Issues President George Washington example essay topic

Issues With a new nation facing overwhelming difficulties, George Washington faced the challenges of being the first president to run, shape, and build the foundations of the newly formed United States. Washington came into office with the country in heavy debt, and an empty treasury. With the issues President George Washington was facing, he proved to be a paragon leader. One such issue was that of the National debt and creating a National Bank. In 1790, Alexander Hamilton proposed that Congress should establish a national bank, in which private investors could buy stock, could print paper money, and keep government finances safe. Washington signed the bill establishing a national bank and started a strong foundation for a thriving economy and a stable currency.

Another extremely important issue Washington faced was that of the Whiskey Rebellion. The whisky rebellion started when a tax was placed upon distilled liquor. The farmers of Pennsylvania completely infuriated at the taxed because Whisky was their most profitable product and their form of money. In 1794, they set up an armed uprising against the taxes. Alarmed by the attack, and following Hamilton's advice, Washington sent over 12,000 troops into Pennsylvania for peace keeping.

This was the first time a national militia was ever used in the new country. Washington's decision proved to the people that Congress finally had the power to uphold its authority. Not all agreed with Washington's actions. Secretary of State and Republican Thomas Jefferson strongly opposed the opinions and views of the Secretary of Treasury and Federalist Alexander Hamilton. Jefferson firmly disagreed with Hamilton's self-absorbed point of views. Washington more often than not favored the opinions' of Hamilton.

Jefferson distrusted the ideas of having a national bank. He viewed them as unconstitutional and an abuse of congressional power. Jefferson also opposed the handling of the Whisky Rebellion, arguing that the farmers were of little threat and an entire army sent to dismantle the rebellion was completely ludicrous and a waste of time. After being elected to a second term, Washington faced more issues concerning the young country.

Washington established that neutrality was the best policy for foreign affairs. In 1793, he issues a Proclamation of Neutrality, which stated that the United States would conduct a non-partisan state within foreign powers. Avoiding war would give the young United States the opportunity to develop economically without accumulating substantial debts. An example of Washington neutrality was present in a situation with Great Britain.

Britain had declared the ban of trade with France and that all ships carry French goods were to be seized. Britain than also began to seize American sailors. The British also still held posts in the Northwest Territory and rumors led the government to believe that they were promising to help the Indians overthrow the Americans off their territory. Americans began to grow impatient with the British and greatly urged for military action. Congress then approved of a ban on British trade and authorization to begin navel organization. Washington was strongly against war.

Washington appointed John Jay to go to Britain and make peace. Jay's Treaty stated that the British agreed to give up fur post in the Northwest Territories, and that they agreed to submit arbitration to disputed boundaries, damage done to American shipping, and debts to British merchants. The people rejected the treaty because it gave no consent to the seizing of ships or sailors in the future. Nevertheless, Washington, in his efforts to keep the country out of war, signed the treaty to push it for ratification. Washington put his good reputation on the line when he signed the treaty, but he did what was in the best interest for the country. With a rapidly growing young United States, President George Washington faced many issues and decisions concerning the future of the country.

Facing domestic and foreign issues, Washington acted on what was in the best interest for the country. Although some did not fully agree with some of his decisions, Washington proved to be a successful leader..