George Washington, My Favourite Historical Figure

George Washington, my favourite historical figure, was the commander in chief of the continental army during the American Revolution and the first president of the United States.

Born in Westmoreland Country, on Feb 22, 1732, George Washington was the eldest son of Augustine Washington. He spent his early years on the family estate on Popes Creek along the Potomac River. His early education included the study of mathematics, surveying, the classics and rules of civility

In his teens, Washington was very playful and mischievous. One day, he was bored and went into his fathers garden and used an axe to cut down a tree. He found it very funny at first, but after he realized that it was his fathers favourite cherry tree, he was very afraid and regretted what he had done. When his father came back, he was very angry. Despite great fear, Washington admitted that he had cut down the tree. After that, Augustine didn't punish him, instead, he praised him for his honesty. It took great courage for Washington to admit his mistake. We should learn honesty from Washington, too.

In Washington's life, he had come across the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. He took command of the troops surrounding British occupied by Boston during the American Revolution. Under the lead of Washington, the morale of the troop was raised and he had grown enormously in status during the war. At last, he won the battle.

In 1789, he was unanimously elected to be the first American President. He acted carefully and deliberately after taking charge of the United States and was aware of the need to build an executive structure that could accommodate future presidents.

Washington loved peace earnestly, but his policy of neutrality often angered the other administrator. So in 1797, he retired to be a happy old man. On Dec 14, 1799, his health deteriorated rapidly and he died at his estate.

Although at the time he died, he was only 54, he had dedicated and devoted his whole self to the country. Washington's diary was full of the dangers he had encountered and the difficulties of his journey of the 54 years. He was a considerate, peace-loving and honest person and during his lifetime, Washington had brought forward innovative changes in the history of politics. He will be remembered forever as a symbol of American virtue.