Presidents of the United States of America: 1732 – 1901

By Wayne Wheelwright

The United States of America is a relatively young country but already has a distinguished history and in this time has been shaped by some great men who have had to make brave and sometimes unpopular choices for the good of the country. This book has facts on the first 25 men to serve as President of the United States. Spanning from George Washington's birth in 1732 through to William McKinley's assassination in 1901. The book contains facts on the families, life before taking office, policies, political battles and the later lives of these influential leaders.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AUK Authors
• Release date: Feb 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9781783336395

Book preview

1988.

George Washington

George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732 and died on December 14, 1799.

George Washington was the first President of the United States of America and was President from 1789 - 1797.

George Washington presided over the the convention that was responsible for the drafting of the Constitution which replaced the Articles of Confederation and helped move the United States towards becoming the most powerful nation in the world as it stands today.

George Washington served two terms in office. He remained neutral in the wars that were happening in Europe, suppressed any rebellions and was a very popular leader among all types of Americans.

George Washington is often known as ‘The father of his country’ and was often called it even during his lifetime.

George Washington was born in Colonial Virginia to a wealthy family that owned tobacco plantations and slaves.

George Washington became a senior officer in the colonial forces during the French and Indian War and was chosen to be commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.

During the American Revolution George Washington managed to force the British forces out of Boston in 1776 but lost New York City later that year and was almost captured. During the dead of winter he crossed the Delaware River in the dead of Winter with his forces and retook New jersey invigorating the cause of the Patriots.

When victory had been achieved in the Revolutionary War, George Washington resigned his post as Commander-in-chief instead of seizing power setting an example of his commitment to American republicanism as opposed to a dictatorship.

After being named as the first president of the United States, George Washington set to work on bringing together rival factions to unify the nation. He supported the programs of Alexander Hamilton to pay off all of the nation’s debt whilst implementing an effective system of taxation and creating a national bank despite being opposed by Thomas Jefferson.

George Washington secured the Jay Treaty in 1795 despite severe opposition from Thomas Jefferson and his followers which avoided war, allowed the United States to remain neutral in the affairs of Europe and led to a decade of peace and profitable trade with Great Britain.

In George Washington’s final will he granted all of his slaves freedom.

The building of the Washington Monument was delayed by the Jeffersonians who continued to distrust the influence of George Washington.

John Adams

John Adams was born on October 30th, 1735 and died on July 4th, 1826

John Adams was born in what is now known as Quincy, Massachusetts and was the oldest of three children.

John Adams became the second President of the United States serving in office from 1797 - 1801 having formerly served as the first vice president of the United States for George Washington

John Adams was a statesman, diplomat and one of the leading advocates of America’s independence from Great Britain

Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams was one of his key advisers and John Adams wrote many letters to her explaining his many ideas and thoughts on republicanism, a strong central government and many other subjects

In the early stages of the American Revolution, John Adams was a lawyer in Boston and as a delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress he played a major role in the decision of Congress declaring independence form Great Britain.

John Adams assisted Thomas Jefferson in drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

John Adams wrote the Massachusetts Convention and Thoughts on Government which both heavily influenced American political thinking.

In 1800 John Adams was defeated in his bid for re-election by Thomas Jefferson and retired to Massachusetts.

John Adams was the father of John Quincy Adams. The sixth President of the United States.

John Adams was the first President