Who was the first President of the United States?

The first President of the United States was George Washington, who took office in 1789 after being unanimously elected by the Electoral College. His leadership and ability to unify the nation were paramount during the early years of the republic, as the country sought to define its governance and identity following independence from Britain. Washington set many precedents for the presidency, including the establishment of a cabinet and the tradition of serving only two terms, which shaped the role for future leaders. His presidency is often viewed as foundational in the shaping of the American political system and the respect he commanded as a military leader and founding father solidified his place in history as the nation’s first president.