The first President of the United States before George Washington was John Hanson. He served as the President of the Continental Congress from November 5, 1781, until November 4, 1782. This was a crucial period in the history of the United States as the country was still fighting for its independence from Great Britain.
John Hanson was born on April 3, 1715, in Charles County, Maryland. He was of English descent and was one of the wealthiest men in Maryland at the time. Hanson was also a member of the Maryland House of Delegates and the Continental Congress before he became the President of the Continental Congress.
Hanson's Presidency
During his presidency, Hanson had to deal with several issues, including financing the war, supplying the troops, and negotiating with foreign powers. He also had to deal with the aftermath of the surrender of General Cornwallis at Yorktown, which effectively ended the Revolutionary War.
One of the most significant achievements of Hanson's presidency was the signing of the Articles of Confederation on March 1, 1781. The Articles of Confederation served as the first constitution of the United States and provided a framework for the government until it was replaced by the current Constitution in 1789.
Hanson's Legacy
Despite his contributions to the country, Hanson is relatively unknown today. This is partly due to the fact that the office of the President of the Continental Congress was largely ceremonial and did not have the same powers as the President of the United States under the current Constitution.
Furthermore, Hanson did not leave behind any written records of his presidency. This has made it difficult for historians to study his time in office and understand his contributions to the country.
Conclusion
John Hanson was the first President of the United States before George Washington. He served as the President of the Continental Congress and played a crucial role in the country's fight for independence from Great Britain. Although he is relatively unknown today, Hanson's contributions to the country cannot be overlooked.