"You have in a common cause fought and triumphed together; the Independence and Liberty you possess are the work of joint counsels, and joint efforts, of common dangers, sufferings, and successes."
-George Washington's Farewell Address
It's easy for the common man to take for granted the stability of the United States government. A government system that is copied throughout the world, and is seen as the standard for democracy internationally and that has lasted for more than two centuries. No doubt, the much-matured government is thriving now, but just how well founded was it in its infancy? Many believe the government was on the brink of collapse, and as luck would have it any other way, would not have survived the fissures caused by differing political ideology. The only thing that really separated the new government from the same fate as other European-Colonies-turned-free, namely collapse and/or corruption, was a combination of strong leadership, a good constitution, and a fair amount of luck.
Oil on canvas portrait of Alexander Hamilton by Jo...
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale in...
April 30: George Washington becomes the first Pres...We can first take a look at state of unity in the States, because unity is often a crucial factor in success of revolutions. Beyond that, there needed to be at least mutual understanding to create the Constitution in the US. (Although framing the Constitution took many debates, committee decisions, and very careful wording) That's the easy part. No revolution would be successful without some sense of a base of support among not only the leaders, but among the people of the revolting entity. After the revolution, everyone united around Washington, a hero of the war. The people loved him, adored him, and deified him.
George Washington was a Federalist, the first and foremost prominent Federalist, and the first President in office. He set the standard for future Presidents by instituting many Federalist causes while in...