Gorge Washington (1732—1799) was born in Virginia, the son of a rich tobacco planter. His grandfather emigrated to America from England. Washington was brought up like an English gentleman and, as a young man, served in the British army.
When the war broke out between the American colonies and England in April 1775, he was elected leader of colonists’ army. Under his strong leadership and with French help the colonists defeated the British, and in 1789 Washington became the first president of the U.S.A.
It was not an easy task to govern a new country. But Washington’s wisdom and strong character won him great respect. The new capital of the U.S.A was named Washington D.C. in honor of him.