Building A Nation free essay sample

In 1789, George Washington embarked on a 30 year long Journey of nation building that has shaped who we are as citizens and as a nation of the United States of America. George Washington faced many challenges, hardships and overwhelming difficulties as the first president to run, and build the foundation of the United States. Although, George Washington was a dramatic but successful man who hoped and dreamed for the U. S. to be the strong country that it was destined to be. Therefore, he introduced a few goals being security, economic progress and unity, which he trived extremely hard to reach, proving him to be an outstanding leader who never gave up and conquered any challenge that was put in his way. To George Washington security was an important asset to building a great nation and found that the Whiskey Rebellion was a major threat to the federal government. It started when a tax was implanted on distilled liquor. We will write a custom essay sample on Building A Nation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page George emphasized the fact that he needed a government strong enough to tax but didnt want a government that was too strong and abused its powers [10/3/13]. Western settlers were disappointed with the seeming failure of the government to protect their interests nd had begun to disregard federal policy. They invaded Indian lands, sent unorganized militias to invoke their claims, and traded illegally with Indians. Things took a turn for the worst when Hamiltons excise tax got passed. Living in the entrance to the Northwest Territory, residents expected much economic wealth from westward migration but were angry at the failure of the government to secure safe passage into the Ohio River Valley. Hamiltons tax fueled their anger over the question of republican fairness. Many Americans Judged excise taxes as unfair. Moreover, Western Pennsylvania vowed that they wouldnt pay the tax and advised citizens to treat tax collectors with disdain and disrespect. Regarding this, George Washington took the challenge and in 1794 he sent 13,000 troops into Western Pennsylvania to lead a full assault on the rebels. He sympathized with the citizens and understood that the Whiskey Tax was seen as unfair by most, if not all of the community. Therefore, the Whiskey Rebellion came to an end. Although, remaining protestors were rounded up, some facing treason charges, and two sentenced to death but Washington released them both. Next George Washington made sure that there was a significant amount of economic progress including raising money for current expenses and paying off the national debt. Hamilton played a role in strengthening the economy by turning to the problem of financial solvency, the problem that had plagued the Confederation, although his proposals were the ones that brought about the underlying disagreements about the future of the nation. The first challenge was to raise money for current expenses. Hamilton proposed that Congress place a tariff on imported goods and the foreign hips carrying them. (232) The tariff passed and was used numerous times for the vast majority of its funds. The next challenge was how to pay off the debt left over from the Revolution, which turned out to be a total of $79 million that included not only the amounts the government nad borrowed trom toreign countries and promised to soldiers and suppliers, but also the debts owed by state governments. Hamilton proposed that the government assume all of the debt and pay it off at full value, even the parts that were in badly depreciated paper money'(232). Hamiltons dea was that he would turn the national debt into a blessing by making sure that people with money had literal investment in the success of the nation. Hamiltons plan worked out in his favor because many southern states paid their debts and reaped huge profits from it. [10/8/13] Luckily for southerners, their hope of the nations capital moving to Virginia was granted. Hamilton next recommended the creation of a national bank that would ensure a stable currency and enable the government to mobilize capital for development, two activities he considered ssential to an expanding commercial economy. (232) The bank would be chartered by Congress to collect, hold, and pay out government receipts; hold the new federal bonds and oversee their payment; issue currency; and it would be backed up by government bonds. Hamilton believed that specified power in the Constitution implied a right to employ all the means requisite to the attainment of that power. (233) Furthermore, Washington accepted and signed the bank bill, giving the federal government the responsibility to regulate money, pass and collect taxes, and pay debts. Hamiltons efforts to create a strong government based on commercial economy alienated those such as Madison and Jefferson who didnt believe that Hamiltons policies would be beneficial to the U. S. Lastly, unity was high on George Washingtons list of goals he wanted to accomplish for the nation. Washington made his farewell address giving his advice on how to keep the nation up and running smoothly and also gave advice on how the American people could stay safe and happy. He expressed preservation of the union, avoidance of foreign influence, Americas role in the world and much more. The theme of Washingtons address was The Preservation of the union. He warned against sectionalism, which restricted common interests and promoted a narrow-minded point of view. Furthermore, Unilateralism non-partisanship [10/8/13] was shown in Washingtons advice about avoiding foreign influence. Washington was smart and understood that European nations had been regularly involved in numerous wars and that their economic and political interests didnt match up with ours. He was also sure that foreign nations would try to influence the American government and eople [10/8/13] which is why he thought the only way for the U. S. to be the strong country that it could be and keep its independence, we had to stay free from problems, and influences from European nations. Lastly, Americas role in the world was important because he expressed that the U. S. needed to have Justice and faith towards every nation. He believed that America would rise up to be one of the top nations and distinguish its national character. Washington spoke about the grandeur that could come from a unity established on success, growth, and character of fellow citizens. In conclusion, George Washingtons only desire was to serve his country and commit himself to the interests of the country, which he accomplished with flying colors. Washington was morally together, charitable, honest, considerate and risked everything for the freedom of our country. His good attitude, sense of responsibility, integrity, devotion to God, leadership and refusal to give up made a large difference in how the nation developed. His vision of a powerful nation matched with his determination to succeed made all the difference and proved him to be one of the most influential people in history.