Book Review: Who was George Washington? By Roberta Edwards

This book on George Washington, America’s first President, is a brief account of his life and his achievements. Born in Virginia to a tobacco farmer, George grew up in the country side where he loved riding horses and was later known as the best horseman in Virginia. He had a bossy mother. Lawrence his half-brother was very close to George. Unlike George, Lawrence was taught at home and not send to England.

At Mount Vernon George took fencing lessons, learned about music, went fox hunting and also had a keen interest in dancing. George had to wear false teeth since he had issues with his teeth. George married Martha, a rich widow with two young children. In addition to that George and Martha owned about three hundred slaves.

George Washington headed the second continental congress in Philadelphia which was to decide the standing of the different states of America. Under this in July 1776 the declaration of independence was signed. Furthermore Washington was the commanding general of the continental army which fought against the British. The Americans won the battle of Yorktown which brought the end of the war resulting in the defeat of the British. In 1783 the Treaty of Paris was signed in France between the US and the British. Right after the treaty Washington said goodbye to his army and announced retirement.

In 1789 Washington took over the presidency as he became the first president of United States after the elections. The elections were different from the way they are right now in the US. He formed a cabinet and played an important role in building the new capital later called Washington D.C. At the age of 67 Washington died in 1799, on his deathbed.