Answer:
Washington faced several difficulties as the first president. He had to deal with America's debt, which put a lot of pressure on him. He also had to manage conflicts with Great Britain and Spain, who were interfering with trade and supporting Native American attacks.
Regarding precedents, Washington set many examples. He introduced the policy of neutrality in foreign wars and established a two-term limit for presidents. He also started the tradition of a presidential farewell address.
Step-by-step explanation:
1. What difficulties did George Washington face as the first President?
As the first President of the United States, George Washington faced several challenges. One significant difficulty was dealing with America's debt. After the Revolutionary War, the new country had accumulated a large amount of debt. Washington had to find a way to pay off this debt and ensure the financial stability of the nation. To address this issue, his Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, proposed a plan to assume the states' debts and establish a national bank to manage the finances.
Additionally, Washington faced foreign policy challenges. The conflict between Great Britain and America continued even after the Revolutionary War. The British attempted to restrict American trade, causing economic hardships for the young nation. Moreover, Spain supported Native American tribes in their attacks against American settlers, creating further tensions.
2. What are some precedents George Washington set as President?
George Washington established several precedents during his presidency, which set examples for future presidents to follow. Here are a few notable ones:
- Neutrality: Washington introduced a policy of neutrality when it came to foreign wars. He believed that the young nation should avoid getting entangled in the conflicts of other nations, which became a guiding principle of American foreign policy until World War I.
- Two-term limit: Washington voluntarily stepped down after serving two terms as President. This set a precedent for future presidents, and it became an unwritten rule until it was officially established as the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution in 1951.
- Farewell Address: Washington delivered a Farewell Address, setting a tradition for presidents to give a final speech before leaving office. In his address, he provided advice and guidance for the future of the nation, emphasizing the importance of unity, avoiding partisan divisions, and maintaining a strong government.
These precedents established by Washington helped shape the role and responsibilities of the presidency and have influenced the actions and decisions of subsequent presidents.