Castaneda1

JulissaCastaneda
Miller
ApLanguageandComposition4
23September2014
GeorgeWashingtonTheKeytoFreedom
George Washington was elected for presidency in 1789 by the newlyfoundedAmerican
colonies. Washington, hoping to please his people, accepted the large task he was given. The
United States was in a time of rebuilding and needed a capable leader to guide them.
WashingtonsInauguralAddressandhistimeinofficewasinfluencedbyadesireforfreedom.
The American Revolution was a war fought between the American colonies of Britain
and the British. The people of the colonies wanted to gain independence from Britain.The king
treated the people horribly and enforced harsh laws on the people. The colonists did not
appreciate the waytheywerebeingtreatedanddecided itwastimeforachange.Duringthetime
of this rebellion, new ideas of freedom were spread.TheAmericans eventuallywonthewarand
gained independence. The ArticlesofConfederationweretheguidelinesforthenewgovernment
of the Americas that was also created to allow the states more power over the federal
government. Also, The Articles did not approve of asingle,overpoweringruler.Becauseofthe
war the new nation was in deep debt. In the late 1780s the economy was failing and the states
were not unified (Brackemyre). Every state had their own set of laws which did not give the
colonies any advantage. The people realized theArticleswerenotworkinganddecidedtocreate
theConstitutionwhichincludedhavingacentralgovernmentandapresident.Theyimmediately

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began the long process of establishing a strong government, creating laws, uniting their people,
and, most importantly, finding a new ruler. Because of his bravery and leadership in the
Revolution, Washington was a highly respected man throughout the colonies. He was
approached by many people and unanimously selected for his guidance of their new nation.
Washington wanted a government that was nothing like Britain's. He eventually agreed to be
president and strived to create a government ruled by the people. This idea of freedom caused
Washington to talk about a free government inhisinauguraladdress(Bartleby).Theeventsof
the Revolution made itclearwhatthepeoplewanted.HeunderstoodwhattheAmericans aspired
to achieve in their new government. His whole inaugural address was influenced by them and
Washington confirmed in his speech that he would seektoobtaintheirambitions.Heplannedto
bring the country out of debt and to increase their wealth. Washington claimed that the
proceedings of a new and free government can more auspiciously commence (Bartleby). By
saying this, he revealed how confidenthewasofthefuture.Washingtonhadprospectsofsetting
upafreenation,andhiseffortstodosowereclearlydemonstrated.
This inaugural address was the first to ever be written or heard of by the people. They
were encouraged and optimistic for their new future. Washington had to now accomplish his
goal of establishing a nation of freedom. Under Washington, The Bill Of Rights was written.
These ten amendments were guaranteed rights of the people that the government could not
revoke them of. He implanted taxes on his own people which helped the nation pay for their
debts. This began to ensure an improvement in their economy. Washingtons Neutrality
ProclamationwasplacedasanattempttokeephispeopleawayfromtheBritishandFrenchwar.

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War was avoided at all costs and Washington aimed to keep the United States peaceful with
other nations. While in office,hecontinuedtomakethebestpossiblechoicesforhiscountry.He
continued to spread the power of the government by establishing a cabinet and appointing
officials to aid him in his leadership of America. Our new government was finally functioning
properlyandefficiently.Ourfirstpresidentsactions,affectedAmericaformanyyearsevenafter
hispresidency.
Aftertwowellservedterms,Washingtonscareeraspresidentcametoanend.He
securedastablegovernmentforthenextpresidentandlefttheofficewithhopesofhispeople
remainingunited.GeorgeWashingtonsinauguraladdressoutlinedthefreedomandfairnessthat
theAmericanssodearlyanddeeplydesired.

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