation, put on a military uniform and was unanimously elected commander in chief of the Continental Army.

Reorganizing the troops, he led their actions from the siege of Boston in 1776 to the surrender of the British troops at Yorktown in 1781. In November 1783, after the conclusion of the Paris Peace Treaty, he resigned and retired to the Mount Vernon estate. Dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation, Washington was elected chairman of the Constitutional Convention, which drafted the United States Constitution in 1787. In 1789 George Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States. In 1792 he was re-elected for a second term. As head of state, he contributed to the strengthening of the Union, the implementation of the principles of the constitution and the construction of the capital of the United States. He was engaged in the formation of central authorities and the management system, created precedents for the institution of presidents, and encouraged the development of the economy. Maintained friendly relations with the Congress. In 1794, he suppressed the first uprising against state power in the history of the United States. In foreign policy avoided interfering in the affairs of European states. Refused to run for the presidency for the third time. Before leaving, he addressed the nation with a farewell message. After leaving the presidency, Washington retired to Mount Vernon, often visiting the capital under construction. Congress awarded Washington the title of Father of the Fatherland. During the aggravation of relations with France in the summer of 1798, Washington was symbolically appointed commander in chief of the army. On the night of December 15, 1799, Washington died. On December 18 he was buried at Mount Vernon. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, into a fourth generation family in Virginia. He spent his childhood and youth in modest conditions, received home education, and was engaged in self-education. He was the third of five children in the family, he lost his father Augustine, the owner of a tobacco plantation and land surveyor, at the age of 11. In 1748, Washington participated in Lord Fairfax's surveying expedition in the Shenandoah Valley. From 1749 he was Surveyor of Culpepper County. George was brought up by his half-brother Lawrence, after whose death he inherited the estate of Mount Vernon near Alexandria, on the Potomac River in 1752, in the same year he became a major in the local militia. Washington in 1772 In his neighbor Lord Fairfax, who belonged to the wealthiest landowners in Virginia, Washington found a mentor. Fairfax introduced him to the lifestyle of the untitled nobility and supported him on his path to a career as an officer and surveyor. In 1753, Washington was instructed to warn the French that they should not advance into the Ohio River valley. The trip lasted for eleven weeks, Washington had to overcome 800 kilometers and endure many dangerous episodes. In 1753-1754 he commanded one of the Virginia militia districts.

Washington's participation in the campaign against Fort Duquesne dates back to 1755, where he was taken prisoner. During a second expedition to the same fort, Washington showed courage, for which he received the rank of colonel and was appointed commander of the Virginia Provincial Regiment. Washington continued to participate in hostilities against the French and Indians, taking up defensive positions, but on December 31, 1758, he returned to Virginia and resigned. On January 6, 1759, Washington married the wealthy widow Martha Dandridge Custis (who took his last name) and received a rich dowry: 17,000 acres of land, 300 slaves, and a mansion in Williamsburg. The marriage was happy, although the couple had no children. Washington raised his wife's two children from his first marriage. Thanks to hard work and strict order, he managed to increase the income of his estate and become one of the richest landowners in Virginia. On his farms along the Potomac River, he grew tobacco, wheat, and by 1772 he was already exporting fish and flour to the West Indies. Washington's worldview and political philosophy was influenced by English opposition or agrarian literature. early XVIII century. Washington admired Cato the Younger, whom he considered the model of all Roman virtues. He tried to conform to these patterns in public and private life, adhering to the classical style of speech and dignified gestures and facial expressions. Self-control, strict control of emotions and disciplined behavior became his outstanding qualities, under which the original spontaneity showed less and less. Conservative and judicious in temperament, moderately religious, without a deep interest in theological issues, but at the same time constantly ready to accept new ideas and thoughts, he combined virtue with the progressive consciousness of the Enlightenment. From 1758 to 1774, Washington was elected to the Virginia Legislature. When contradictions began with the mother country, Washington began to fight for the rights of the colonies. In 1769, he submitted a draft resolution to the House, according to which only the legislative assemblies of the colonies had the right to impose taxes. However, this problem lost its urgency when customs duties were abolished. Together with Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry, Washington organized a union in Virginia to boycott English goods. However, he disapproved of violent acts, among which was the "Boston Tea Party" on December 16, 1773.

The measures taken by the British government thereafter, known as the "Intolerable Laws", forced the colonies to put aside their differences. In Williamsburg, without the knowledge of the governor, the civil chamber of Virginia met, which proclaimed the convocation of the First Continental Congress (September 5-October 26, 1774). Washington was elected one of the seven delegates, but took a minor part in its work. The Congress accepted a number of protests but refused to openly break with Britain. In a letter to an old friend, Captain R. Mackenzie, then serving with the British troops in Boston, Washington noted: “As for independence or anything like that ... I am quite satisfied that not a single reasonable person in North America wants nothing of the sort." However, the situation soon escalated, and armed clashes between the militias and the British army began. Despite expressing loyalty to George III, the Second Continental Congress placed the colonies on the defensive. Washington gradually realized the futility of trying to reconcile with Great Britain, and after the first clashes, which showed the inevitability of a break, put on a military uniform and offered the services of a military leader to Congress. In June 1775, Washington was unanimously elected commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. He took command on July 3, 1775, and led the siege of Boston. The army, created on the basis of the militias of various states, constantly experienced difficulties in recruiting, training and supplying. Its advantage was the tactics of loose formation, which was successfully used against the classic linear formation of the British. Washington managed to improve the combat capability of the troops and the level of discipline among the soldiers. In 1775-1776 the campaign was held with varying success. Fearing Washington's troops, on March 17, 1776, the Boston garrison was evacuated to Halifax. On July 2, 1776, English troops (32,000 soldiers, including 9,000 Hessian mercenaries) under the command of General William Howe landed on Staten Island. Washington, charged by Congress to hold New York at all costs, prepared to defend itself. This was followed by the Battle of Long Island (August 27, 1776), the Battle of Harlem Heights (September 16, 1776) and the surrender of the city to the British. With the remnants of his troops, George Washington retreated south. On December 12, Congress, which fled from Philadelphia to Baltimore, granted Washington dictatorial powers. Washington took revenge at Trenton (December 26) and Princeton (January 3, 1777), in March of the same year the siege of Boston ended in victory. The success of the commander-in-chief boosted the morale of the American army. On October 17, 1777, the Americans won a victory at Saratoga, which strengthened the international position of the United States. The campaign of 1777 ended in the collapse of the plans of the British strategists, almost all the central states were liberated, and the British held only Philadelphia, New York and Newport. After the Continental Army managed to win a series of victories that ended in surrender british army November 19, 1781 at Yorktown, after which hostilities in the United States practically ceased. After the battle at Yorktown, among the officers, who feared that Congress would not pay their salaries, there was a desire to make Washington a dictator or king (the "Newburg Conspiracy"). Personal appeal to officer corps in March 1783, Washington restored discipline and established the principle of the subordination of military leadership to civilian leadership.

In November 1783, after the signing of the Paris Peace Treaty, Washington resigned. After leaving the post of head of the army, Washington sent a circular letter to state governments, advising to strengthen the central government in order to avoid the collapse of the country. Having settled after the war in his estate "Mount Vernon", Washington, however, observed the political situation in the country. When Massachusetts farmers rebelled against the Boston government in 1786, he urged his supporters to action. As a supporter of the strengthening of central power, dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation, he was unanimously elected chairman of the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention, which drafted the Constitution of the United States of America in 1787. Washington's support for the constitution contributed greatly to its ratification by all thirteen states. Washington's popularity led to his unanimous election by the electoral college to the presidency, which he took on April 30, 1789, by taking the oath in New York. In 1792, he was unanimously re-elected for a new term, although Washington himself did not participate in his election campaign. Until now, he remains the only US president for whom all members of the Electoral College voted. Congress set the president's annual salary at $25,000. Being a wealthy man, Washington initially refused such a reward, but later accepted the payment. One of Washington's main goals as head of state was to preserve the democratic transition, to instill respect for the Constitution among the people, and from the very beginning to establish a state apparatus based on the principles won by the revolution. George Washington, as the first president, tried to create precedents, to make the concept of office more clear. Throughout his reign, he constantly demonstrated respect for the Constitution, trying to promote the development of the self-consciousness of the American people. Washington contributed to the improvement of the functioning of the three branches of government, laid the foundations of the political structure of the United States. Washington surrounded itself with intellectuals, including in its first government Henry Knox (military), Edmund Randolph (Justice), the leaders of the opposing political factions - Republican Thomas Jefferson (who became the first US Secretary of State) and Federalist Alexander Hamilton (finance). The president himself tried to stay away from political conflicts, preferring to stay above the parties. Washington tried to build a cooperative relationship with Congress, using its veto power very sparingly, guided by the conformity of the laws of the constitution, and not by personal position. The first President of the United States initiated the practice of presenting messages to the US Congress. The most important achievement was the adoption of the Bill of Rights, passed through Congress by Madison. This disarmed critics of the constitution, who believed that it did not provide broad rights and freedoms. The president was overcome by serious doubts whether it was worth putting forward his candidacy for a second term. Numerous persuasions from friends, the instability of the Union and the threat of its collapse forced the weakening Washington to yield. In 1792, Washington was unanimously re-elected for a second term, which confirmed his immense popularity. In his second inaugural address on March 4, 1793, Washington pledged to help the constitutional form of government take root "in the virgin soil of America." The second term in office was focused on stabilizing the situation. Washington's soberly calculated, cautious course prevented the United States from becoming involved in European conflicts and stimulated economic recovery. The programs developed by Hamilton to stabilize the financial and industrial development of the country, which diverged from the intentions of the Republicans, were adopted and began to be implemented. Washington's transition from a supra-party position to support for the federalists aggravated the domestic political situation. In relations with the indigenous population, Washington relied more on military force, he managed to force the Indians to cede many territories. In 1791, Congress banned distilled alcohol, which led to protests in the frontier regions. In western Pennsylvania, the protests escalated into a riot, dubbed the Whiskey Rebellion. The federal army was too small to crush the resistance, and Washington summoned the state militia and, at the head of an army of 13,000, went to put down the rebellion. The uprising ended before military force could be used. The leaders were captured, sentenced to death penalty but pardoned by Washington. These events proved the ability of the federal government to use the military to save the state. During his presidency, Washington repeatedly took the initiative in Congress to establish the National Academy of Sciences, but his proposals were ignored. The decision to place federal district Columbia between the states of Maryland and Virginia and to build a capital on the Potomac River was supposed to symbolize the equality of the South and the North. Washington personally benefited from this, as he was one of the largest landowners in Virginia.

The President often visited the city under construction. The place for the presidential mansion, known as the "White House", he personally chose. "Georgetown" became the first city in the United States, which was built according to a clear plan. In the realm of foreign policy, Washington from the outset established the primacy of the executive over the legislature. The president advocated non-interference by the United States in the confrontation between European powers, issuing a proclamation of neutrality in 1793. However, at the same time he recognized the French revolutionary government and confirmed the treaty of friendship of 1778, avoiding, however, any conflicts. The Jay Treaty, signed in November 1794 by the President's representative, eliminated the threat of war with Great Britain, but split the country into two camps. More favorable was the Pinckney Treaty of 1795, which established the boundaries between the United States and the Spanish possessions and granted the Americans the right to freedom of navigation along the Mississippi. Thus, Washington managed to strengthen the position of the United States on the American continent and save the country from harmful interference in European affairs. Washington's foreign policy course has also brought considerable benefits to the development of trade. George Washington was asked to run for a third term, but he refused, explaining that the president should not hold office more than twice in a row. In his farewell address, he confirmed that he would leave the presidency. Thus, Washington established a tradition that was observed without any legal basis until the presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the 20th century. He inherited lands and 10 slaves from his father. Over time, the number rose to 390. On paper, he refused slave ownership, but pursued the escaped slaves and tried to return them. The most famous slave was Oney Judge, one of the slaves who escaped twice and was interviewed by several newspapers in 1840. Many of the former slaves had the surname "Washington". This surname is considered the most "black" in the modern United States. On September 20, 1796, Washington's farewell address to the nation was published, which he had been preparing since the spring of this year. His main aspiration was a warning against the destructive influence of the party spirit. To ward off this danger, the president recommended respecting the principles of religion and morality as "the great pillars of human happiness." Washington also bequeathed "to maintain peace and harmony with all countries", to develop trade relations, but have "as few political connections as possible". The latter provision became the basis of the policy of the Monroe Doctrine and the policy of isolationism, which allowed the United States to stay away from European conflicts, increasing its influence in America itself. In the United States, a tradition has been established: the farewell address is read annually, on February 22, before the opening of the session of the US Congress, before the Senate and the House of Representatives. The last years of Washington's life were spent in Mount Vernon, with family and visitors. Even after stepping down as head of state, Washington often visited the capital under construction, which the workers called "Georgia." Washington devoted a lot of time agriculture, built a distillery on his estate. On July 13, 1798, during a period of sharp deterioration in relations with France, President John Adams, given Washington's popularity and reputation, symbolically appointed him commander-in-chief of the American army with the rank of lieutenant general. Death[edit | edit wiki text] December 13, 1799, Washington, inspecting his possessions, spent several hours on horseback and was caught in the rain and snow. He went to supper without changing his wet clothes. The next morning, Washington developed a severe runny nose, fever, and a throat infection that turned into acute laryngitis and pneumonia. The next day he got worse. The medical means of that time did not help, and on the night of December 15, at the age of 67, Washington died. Modern physicians believe that he died in large part due to the treatment, which included treatment with mercuric chloride and bloodletting. After her husband's death, Martha Washington burned their correspondence. Only three letters have survived. The author of the congressional mourning resolution, General G. Lee, described Washington as "first in days of war, first in days of peace, and first in the hearts of fellow citizens." In honor of Washington, the capital of the country, the state, the lake and the island, the mountain and the canyon, many settlements, colleges and universities, streets and squares. In 1888, a majestic monument (over 150 m high) to the first American president was opened in the US capital. During the Bicentennial Year of the United States (1976), Congress posthumously awarded George Washington the rank of General of the Armies of the United States. George Washington played an outstanding role in the independence of the United States of America and made a major contribution to the establishment of a young state on a solid path of development. as commander in chief US troops, he led a long struggle with Great Britain, which ended in victory for the colonies. Washington was instrumental in helping to begin the transformation of the United States into a modern federal state.

He took an active part in the development and adoption of the constitution, where he also signed as a delegate from the state of Virginia. As president, Washington consolidated the achievements of the War of Independence, implemented the Constitution, laid the foundations of the American state and the institution of presidents, largely determining their further development. Washington, by refusing to run for a third term, laid the foundation for the constitutional custom that a president cannot serve more than two terms. Until the presidency of Franklin Roosevelt, this restriction was not formally established by the American Constitution, but all American presidents strictly observed it. After the death of President Roosevelt, the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution was developed and adopted, establishing that the same person cannot hold the presidency for more than two terms.

Early 18th-century English oppositional or agrarian literature influenced Washington's worldview and political philosophy. Washington admired Cato the Younger, whom he regarded as the model of all Roman virtues. He tried to conform to these patterns in public and private life, adhering to the classical style of speech and dignified gestures and facial expressions. Self-control, strict control of emotions and disciplined behavior became his outstanding qualities, under which the original spontaneity showed less and less. Conservative and judicious in temperament, moderately religious, without a deep interest in theological issues, but at the same time constantly ready to accept new ideas and thoughts, he combined virtue with the progressive consciousness of the Enlightenment.

Political career, attempts at reconciliation with the metropolis

The last years of Washington's life were spent in Mount Vernon, with family and visitors. Even after stepping down as head of state, Washington often visited the capital under construction, which the workers called "Georgia." Washington devoted a lot of time to agriculture, built a distillery on his estate. On July 13, 1798, during a period of sharp deterioration in relations with France, President John Adams, given the popularity and reputation of Washington, symbolically appointed him commander-in-chief of the American army with the rank of lieutenant general.

Death

Coat of arms

The coat of arms of the Washington family has been known since the 12th century, when one of George Washington's ancestors seized the Washington Old Hall estate, located in North East England's County Durham.

The emblem is a silver shield with two red belts and three red five-pointed stars at the head.

In 1938, the United States Congress convened a commission to design the official flag for the District of Columbia. The commission announced a public competition, the winner of which was the graphic designer Charles Dunn, who proposed his own version back in 1921. The image of the flag of his authorship was based on the family coat of arms of George Washington. On October 15, 1938, the resolution on the adoption of the flag came into force.

Oak from the grave of George Washington

Speeches and performances

Movies

• series "George Washington" George Washington, ),
• series "George Washington: Shaping a Nation" ( George Washington: The Forging of a Nation, ),
• "Intersection" ( The Crossing, )

Notes

1. Family Bible entry http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/online_books/hh/26/hh26f.htm
2. Image of page from family Bible http://gwpapers.virginia.edu/project/faq/bible.html
3. A. V. Superanskaya, Stress in proper names in modern Russian. - M.: Nauka, 1966, p. 59
4. Biography of George Washington at People
5. // Encyclopedic Dictionary of Brockhaus and Efron: In 86 volumes (82 volumes and 4 additional). - St. Petersburg. , 1890-1907.
6. http://www.krugosvet.ru/articles/07/1000760/1000760a1.htm Biography of George Washington on the site of the encyclopedia "Round the World"
7. (English) Homans, Charles (2004-10-06). "Taking a New Look at George Washington". The Papers of George Washington: Washington in the News. Alderman Library, University of Virginia. Retrieved on -09-28 .
8. (English) Ross, John F (October 2005), Unmasking George Washington, Smithsonian Magazine
9. (English)"George Washington's Mount Vernon: Answers". Retrieved on -06-30 .
10. John Lloyd, John Mitchinson The Book of General Ignorance = The Book of General Ignorance. - Harmony, 2007. - P. 97. - ISBN ISBN 0-307-39491-3
11. 9:59 a.m. ET Washington's False Teeth Not Wooden. MSNBC (January 27, 2005). Archived from the original on August 24, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2009.
12. Vernova N., Pashchinskaya I., Rudkovas I. Tsaritsyn and Olgin pavilions. Publishing house GMZ "Peterhof". 2008. ISBN 978-5-91598-009-8

George Washington is the first President of the United States, elected by the people and considered one of the founders of the United States. Living in the 18th century, he was a large and wealthy slave owner. George Washington - participant in the American Revolution, author of the US Presidency and leader of the Continental Army.

The biography of the future US president began on February 22, 1732 in Virginia, on the Pops Creek plantation. George became the third of five children in the family of a wealthy slave owner, planter and land surveyor Augustine Washington, who died when the boy was eleven years old. After that, his older half-brother Lawrence became the head of the family. George was homeschooled and placed importance on self-education.

Born into a family of slave owners and inheriting a fortune, Washington considered slavery to be contrary to the norms of morality and morality, but he believed that the emancipation of slaves would occur only after decades.

Lord Fairfax, the richest landowner of Virginia at that time, played a big role in the fate of young George Washington. He became a mentor of sorts. young man, who lost his father in childhood, and provided him with friendly support in building a career as a surveyor and officer.

George's older brother died when he was twenty years old, the guy inherited the Mount Vernon estate, as well as eighteen slaves. From the age of 17, Washington worked in Culpepper County as a surveyor, and after the death of his brother, he became the leader of one of the districts of the Virginia militia in the status of a major.

In 1753, Major Washington received a difficult assignment: to inform the French of the impossibility of moving towards the Ohio River Valley. For 11 weeks, George overcame a path full of dangers, the length of which was 800 kilometers, and as a result, he completed the assignment. In 1755 he was taken prisoner in a battle against Fort Duquesne. Washington was soon liberated, and during a second campaign against this fort, he showed courage and was awarded the rank of colonel.

After that, the young man became the commander-in-chief of the Virginia Provincial Regiment. Under his leadership, the regiment continued to fight the Indians and the French and take up defensive positions. However, in 1758, at the age of 26, George Washington decided to give up his career as an officer and resigned.

Young Washington's worldview was heavily influenced by English Literature beginning of the 18th century. George's original idol was the ancient Roman politician Cato the Younger. Like an ideal, the future president of America tried to use only the classical style of speech, to conform to the model of virtue in personal and public life, restrain facial expressions and gestures at a decent level.

Growing up, Washington became a reserved, disciplined person who constantly controlled his emotions and did not allow himself to lose his composure. He treated religion with respect, but without fanaticism.

Politics

Abandoning a career as an officer, George Washington married and became a prosperous slave owner and planter. At the same time, politics continued to play a leading role in his life, and in the years 1758-1774 he repeatedly made successful attempts to become a deputy of the Legislative Assembly of Virginia.

As the owner of a large plantation, George learned from his own experience that the policy of Great Britain did not meet the requirements of our time. The desire of the British authorities to curb the development of industry and trade in the colonial lands was severely criticized. This is partly why Washington formed an association in Virginia, which had as its goal a boycott of English-made goods. Patrick Henry also helped him in this.

The struggle for the rights of the colonies became a matter of principle for George. In 1769, he drafted a resolution that secured the right to establish taxes only for the legislative assemblies of colonial settlements. However, soon public interest in this problem declined due to the abolition of customs duties. The tyranny of Great Britain in relation to the colonies left no room for reconciliation, and after the very first clashes between the colonists and the soldiers of this country, George Washington defiantly began to wear a military uniform, realizing the inevitability of a break.

War for independence

Deciding that America needed him as a military commander, the future first US president offered the services of the Continental Army. In 1775 he received the status of commander in chief of this army. The basis of the military forces, which was led by George Washington, were militia units recruited from the states.

At first, American soldiers had many problems with discipline, training and equipment. However, gradually (thanks to the efforts of the commander in chief) an effective and combat-ready army was formed, which successfully used the loose formation technique in battles with the British, who used the traditional linear formation.

George Washington initially led the siege of Boston. In 1776, the troops defended New York, as a result of several battles they could not resist the pressure of opponents and surrendered the city to Great Britain. In late 1776 and early 1777, Washington and the troops took revenge from the British in the battles of Trenton and Princeton, and in the spring of 1777 their siege of Boston ended in success. This victory is also important in strategic terms: successful battles with the enemy increased the motivation and morale of American soldiers.

This was followed by: the victory at Saratoga, the liberation of the central states, the surrender of the armed forces of Great Britain at Yorktown and the end of hostilities in America. After these battles, American officers began to doubt that Congress planned to pay them a salary for their time in the war. Trusting George Washington, who was famous for his honesty and strict moral principles, they wanted to make him the leader of the country.

The American Revolution officially ended in 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. Immediately after this event, the commander-in-chief resigned and sent letters to the state governments in which he advised them to strengthen the central government in order to prevent the collapse of the country.

First President of the United States

After the end of hostilities, George Washington returned to his estate. However, the history of his native country continued to interest him, and he closely followed the political situation in the United States. In 1786, his supporters, after his draft, helped bring down the Massachusetts Farmers' Rebellion.

Soon Washington was elected head of the Philadelphia Constitutional Convention, which in 1787 issued a new US Constitution, then elections were held. The retired commander-in-chief was so popular in society that the electors unanimously voted for him (both for the first time and for the re-election of the president).

As head of state, George Washington sought to instill in Americans respect for the Constitution, to preserve democratic change. recent years, surround yourself with intellectuals capable of working for the good of America. At the same time, Washington tried to cooperate with Congress and not interfere in political conflicts within the country. In his second term, the first US president developed a competent program for the industrial and financial development of the country, saved America from involvement in European conflicts, forced the Indians to give up many territories (mainly using military force), and banned distilled alcohol.

The domestic and foreign policy of George Washington met with resistance in some social strata, but the attempts of rebellion by the president and his army were able to be quickly suppressed. After completing two terms in office, he received an offer to run for a third term, but declined due to the provisions of the Constitution. During his reign, he officially renounced slavery, but still managed his plantation and looked for slaves who escaped from it. In total, he had 390 slaves in his possession.

Personal life

In 1759, George Washington married the wealthy widow Martha Custis, who became his first and only wife. Martha owned a mansion, 300 slaves, and 17,000 acres of land. George used this dowry wisely, turning it into one of the most profitable estates in Virginia. The marriage of George and Martha was a long and happy one. The children of Custis from their first marriage were brought up in this family, the spouses did not have common children.

Death

The first American president died on December 15, 1799. Two days earlier, he had been out in the pouring rain and snow, surveying his estate on horseback. Returning home, he did not take off his wet clothes and decided to have dinner right in it. The next morning, Washington developed a fever, a throat infection, and a severe runny nose, symptoms of pneumonia and acute laryngitis. Medicinal preparations of the 18th century could not help him, moreover, they aggravated his condition (doctors used bloodletting and treatment with mercuric chloride).

In 1888, a 150-meter memorial was erected in the American capital in honor of the country's first president. A bridge across the Hudson River (one of the longest in the United States), a nuclear aircraft carrier, and a university in Washington were also named in his honor. The dollar bill is decorated with a photo with his portrait. And, of course, it was in honor of the first president of the United States that the American capital got its name.

In 2000, the biographical film "George Washington" was released, there is also a series of the same name and other films, one way or another devoted to politics.

• One of the main crops grown on the Washington plantation was hemp. In the 18th century, it was used to make paper, ropes and fabrics.
• George Washington became the only American president to win 100% of the electoral vote in both elections.
• The first president of the United States never wore wigs, having a mop of red hair by nature. In the portraits that have come down to our time, his hair seems to be light, since, according to the fashion of the 18th century, it was heavily powdered.
• George Washington was an accountant and wrote several books on proper financial reporting. Even during his presidency, he himself controlled the income and expenses of his estate, because "it's easier to keep track of every penny."
• The famous politician and military leader was an excellent horse rider, but he had his own "fad": the horse on which he was to ride had to shine with perfect cleanliness. Washington attached such importance to this rule that he even looked into the teeth of an animal before sitting on it.

Quotes

• We should look back only for the sake of learning from past mistakes and benefiting from dearly bought experience.
• The most effective means of maintaining peace is readiness for war.
• Work so that those tiny sparks of heavenly fire that are called conscience do not die in your soul.
• If you value your reputation, associate your life with respectable people.
• Do not express joy at the sight of the misfortune of another person, even if he is your enemy.

Protracted construction

The Capitol is the tallest building in downtown Washington (107 m). It was built in the classical Greek style with a large dome in the center and two wings. The southern wing is occupied by the United States House of Representatives, while the northern wing is occupied by the Senate. Construction progressed very slowly, and in 1814, during the Anglo-American War, the still incomplete building was set on fire by British troops. Fortunately, the rain prevented the complete destruction of this majestic building, and construction resumed the following year. Only in 1826 the Capitol was commissioned. Soon, the Congress building needed to be expanded, as the number of senators and politicians grew. The wings of the building were expanded and reinforced with marble, which replaced the original material - sandstone. The dome was demolished and a new, cast-iron dome was installed in its place, and the Statue of Liberty appeared on top. Until 1993, the Capitol was rebuilt and modernized more than once: they installed heating and made elevators. The building has 540 rooms. The Capitol has its own subway and an underground tunnel connecting the main Congress building with office centers.

The Statue of Liberty

Without binoculars, the 6-meter bronze statue of Liberty, which crowns the dome of the Capitol, is quite difficult to see. The sculpture was installed on December 2, 1863. Her right hand lies on the hilt of the sword, the left one holds the laurel wreath of victory and the shield of the USA with thirteen stripes. The helmet of the statue is decorated with stars and the head of an eagle, a fringed cloak is thrown over the shoulder, which, of course, refers to the traditions of the American Indians.

There is a curious anecdote about the "headdress" of the statue. At first, they planned to wear a cap on Svoboda's head, similar to that worn by freed slaves in Ancient Greece. However, Defense Secretary Jefferson Davis, who was Confederate President at the time, opposed the idea. In his opinion, such a hat does not fit the symbol of freeborn citizens. Therefore, the statue became what we see it today - with a helmet with eagle feathers.

Architects of the Capitol

The first architect of the building of the Congress could be Pierre Charles Lanfant, but he stubbornly refused to imagine architectural plan Capitol, stating that it is in his head. The resignation was not long in coming. In 1792, a national competition for the best design was announced. The winner was promised $500 and a plot of land in the city. However, out of 16 submitted papers, not a single suitable one was found. So the competition continued. As a result, amateur architect William Thornton won the competition. He presented a building similar to the Pantheon with a dome, to which two symmetrical wings were attached - the Senate and the House of Representatives. According to George Washington, the project combined simplicity and majesty. But by 1803, Thornton retired, having managed to erect only the building of the northern wing of the Capitol. The government hired British architect Benjamin Henry Latrobe. The brilliant work of the master was almost destroyed by a fire in 1814. The architect was engaged in the restoration of buildings. And then he had a dispute with the authorities about whether to make the ceilings of the Senate and the House of Representatives domed. Boston architect Charles Bulfinch stepped in. Before 1830, he completed the construction of a wooden dome covered with copper sheets and an eastern gallery. In the 1870s, renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted added terraces to the east, north, and south of the Capitol. In 1958 - 1962 at east side building, a 10-meter extension appeared.

Museum in the Capitol

The US Congress Building is not only the seat of the Senate and the House of Representatives, but also a museum that houses an impressive number of paintings, statues, murals, historical documents, rare photographs and other interesting things. Getting into the Capitol is much easier than getting into the White House. You need to book a tour through the website of the Visitor Center, and on the appointed day come to the Congress building light, without large bags, food and drinks. You must have your passport with you.

Ghost of the Capitol

The Capitol building is credited with many different legends and horror stories. Allegedly, the ghosts of deceased US presidents "walk" through its halls. But the most famous ghost in the complex of government buildings was the spirit of a black cat, which is seen in the White House, on the National Mall, as well as in the basement of the Capitol. The Demon Cat, according to legend, first appears to a person as a small harmless kitten, but if you get closer to him, he grows into a huge monster the size of a tiger. He appears, as a rule, before some kind of disaster on a national scale or when the president changes.

Where did the ghost come from? According to legend, in 1800, rats bred in the Capitol. To solve the problem, dozens of cats were launched there. When they completed their work, they were returned back, but one animal remained.

George Washington- American statesman, first president of the United States of America (1789-1797)

February 22, 1732. was born in the state of Virginia, Westmorland County in the family of a landowner. He was educated at home, was fond of reading books. At the age of 11 he lost his father. He worked as a surveyor, participated in the expeditions of Lord Fairfax. In 1752 he inherited the estate of Mount Vernon, in the same year he joined the militia, took part in hostilities against the French and Indians, and was captured. In 1758 he retired with the rank of colonel.

In 1759, Washington married Martha Dandridge Custis and was actively engaged in arranging his estate, becoming one of the richest planters in Virginia.

In 1758-1774, Washington was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Virginia, where he fought with the metropolis for the rights of the colonies, condemning, nevertheless, violent actions. He was one of the delegates to the First Continental Congress. After armed clashes with Great Britain, he abandoned attempts at reconciliation, put on a military uniform and was unanimously elected commander in chief of the Continental Army. Reorganizing the troops, he led their actions from the siege of Boston in 1776 to the surrender of the British troops at Yorktown in 1781. In November 1783, after the conclusion of the Paris Peace Treaty, he resigned and retired to the Mount Vernon estate.

Dissatisfied with the Articles of Confederation, Washington was elected chairman of the Constitutional Convention, which drafted the United States Constitution in 1787. IN 1789 George Washington was unanimously elected the first President of the United States. In 1792 he was re-elected for a second term. As head of state, he contributed to the strengthening of the Union, the implementation of the principles of the constitution and the construction of the capital of the United States. He was engaged in the formation of central authorities and the management system, created precedents for the institution of presidents, and encouraged the development of the economy. Maintained friendly relations with the Congress. In 1794, he suppressed the first uprising against state power in the history of the United States. In foreign policy, he avoided interfering in the affairs of European states. Refused to run for the presidency for the third time. Before leaving, he addressed the nation with a farewell message.