Who was the first President of the United States?

The first President of the United States was George Washington. He served from April 30, 1789, until March 4, 1797, and is often referred to as the "Father of His Country." Washington's leadership helped lay the foundation for the new government and set many precedents for the presidency, including the practice of serving only two terms. His election as the first president was a significant moment in American history, as it represented the transition from colonial rule to self-governance. The other figures mentioned, while important in their own right and serving in various capacities, came into office after Washington. John Adams, for instance, was the second president; Thomas Jefferson was the third; and James Madison was the fourth. Washington's pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War and his influence during the constitutional convention were vital to establishing the United States as a functioning democracy.