America's First 10 Presidents ~ A Quick Summary

George Washington served as President of the United States from 1789 to 1797 (about a decade). During his administration the Bill of Rights became law. 

American Presidents AFTER George Washington, in order: John Adams; Thomas Jefferson; James Madison; James Monroe; John Quincy Adams; Andrew Jackson; Martin Van Buren; William Henry Harrison; and John Tyler.

First Ladies:

* Martha Washington;

* Abigail Adams;

* Martha Jefferson;

* Dolley Madison;

* Elizabeth Monroe;

* Louisa Adams;

* Rachel Jackson;

* Hannah Van Buren;

* Anna Harrison; and

* Leticia Tyler.

Quick Facts About the Presidents:

• George Washington ~ called the “Father of His Country”

• John Adams ~ he was the nation's first Vice-President

• Thomas Jefferson ~ he was the nation's second Vice-President

• James Madison ~ US declared war on Britain and British burned down the White House

• James Monroe ~ Spain gave US Florida in order to settle a $5 million debt

• John Quincy Adams ~ he was the son of John Adams

• Andrew Jackson ~ had a “Kitchen Cabinet” of informal advisors in addition to the formal presidential cabinet

• Martin Van Buren ~ major banks closed which started the Panic of 1837 and the was an economic depression that lasted for his entire presidency

• William Henry Harrison ~ inaugurated on March 4, 1841; died of pneumonia at the White House on April 4th

• John Tyler ~ signed bills permitting Florida and Texas to be admitted to the Union and become the 27^th and 28^th states

Did you know that:

* July 4^th is America's Independence Day. Three of the first ten presidents died on the 4^th of July? John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both passed away in 1826. James Monroe died in 1831.

REF: U.S. History Timeline: From Washington to Tyler.

Presidents' Day is a federal holiday celebrated on the third Monday in February.

Original Source

American History : Presidential Thanksgiving Facts (Guest Post)

Presidential Thanksgiving Facts

Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

Did you know that no one knows the exact date the first Thanksgiving meal was celebrated on? The best historians could come up with was somewhere in the fall of 1621. So how did Thanksgiving become a national holiday designated on the last Thursday of November? The answers to these questions are deep within the history of United States politics.

George Washington made the first proclamation of Thanksgiving in 1789. The proclamation was not to give thanks to the pilgrims but to give public thanks and prayers for the ability to peacefully establish a form of government for their safety and happiness. George Washington then again made the proclamation in 1795. Then New York officially made Thanksgiving Day as an annual holiday in 1817.

Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to become the national bird but Thomas Jefferson had opposed it. And it is believed that Benjamin Franklin then decided to name the male turkey 'tom' to spite Thomas Jefferson's rejection of his idea. Thomas Jefferson did offer proclamations of Thanksgiving as governor but was hesitant to do so as president as he believed in the separation of church and state.

In 1863 President Abraham Lincoln set aside the last Thursday of November as the day to celebrate Thanksgiving by giving his proclamation to the nation where by he asked for his fellow citizens to give prayer and public thanks. His proclamation was about giving thanks for the bounties which the United States enjoyed as well as population growth but to also give prayer that the civil war will come to an end and bring unity back to the nations in peace and prosperity.

When the United States fell into the great depression, it was upon President Roosevelt's shoulder to lead a nation through difficult times. In 1939 President Roosevelt restored Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November in an effort to extend the Christmas shopping season to stimulate the economy. In 1941 Congress passed legislation to declare Thanksgiving Day as a national holiday and is to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November every year.

2008 has proven to be an historic year in politics with so many firsts. So as you sit around the dinner table celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends, just like the Pilgrims before us. Don't forget to also give thanks to the Presidents and Congress in history for make Thanksgiving Day and national Holiday.



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Family Articles | March 18, 2009

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lillian G. W. is a marketing executive for global consumer brands, media, and high tech businesses. She loves writing about shopping, product reviews, fashion, travel, green innovation, arts & entertainment. She spots consumer trends, explores and assembles ideas, and provides creative solutions to business challenges. She writes for IMshopping.com.

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The French Revolution occurred between 1789 – 1799.

• The French Revolutionary Wars occurred between 1792 – 1802, overlapping the French Revolution; and Revolutionary France fought two coalitions of European powers.
  • First coalition (organized in 1792) was comprised of Austria, Prussia, Sardinia, Britain, Spain and the Netherlands.
  • Second coalition (organized 1798) included Britain, Russia, Austria, Naples, Portugal and Turkey.
• Despite the opposition, Napoleon Bonaparte emerged as a military and political leader. From 1799 – 1804, he set himself up as a dictator; and in 1804, proclaimed himself emperor of France.

Meanwhile ... 
 

George Washington was serving as the first president of the United States from 1789 – 1797.  Washington maintained a neutral stance on the French Revolutionary Wars, not deeming them a national priority requiring U.S. involvement. 

Thomas Jefferson opposed this stance and favored strong federal involvement in foreign affairs. It is likely Jefferson had more insight because he served as a minister to France during Washington's presidential term.  Perhaps the first POTUS should have deferred to his judgment.

Who was right?

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Thank you in advance for your VOTE. 

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