Who was George Washington?

George Washington is recognized as the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. His presidency is significant because it laid the foundational principles of the executive branch and set many precedents that would influence the role of future presidents. Washington was also a leading figure in the American Revolutionary War and played a critical role in the formation of the United States as a nation. His leadership during the war and his commitment to democratic principles helped garner support for the new government.

The other options describe roles or contributions that do not apply to Washington. For instance, he was not known as an inventor, nor did he serve in the capacity of Secretary of the Treasury or as a philosopher in the same sense as figures who focused primarily on those fields. Washington's legacy is intricately tied to his presidency and leadership during pivotal moments in early American history.