who was george washington

George Washington was a Founding Father and the first president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He is famously known as the "Father of His Country" for his pivotal role in leading the American colonies to independence from British rule. Washington was the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War and led the colonies to victory against the British Empire. Later, he presided over the Constitutional Convention that drafted the U.S. Constitution and was unanimously elected as the first U.S. president. He set many important precedents for the presidency, including serving two terms and promoting national unity. Washington was also a Virginia planter who owned slaves but began opposing slavery near the end of his life. His legacy as a key figure in American history is honored in many ways, including having the U.S. capital and the State of Washington named after him.