Slavery was a part of American history for thousands of years. Even George Washington, who was the much admired and respected commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and the first President of the United States of America, owned slaves. The biography An Imperfect God: George Washington, His Slaves, and the Creation of America by Henry Wiencek talks about George Washington's life as a plantation owner at Mount Vernon, as well as his role in the creation …showed first 75 words of 746 total…

…showed last 75 words of 746 total…he cautiously approached the topic, never demanding emancipation while he was in office. Washington was able to become leader of a country based on the philosophy of natural rights by avoiding disturbances and not swinging to either an abolitionist or slave owner point of view. Washington's cunning political mind, his stunning victories during the French and Indian War, and his amazing discipline and self-determination made him the perfect candidate for leader of the Continental Army.