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When the Washington Family left Northampton in the middle of the seventeenth century, it could not have known what a profound effect it was to have on the History of the World.
A noble family for generations, John Washington decided his family would go to the colonies in this case North America. Originally from the North West of England, the Washingtons had bought Sulgrave Manor in Northampton over a century earlier but John was intent on adventure.
John's great grandson, George was born in Virginia in 1732 and lived for the remainder of the century during which time he became the First President of the United Sates of America.
The family ran tobacco plantations but George joined the army, reaching senior officer status before his mid twenties. He was seen as a natural leader and rose quickly through the ranks, being only in his mid forties when, as commander of the American forces, he forced the British out of Boston. America's fight for independence however was far from straightforward and it was not until 1783 that the issue was settled, and George was able to return to the plantations.
He was however central to the drafting of the Articles of the Constitution, and ensured a federalist system rather than a centralized dictatorship under a different guise.
His diplomatic and political skills matched his military ones and many still rank Washington towards the top of the list of American Presidents, serving two four year terms between 1789 and 1797, two years before his death.
The Capital of the USA, Washington DC, reflects the esteem under which he was held.
The County of his ancestors, Northamptonshire, thrived in the years of the next century. It was a county that became well known for its shoe manufacturing, and the skills that involved. Fairly prosperous as a county, its population adapted to the change in the UK economy as manufacturing was gradually replaced by service industries, in the County's case by finance and distribution.
Middle and Upper Middle Class family life in the current time is enjoyed and appreciated by its people. Fashions have dictated that quality and branding is all important. The casual look still requires comfortable footwear. Jeans and polo shirts, cheaney shoes and a new car, nice house in a picturesque village, all the trappings of successful twenty first century life.
Across the Pond, the USA has those same trappings of success. Perhaps there is a little less emphasis on the formal in this former colony but nevertheless the desire for quality and comfort is the same. The man in cheaney shoes and suit in Wall Street could be in any modern city in the World.
It is just that America's development has been over a relatively short period in history. George Washington led the colonists to independence well over two centuries ago now, but he also ensured that there were no lasting repercussions of the conflict between colony and former master.
