George Washington gained his fame as a military leader in the newly-established British colonies on the American continent. His success at fighting the French came in use during the American Revolutionary War, particularly during his daring raid across the Delaware to surprise a British garrison stationed in New Jersey. The attacks greatly improved American troop morale at a time when the British were seemingly scoring victory after victory. They also propelled Washington to the leadership post of the country he fought for.

On this day, January 7th, 1789, the first United States presidential elections were held, and Washington, running unopposed, was unanimously chosen as president. Washington assumed the post after already serving as the chairman of the Constitutional Convention and one of the framers of the constitution. Three years later, in the second presidential election, Washington reluctantly agreed to stay on for another four years – but he refused to serve a third term, establishing the two-term limit tradition for U.S. presidents going forward.

As one of his last acts as president at the end of his eight years in office, Washington addressed the nation, emphasizing among other points the importance of morality and religion in governance, and urging the United States to take advantage of its geographic isolation to stay away from entanglements in Europe.