George Washington acted as the first U.S. president from 1789 to 1797, establishing many constitutional practices and federal precedents. He established the president's cabinet, defended executive authority, and used the veto for the first time; his neutral stance policy during the French Revolutionary Wars and leadership during the Whiskey Rebellion also defined early U.S. governance. He backed Hamiltonian programs, assisted in establishing the nation's capital site, and led the Bill of Rights' early implementation. He oversaw the Northwest Indian War and secured the Jay Treaty and the Treaty of San Lorenzo, fortifying frontier security. The Navy was re-established under the Naval Act of 1794 to protect commerce.