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George Washington and the New Government Inaugurated (VUS.6a)
George Washington took the oath of office in the nation’s new capitol city, New York! Thus began the government which is still in effect today. As Washington took his oath – which is written in the Constitution, he added his first tradition to the office by concluding with the phrase, “so help me God”. More -
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George Washington Administration (VUS.6a)
This timeline depicts some of the most important events during the presidency of George Washington. -
Judicial Act of 1789
"An Act to Establish the Judicial Courts of the United States," was signed into law by President George Washington on September 24, 1789. Article III of the Constitution established a Supreme Court, but left to Congress the authority to create lower federal courts as needed. This was the first step to define our new judicial branch! MORE -
Bill of Rights Passes in Congress (VUS.5c)
Authored primarily by James Madison of Virginia, and greatly influenced by George Mason’s “Virginia Declaration of Rights” and Thomas Jefferson’s “Statute for Religious Freedom” – the essential liberties that would eventually become our Bill of Rights was passed through Congress. MORE -
The National Bank and Hamilton’s Economic Plan (VUS.6a)
Alexander Hamilton had become the Secretary of Treasury for George Washington. He put forth a plan for economic development that was highlighted by the creation of a National Bank, paying off state debts from the Revolutionary War, and issuing bonds to repay foreign debt at face value. Debate over these programs would lead to a terrible split in the Cabinet! MORE -
Bill of Rights is Ratified (VUS.5d)
The first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified by the required 2/3 of the states and became part of our Government. MORE -
Washington Holds the First Cabinet Meeting (VUS.6a)
George Washington realized that running the executive branch would be a tremendous job. Under Article II of the Constitution, he asked for the creation of a “cabinet” which would include a Secretary of State, a Secretary of Treasury, a Secretary of War, and later an Attorney General. These assistants would advise the President and oversee each of the departments. MORE -
Eli Whitney patents the Cotton Gin (VUS.6b)
This invention made the production of cotton much more profitable and eventually will lead to more reliance on slave labor on cotton plantations. The cotton gin mechanically removed seeds from the cotton fibers, which provided the raw materials for a growing textile industry. The invention was easily copied – and cotton became “King” within 50 years! Read MORE -
The Whiskey Rebellion (VUS.6a)
An excise tax on whiskey was imposed in 1791. Farmers began to protest immediately, as this would harm their profits on manufacturing and selling the “spirits”. Growing more and more militant, by August 7 of 1794, President Washington felt compelled to put down the protest by calling out the military to enforce the law. MORE -
Jay’s Treaty Signed (VUS.6a)
Even though the Treaty of Paris (1783) officially ended the Revolutionary War, Great Britain still was slow to respect America’s rights as a sovereign nation. John Jay was sent to Britain to negotiate a treaty to protect American interests. He was only partially successful, but Washington was obliged to support the work. This encouraged the separation of the Federalists and Democratic-Republicans! MORE -
Washington’s Farewell Address
In Washington’s last public statement as President, he extolled the virtues of a federal government, warned against political parties, be responsible with public debt, avoid permanent alliances and to be wary of an overly powerful military. The most popular and famous man in America then retired to his home, Mt. Vernon, VA. MORE -
Two Parties had Emerged VUS.6a)
Due to the rift in Washington’s cabinet, over Hamilton’s economic plans (especially the National Bank) and strict vs. liberal construction of the Constitution, two parties developed by the election of 1796. The Democratic-Republicans (led by Jefferson), and the Federalists (led by Hamilton and John Adams). MORE
