1784
Promoted canal projects to connect the inland rivers with the Virginia coast.
Advocated union among the states by a stronger central government.
1786
Annapolis Convention held. Commissioners from five states sought to change the Articles of Confederation to improve commerce.
A meeting was called in Philadelphia of state representatives to discuss improvements to the federal government.
1787
Washington presided over Constitutional Convention and signed the new Constitution.
1788
Sought to secure adoption of Constitution by the states. Nine out of the thirteen states were required for ratification.
1789
Unanimously declared President of the United States.
Said farewell to his mother, Mary Ball Washington, who died after his departure for New York.
Inaugurated April 30th in New York City.
Toured northeastern states.
First National Thanksgiving under the Constitution
1790
Site for the Federal City selected on the Potomac (Washington, D.C.)
Obligation for Revolutionary War debts accepted by new government.
Debates in Washington’s cabinet began to reveal deep differences.
1791
Toured southern states.
Gen. Arthur St. Clair defeated by Indian tribes near Wabash River
The Bill of Rights ratified during Washington’s first term and became part of the Constitution
1792
Elected to second term as president.
1793
Proclamation of neutrality—Washington sought to keep America out of European conflicts and wars, thus keeping all as trade partners.
Citizen Edmund Genet sought to gain popular American support for the new government in France. This was contrary to Washington’s views of neutrality and Genet was recalled to France.
