Washington and Adams As one of the most significant historical figures in the history of the United States George Washington s presidency was extremely important With his face on the one dollar bill and the quarter Washington played an essential part in shaping the role and function of the President of the United States Already a war hero when he first became president his vision of democracy led to many important events that made the United States what it is today One event that was extremely important was when he became the first President of the United States on February 4 1789 Not wanting to become the king of the United States Washington wanted to give the power to the people and the representatives they elected Not motivated by power he was a man of principles and old age so a monarchy would not be appropriate for him or the people he led Washington did not fight George III to become George III but he fought to create an American Republic that is known today as the land of the free
