The Washington Presidency: By: Tyler Snyder, Shawn Zhao, and Brad Sears A Discussion of the Many Roles of Our First Leader

As displayed by this portrait of George Washington, he certainly wasn’t an ordinary man. He had fancy clothes and products and didn’t hesitate to display it to the American public.

Washington’s Cabinet Secretary of State – Thomas Jefferson, 1789 – Edmund Randolph, 1794 – Timothy Pickering, 1795 Secretary of the Treasury – Alexander Hamilton, 1789 – Oliver Wolcott, Jr., 1795 Secretary of War – Henry Knox, 1789 – Timothy Pickering, 1795 – James McHenry, 1796 Attorney General – Edmund Randolph, 1789 – William Bradford, 1794 – Charles Lee, 1795

Economic Issues Hamilton’s Fiscal Plan – Planned to jumpstart the economy Encouraged buying of American goods- Tariff of 1789 Made tax on liquor- revenue for government – Domestic Debt Gave out new bonds- time for payments – Assumed State Debt – Tried to establish American credit- Bank of America Whiskey Tax Rebellion – Situation Western Farmers frustrated with taxing- Rebellion Washington sends large militia to suppress actions- wants to protect Union

Foreign Policy – Relations with France French Revolution – Conflict in Washington administration » Thomas Jefferson wants to help France- promote international independence » Alexander Hamilton wants continued trade with GB – Washington maintains Neutrality » Increase trade, no more debt – Jay’s Treaty British withdrawal from American lands, allow for trade, prevents war with GB – TJ frustrated- France in jeopardy – People feel that Washington has sold out to Britain – Pinckney's Treaty Negotiations with Spain- allowed Americans to navigate Mississippi- settled down west conflict, commerce increased

Foreign Policy (Continued) – Relations with the Native Americans Congress passed Indian Intercourse Act – Allowed trading with Indian tribes, made legal means of obtaining land – Many western settlers ignored agreement- conflict continues » Example: Little Turtle in Northwest Territory Map of Westward Expansion by 1790 This map describes the state and national land claims during Washington’s Presidency

This newspaper printing depicts the famous feud between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton Washington truly faced much domestic violence and conflict during his presidency. This portrait of the Whiskey Rebellion shows Washington and his militia controlling the angered western farmers.

Washington’s Farewell Address Insisted that Americans stay out of European political affairs – If not, will lose liberty in European struggles Keep commercial- maintain diverse trade – “peace, commerce and honest friendship” – Hinted at form of isolationism "The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is in extending our commercial relations to have as little political connection as possible... Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalships, interest, humor, or caprice?... It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.“ ~George Washington

“My first wish is to see this plague of mankind, war, banished from the earth.” “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.” George Washington Quotes “I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.” “Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.” “It will be found an unjust and unwise jealousy to deprive a man of his natural liberty upon the supposition he may abuse it.”

This modern twist on the story involved behind Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton depicts the famous gun fight they had. This is another demonstration that Washington set an aristocrat/European political aspect to his presidency

Precedents Only serve 2 terms Executive figure named the “president” Use of government power to enforce the law Use of cabinet in decisions Neutrality in European political actions Emphasis on domestic issues- remain commercial "Peace, commerce and honest friendship with all nations; entangling alliances with none." ~ Thomas Jefferson’s reflection on George Washington’s foreign policy

Bibliography "Aaron Burr." People and Events Public Broadcasting Service. 21 Oct Faragher, John Mack. "The New Nation."Out of Many. Revised 3rd ed "George Washington." Past Presidents The White House. 21 Oct "George Washington Quotes." Famous Quotes and Quotations BrainyQuotes. 21 Oct "Thomas Jefferson." Past Presidents The White House. 21 Oct 2008.