Richard Norton Smith talked about the legacy of George Washington who led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolution as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army from 1775 to 1783, and presided over the writing of the Constitution in 1787. The unanimous choice to serve as the first president of the United States (1789-1797), Washington presided over the creation of the U.S. government and his leadership style established many forms and rituals of government that have been used since, such as using a cabinet system and delivering an inaugural address. Washington is universally regarded as the "Father of his Country".