George Washington (1732–1799) commanded the Continental Army and served as the first President of the United States from 1789 to 1797. He helped create federal institutions and set important presidential precedents, though his legacy is complicated by his ownership of enslaved people.
As commander of the Continental Army and the nation’s first president, George Washington led the United States through its formative years, establishing key institutions and precedents such as the presidential cabinet, the federal judiciary, and the peaceful transfer of power.
He helped stabilize the new federal government and promoted neutrality in foreign affairs, but his record is mixed: his actions shaped federal authority and American diplomacy while his ownership of enslaved people and contested policies remain central to assessments of his legacy.
Led Continental Army to victory in the American Revolution; Unanimously elected first President (1789) and served two terms; Established the presidential cabinet and signed the Judiciary Act of 1789; Oversaw the ratification of the Bill of Rights; Issued the Neutrality Proclamation and wrote the Farewell Address advocating non-entanglement; Suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion and set the two-term presidential precedent
Key highlights and dated events associated with this presidency.
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On March 27, 1794, Washington signed the Naval Act authorizing construction of six frigates to create a permanent United States naval force.
On March 27, 1794, Congress passed and President Washington signed the Naval Act authorizing the construction of six frigates to create a permanent naval force.
On March 14, 1794, inventor Eli Whitney was granted a U.S. patent for his cotton gin, a machine that mechanically separated cotton fibers from seed.
On March 4, 1794, Congress approved and transmitted the Eleventh Amendment, which restricted federal-court jurisdiction over suits brought against a state by citizens of another state or foreign citizens.
President George Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation declaring the United States neutral in the war between Britain and France and warning American citizens against taking part in hostilities.
President Washington issued the Proclamation of Neutrality declaring the United States neutral in the war between France and Great Britain and warning Americans against acts that would involve the nation in hostilities.
The new French envoy Citizen Edmond-Charles Genêt landed at Charleston, South Carolina, and immediately began commissioning American privateers and organizing support for France’s war efforts.
George Washington took the oath of office for his second term in the Senate Chamber at Congress Hall in Philadelphia and delivered his second inaugural address.
President Washington signed the Fugitive Slave Act, authorizing federal officials and ordinary citizens to assist in the capture and return of escaped enslaved people.
King Louis XVI of France was executed by guillotine in Paris on January 21, 1793.
On December 5, 1792, the state electors cast their ballots for president and vice president, and John Adams received the highest number of votes for vice president, securing a second term.
Electors met in December 1792 and cast ballots re-electing George Washington unanimously to a second term as president.