Washington, George

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Commander of the American forces during the American Revolution and 1st president of the USA 1789–97; known as ‘the father of his country’. An experienced soldier, he had fought in campaigns against the French during the French and Indian War. He was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1759 and was a leader of the Virginia militia, gaining valuable exposure to wilderness fighting. As a strong opponent of the British government's policy, he sat in the Continental Congresses of 1774 and 1775, and on the outbreak of the American Revolution was chosen commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. After many setbacks, he accepted the surrender of British general Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1781.

After the war Washington retired to his Virginia estate, Mount Vernon, but in 1787 he re-entered politics as president of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, and was elected US president in 1789. He attempted to draw his ministers from all factions, but his aristocratic outlook and acceptance of the fiscal policy championed by Alexander Hamilton alienated his secretary of state, Thomas Jefferson, who resigned in 1793, thus creating the two-party system.

Washington was re-elected president in 1792 but refused to serve a third term, setting a precedent that stood until 1940. He died and was buried at his home in Mount Vernon, Virginia.

Blue expresses patriotism and noble ideas. Red denotes bravery. White symbolizes peace and purity. The stars stand for the three island groups: Luzon, the Visayan, and Mindanao. Effective date: 25 March 1936. >>