After crossing the Delaware River in the dead of winter, he defeated the enemy in two battles, retook New Jersey, and restored momentum to the Patriot cause.
Chosen by the Second Continental Congress in 1775 to be commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in the American Revolution, he managed to force the British out of Boston in 1776, but was defeated and nearly captured later that year when he lost New York City. Washington quickly became a senior officer of the colonial forces during the first stages of the French and Indian War. After his father and older brother both died young, Washington became personally and professionally attached to the powerful Fairfax family, which promoted his career as a surveyor and soldier. Washington was born into the provincial gentry of a wealthy, well connected Colonial Virginia family who owned tobacco plantations. Washington is universally regarded as the "Father of his Country". His leadership style established many forms and rituals of government that have been used ever since, such as using a cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. The unanimous choice to serve as the first President of the United States (1789–1797), Washington presided over the creation of a strong, well-financed national government that stayed neutral in the wars raging in Europe, suppressed rebellion and won acceptance among Americans of all types. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775–1783, and presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787. George Washington (Febru– December 14, 1799) was the dominant military and political leader of the new United States of America from 1775 to 1799.