Washington Administration

The presidency of George Washington lasted from 1789 to 1797.

General information

America's first presidential election took place on February 4, 1789. It was left up to each state to determine how to choose its electors. Of the 13 states, only 10 cast electoral votes, and of those 10, only 5 held a general popular election for president.

Related Topics:
First presidential election - February 4 - 1789

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Each of the 69 electors who carried out their duties cast two votes, one of which had to be for a candidate from outside the voter's state. Washington, who garnered 69 electoral votes, was a unanimous choice, and remains the only person ever to be elected president unanimously (a feat which he duplicated in 1792). As runner-up with 34 votes, John Adams became vice president-elect. Congress certified the results of the election on April 6, and, though it was originally planned for March 4, Washington took the oath of the office of President of the United States after a delay on April 30, on the portico outside the Senate chamber of Federal Hall in New York City.

Related Topics:
1792 - April 6 - March 4 - April 30 - Federal Hall - New York City

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His election as president was a disappointment to Martha, the first First Lady, who wanted to continue living in quiet retirement at Mount Vernon after the war. Nevertheless, she quickly assumed the role of hostess, opening her parlor and organizing weekly dinner parties for as many dignitaries as could fit around the presidential table.

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In 1791, the Federal government imposed an excise tax on whiskey. This tax was highly unpopular on the American frontier, and in July 1794, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, a Federal marshal was attacked by a mob and a regional inspector's house was burned. On August 7, 1794, Washington called out the militias of several states and personally led a force of 13,000 to suppress the unrest. The event has gone down in history as the "Whiskey Rebellion". By his actions, Washington ensured that Federal law would be upheld and that the new nation would not fall to insurrection.

Related Topics:
1791 - Excise tax - Whiskey - July - 1794 - Allegheny County - Pennsylvania - Federal marshal - August 7 - Militia - Whiskey Rebellion

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Washington held the first Cabinet meeting of any U.S. President on February 25, 1793. Opposition between members of his cabinet, particularly between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson over the issue of a federally-chartered bank, led to the formation of political parties.

Related Topics:
Cabinet - February 25 - 1793 - Alexander Hamilton - Thomas Jefferson - Political parties

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Also in 1793, the revolutionary government of France sent diplomat Edmond-Charles Genêt, who attempted to turn popular sentiment towards American involvement in the war against Great Britain. Genêt was authorized to issue letters of marque and reprisal to American ships and gave authority to any French consul to serve as a prize court. Genêt's activities forced Washington to ask the French government for his recall.

Related Topics:
Edmond-Charles Genêt - Great Britain - Letters of marque and reprisal - Consul - Prize court

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