George Washington, born in 1732 as a subject of the British Queen and into a wealthy family, played a crucial role in the American Independence War, much like Atatürk's leadership during our own struggle for independence. As the commanding general of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, Washington later became the first President of the United States.
Facing oppressive policies from their British overlords, the colonists in America were growing increasingly discontented. Washington, one of the founding fathers of America, took up arms in the colonial militia in 1752. He displayed great courage in the French and Indian War fought between the French and British colonies in America.
However, the British officers' constant use of American militia and soldiers for border security in the colonies, and their disregard for colonial rights, fueled a deep-seated animosity in Washington against the British.
Following the war, Washington turned to farming, but the relentless taxes imposed by the British on their American subjects left him dissatisfied with his otherwise tranquil life. In such an atmosphere, he became one of the voices declaring, "Enough is enough for the Americans." He re-entered active struggle and participated in congresses where independence was discussed. In 1775, he assumed the position of Commander-in-Chief of all colonial forces against Britain. Washington, known for his meticulous attention to soldiers' attire and provisions, initially faced overwhelming imperial forces. However, in 1777, he dealt a severe blow to the British and captured the world's attention. Emboldened by this success, the sworn enemies of the British, the French, swiftly allied with the Americans. With both land and naval support from the French, Washington defeated the British at Yorktown in November 1781. This victory marked the beginning of peace negotiations and the drafting of the new nation's constitution.
Following the war, Washington took on the role of uniting the country and played a pivotal role in reconciling all the colonies during the signing of the new constitution. It was through these achievements that he became the first President of the United States in 1789.
According to a survey by Newsweek magazine, 15% of American preschool children still believe that George Washington is the current president residing in the White House. In the French and Indian War, his coat and hat were found with four bullet holes, and two horses beneath him were shot, yet he emerged unscathed. A Native American chief remarked, "This man is surely possessed of great magic and will perform great feats." Washington never attended school and only received a few private lessons. His peers and close friends addressed him as "General," and he became one of the foremost liquor and whiskey producers in the country. His wife, Martha Washington, stood by his side on the battlefield throughout the struggle for independence. He had a distant relationship with his mother, Mary Ball. He remains the first and last American president to have fought on the battlefield as a military commander. Despite extraordinary public support, he rejected the idea of being declared a king and, after eight years, voluntarily stepped down from office, becoming a role model for the institutionalization of American democracy.
George Washington is the only founding father who ensured the liberation of slaves. He conducted extensive work on the rights of slaves and the abolition of slavery, though he did not live to see it come to fruition. He took on the care of approximately 100 liberated slaves and remains the only American president who did not represent any political party. He was the first farmer to use a mule, cultivated marijuana on his lands, and was the first president to be a Mason, a tradition that has continued among American presidents to this day. Later, he worked to normalize relations with Britain.
While he is revered as a hero and leader in his country, he was a staunch enemy of Native Americans. He was one of the architects of the Native American genocide. In their efforts to reduce the Native American population, the newly established United States, under Washington's command, destroyed everything that sustained them. As General Sullivan reported in 1779, they hunted Native Americans like wild animals. All of this was carried out under George Washington's orders, reflecting his perspective on Native Americans as "savages who deserved nothing more than collective destruction by the White people." Although he was reluctant to be elected president a second time, Washington passed away in 1799.
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