George Washington was the first elected president of the United States. He was chosen by members of the 13 colonies for his military prowess and strategic background. Many saw him as an uncompromising investment in America's future, and a man who would not turn against his country for his own greed, like the then-King of England. Washington was a man who did not seek to stand out but when called upon to lead, he took on the responsibility wholeheartedly. During his presidency, he was still involved in many of the most important battles in our nation's history, such as the Battle of Yorktown in 1781. His confidant and speechwriter was fellow Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton, together they usurped the British and aided transform the American government into what it is today. Although Washington is revered today for his excellence, his true life story was filled with hardships, doubts, and mistakes that transformed him into the wonder America knows him as today. This is the story of George Washington. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Washington, like so many of our founding fathers, had humble beginnings. Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, the then British colony of Virginia. Washington was the eldest of six children and spent much of his childhood at Ferry Farm. Washington, in a sense, became the man of the house at age 11 after her father's death, as he helped her manage the estates. As Washington grew, his intelligence continued to grow and he made a career as a surveyor. He managed to purchase a small piece of land with his earnings and in 1751 he set out with his brother on an expedition to Barbados. While they were there, his brother contracted smallpox, he was already ill with tuberculosis, but he recovered. Washington's brother died in 1752, and Washington inherited his property at Mount Vernon. Washington was renowned, even then, for mastering any task he took on. This brought him to the attention of some Virginia militia leaders who decided to make him commander. Washington during his time with the militia was involved in America's first battles involving; Native Americans, French and British, especially the French and Indian War. This war marked a time of insecurity for Washington, as he was responsible for the lives of people in areas where the enemy had the advantage. It was defeated by French forces in an endless secession between 1754 and 1755. The result of this war was British ownership of the disputed lands, the expulsion of the French forces and the alliance with the native tribes who supported them during the war or who could benefit from it. Washington left the war with recognized improvements in terms of war tactics. After that war, Washington proved so effective in its later stages, in terms of tactical planning and strategy, that he was promoted to leader of all armed forces. Virginia Militias. After service in the militia he resigned in 1759, married Martha Curtis, a widowed woman who already had two children, in January of that year, and tried to concentrate on making Mount Vernon profitable. He grew Mount Vernon from a single 2,000-acre farm to an 8,000-acre property with five farms. His work piqued his interest in crops and potential variations that could withstand certain weather conditions and led to his stance on land conservation. The 1760s were a spring platform for Washington, as he achieved success like no other '74,.