What evidence does the author use to support the claim that the government was not working after the Revolutionary War?(1) George Washington is often referred to as the founder of the United States. He was the first president of the country. Washington also played a pivotal role in the American wars and the drafting of the U. S. Constitution. Childhood

(2) George Washington was born into a moderately wealthy family on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The family owned a tobacco plantation. George was homeschooled and spent a lot of time learning hands-on skills. When George was sixteen, he became a land surveyor and helped to plot the land in Virginia's western territory. Through this experience, he learned skills such as farming and resourcefulness, and he developed an interest in western land holdings and purchases. It was this passion that brought about his belief that the future of the nation depended on the colonization of the West.

The French and Indian War

(3) In the early 1750s, border disputes began between Britain and France. Both countries were claiming rights to land in the Ohio River Valley. In December 1752, Washington was made commander of the Virginia militia even though he did not have any training or previous military experience.

(4) In the summer of 1755, Washington joined Major General Edward Braddock and the British army in an attempt to overtake the French controlled Fort Duquesne. To reach the fort, the soldiers had to travel through the dense woods of the Allegheny Mountains. Washington knew the area well and helped lead the way, despite suffering from a terrible case of dysentery. When the soldiers reached the Monongahela River, ten miles from Fort Duquesne, they were ambushed by the French forces who were working with the native people. During the attack, most of the senior officers from the British Army were killed or severely wounded. Washington escaped injury with four bullet holes in his cloak and two horses shot out from under him.

(5) After several more years and battles, Washington was ready to retire from the army. By 1759, he had resigned his position as commander of the Virginia militia and returned to his estate, Mount Vernon.

The American Revolutionary War

(6) Washington's military and political involvement did not end after the French and Indian War. Upon returning to Mt. Vernon, he began to take political stands against the British Parliament. He was particularly against the rising taxes being imposed on American colonists. Washington believed that it was time for the colonists to proclaim independence from England. In 1775, he was declared commander in chief of the Continental Army because of his experience and strong patriotism. Throughout the eight-year war, Washington's leadership strengths were evident. He was able to keep his army together despite the fact that they were poorly trained and lacked supplies. He did this by giving the troops direction and motivation. Toward the end of the Revolutionary War, Washington's troops captured a British general. This ultimately ended the war, and Americans gained independence. This event also led to Washington being declared a national hero.

The Road to the Presidency

(7) Years after the war, Washington knew that the structure of government was not working. States were fighting over boundaries and refusing to help pay off the debt that the nation had developed during the war. Washington knew that something had to be done. In 1786, after a major clash erupted in Massachusetts, Congress decided that a convention be held in Philadelphia. In 1787, Washington was asked to attend the Constitutional Convention. Congress wanted him to give input on drafting the new constitution. It was during this convention that the constitutional amendments were developed. It also inspired discussion about who the leader of the nation should be.

(8) Washington's impressive leadership led the delegates to believe that he was by far the most qualified for the position. On January 7, 1789, he unanimously won the leadership election. George Washington had become the first president of the United States.