Tag: george washington

  • Presidential Vetoes: Because I Said So

    On this date in 1792, George Washington used his presidential veto power for the first time. Here are a few things you may not have known about the veto. The history of the veto, which means “I forbid” in Latin, can be traced to the Roman Empire. Roman consuls had to act unanimously, so one…

  • Battle of Yorktown: The End of the Revolutionary War

    On this date in 1781, British Lieutenant General Charles Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. Here are six things you may not have known about the Battle of Yorktown. The battle was known as “The German Battle” in Germany. About one-third of the 27,000 troops involved in the battle were…

  • 6 Things You Didn’t Know About 5-Star Generals

    On this date in 1976, George Washington was posthumously promoted to the rank of General of the Armies of the United States by President Gerald Ford. Here are six things you might not known about the highest ranks in the American military. The highest rank held by George Washington during his lifetime was Lieutenant General…