George Washington 1732-1799: He was born in Virginia on February 22, 1732 A.D. He was the son of a landlord. He gained his military experience during the seven years war in Europe 1 and got a reputation as a capable leader. He was a better soldier than a great leader and a man of determination and courage. He became a symbol to the Americans.

(i) The first battle between the British troops and the Colonies took place around Boston, known as the Battle of Bunker hill in 1775 A.D. Though the Colonies lost that battle, they proved the fighting qualities of their militia. Every defeat filled Washington with fresh enthusiasm for further success.

(ii) He went on recruiting the hardy farmers and foresters and gave them training and adequate equipment. He could enlist the support of Spain, Red Indians and French.

(iii) The Americans tried to capture Canada but failed. Washington secured brilliant victories against the British at Trenton.

(iv) The second Continental (Philadelphia) Congress in 1775 appointed Washington as the commander-in-chief of the Colonial army. In 1776, Americans lost Philadelphia but they gained a decisive victory at Saratoga in 1778 A.D. This was the turning point in the war. The British were compelled to evacuate Philadelphia in 1778 A.D.

(v) In 1781, Cornwallis, the British General established himself in the village of Yorktown and began building fortifications. Washington decided to win an impressive and decisive victory against Cornwallis. The war came to an end by the treaty of Paris in 1783. England recognized the independence of the 13 Colonies. The 4^th of July was a great day for Americans.

(vi)Third Philadelphia Congress was held in 1787. The Congress decided that the States should unite together into a Federation and the new Nation was to be called U.S.A. Washington became the first President of America on 30^th April 1789. He declined to be the President for the third term.

(vii) He made way for the younger revolutionaries to lead the nation. He passed away on 14^th December 1799. He was the father of America. The saying “George Washington was first in war, first in peace, first in the hearts of his countryman” aptly sums up the feelings of the Americans.