Who was the first President of the United States?

George Washington was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. He played a crucial role in the founding of the nation and was unanimously elected as the first president by the Electoral College. His leadership set many precedents for the office and the future governance of the United States, including the establishment of a cabinet and the tradition of a two-term limit.

Washington's presidency followed the American Revolutionary War, during which he was the commander of the Continental Army. His strong reputation and leadership qualities garnered the trust of the American people, making him an ideal choice for the inaugural president. Washington's emphasis on unity and setting a democratic precedent helped shape the future of the presidency and the nation's ideals.

The other individuals listed, while significant in American history, came to office much later and in different contexts. Thomas Jefferson was the third president, Abraham Lincoln served as the sixteenth president during the Civil War, and Theodore Roosevelt was the twenty-sixth president known for his progressive reforms.