in the 18th century a young man named George Washington would rise to become the first president of the United States and a symbol of American Liberty born in 1732 in Virginia Washington was a skilled military leader from a young age he fought in the French and Indian War where he gained valuable experience leading troops when the American Revolution broke out in 1775 Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army his leadership and strategic Brilliance were instrumental in securing American independence in 1787 Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention where he helped shape the new American government elected the first president in 1789 he set a precedent for selfless service and leadership as President Washington faced many challenges including economic instability and foreign threats he died in 1799 he is remembered as the father of America and a symbol of the American dream