1st President · 1789–1797 · None
George Washington
Set every precedent that mattered. Kept the young country out of Europe's wars, backed Hamilton's financial and manufacturing program, and gave up power when he could have kept it. The Farewell Address is still the best short guide to American foreign policy.
OverallA-GPA 3.82
The grades
- SovereigntyDid they put American interests first and keep decisions in American hands?A
- HemisphereDid they guard the Americas against rival powers and threats?A-
- RestraintDid they keep the country out of wars of choice that weakened it?A
- StatecraftDid they use diplomacy, force and alliances skillfully, on American terms?A
- Industry and tradeDid they protect and build American industry?A-
- Working AmericansDid ordinary working families do better because of them?B
- BuildingDid they build things that lasted and push the frontier forward?A-
- NationDid they strengthen a shared American identity and the Union?A
- CompetenceWere they capable, honest and effective in office?A+
On the axes
MarketEconomyPopulist
Free tradeTradeProtectionist
RestraintForeign policyInterventionist
CosmopolitanNationNational
Dark dot: George Washington. Red mark: the Monroe Society. Ideological closeness to the Society: 86%.