ntinue fighting. By doing this, one of the greatest minds of the world may have died. The war finally ceased in April 1782 and Washington returned to his home in Mount Vernon. With the war over, the United States (not quite a united United States yet) was still under the influence of The Articles of Confederation. Moreover, the colonies were so disunited, that many counties viewed thirteen different countries rather than one. Among this, there were other problems, such as the small power that the federal government had. Thus, with this in mind, a group of about fifty-five emissaries, from twelve states (the independent Rhode Island sent none) convened at Philadelphia on May 25, 1797, in the imposing redbrick statehouse. With intents on revising the Articles of Confederation, these people realized that the United States must be revised completely - that is, they must make a new constitution. Within seventeen weeks - May 25 to September 17, 1787 - with only forty-two of the original fifty-five remaining, the Constitution of the United States was signed. The Electoral College unanimously drafted George Washington, the esteemed war hero, as President in 1789. His presence was imposing: 6 feet 2 inches, 175 pounds, broad and sloping shoulders and pockmarks (from smallpox) on nose and cheek. Washington's long journey from his home, Mount Vernon to New York City, the temporary capital was a triumphal procession with roaring cannons, pealing bells and shouting from citizens. President George Washington also chose his first Cabinet, which gradually evolved into the Washington administration. Under President Washington, and Secretary of Treasure, Alexander Hamilton, the first Bank of the United States appeared, with opposition from Thomas Jefferson. Under Washington, the first tariff law, a low one of about 8 percent on the value of dutiable imports was speedily passed in 1789 by the first Congress. In 1789, the curtains rose on the first act ...
