Podcast
Questions and Answers
What position did George Washington hold during the American Revolutionary War?
What position did George Washington hold during the American Revolutionary War?
- Secretary of Treasury
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- Ambassador to France
- Commander-in-chief of the Continental Army (correct)
Which of these battles resulted in Washington's surrender?
Which of these battles resulted in Washington's surrender?
- Battle of Yorktown
- Battle of Fort Necessity (correct)
- Battle of Trenton
- Battle of Princeton
Which country did the Continental Army fight against in the American Revolutionary War?
Which country did the Continental Army fight against in the American Revolutionary War?
- Germany
- Spain
- Great Britain (correct)
- France
What role did George Washington play at the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
What role did George Washington play at the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
What was the profession of George Washington's father?
What was the profession of George Washington's father?
What skill did George Washington learn that proved valuable in his early career?
What skill did George Washington learn that proved valuable in his early career?
What disease did George Washington contract on his trip to Barbados?
What disease did George Washington contract on his trip to Barbados?
What river did Washington and his troops cross to launch a surprise attack on Hessian troops?
What river did Washington and his troops cross to launch a surprise attack on Hessian troops?
Where did Washington's army spend a harsh winter, resulting in significant losses?
Where did Washington's army spend a harsh winter, resulting in significant losses?
What was the name of the treaty in which the British acknowledged the independence of the United States?
What was the name of the treaty in which the British acknowledged the independence of the United States?
What was George Washington's political affiliation when he served as President?
What was George Washington's political affiliation when he served as President?
Which of these locations did George Washington die at?
Which of these locations did George Washington die at?
What issue did Washington address in his Farewell Address?
What issue did Washington address in his Farewell Address?
What role did Washington play in the French and Indian War?
What role did Washington play in the French and Indian War?
Which of these actions did George Washington take to address the Whiskey Rebellion?
Which of these actions did George Washington take to address the Whiskey Rebellion?
What was George Washington's stance on slavery near the end of his life?
What was George Washington's stance on slavery near the end of his life?
What title is George Washington commonly known by?
What title is George Washington commonly known by?
What was the profession Washington had early in adulthood?
What was the profession Washington had early in adulthood?
What was the name of George Washington's estate?
What was the name of George Washington's estate?
What was the name of the treaty Washington supported to normalize trade relations with Britain?
What was the name of the treaty Washington supported to normalize trade relations with Britain?
How many terms did George Washington serve as President of the United States?
How many terms did George Washington serve as President of the United States?
What was the name of Washington's wife?
What was the name of Washington's wife?
What was George Washington's role in the Virginia House of Burgesses?
What was George Washington's role in the Virginia House of Burgesses?
What did George Washington do after resigning as commander-in-chief?
What did George Washington do after resigning as commander-in-chief?
What suggestion of Benjamin Franklin pertaining to the military did Washington institute in Boston?
What suggestion of Benjamin Franklin pertaining to the military did Washington institute in Boston?
What did General George Washington order his troops to avoid in New York City?
What did General George Washington order his troops to avoid in New York City?
Where did Washington decide to take up winter headquarters after victories at Trenton and Princeton?
Where did Washington decide to take up winter headquarters after victories at Trenton and Princeton?
Where did General George Washington and his army go into winter quarters at?
Where did General George Washington and his army go into winter quarters at?
Which of these actions resulted in Washington becoming America's first spymaster?
Which of these actions resulted in Washington becoming America's first spymaster?
What type of army was Washington in command of, during the march to Yorktown, Virginia?
What type of army was Washington in command of, during the march to Yorktown, Virginia?
Who calmed a planned mutiny by American officers dissatisfied with a lack of pay?
Who calmed a planned mutiny by American officers dissatisfied with a lack of pay?
Who designed the espionage system that Washington commanded against the British?
Who designed the espionage system that Washington commanded against the British?
When Washington called for a strong union prior to returning to private life, what description did he give the Articles of Confederation?
When Washington called for a strong union prior to returning to private life, what description did he give the Articles of Confederation?
What event further convinced Washington that a national constitution was needed?
What event further convinced Washington that a national constitution was needed?
What role was Washington appointed to at the College of William and Mary?
What role was Washington appointed to at the College of William and Mary?
During his presidency what title did Washington argue in favour of using?
During his presidency what title did Washington argue in favour of using?
Who did Washington offered to organize into an army in 1798?
Who did Washington offered to organize into an army in 1798?
What activity was Washington involved with at Mount Vernon?
What activity was Washington involved with at Mount Vernon?
Approximately how long did Washington last as commanding general, for the army offered by Adams, until his death?
Approximately how long did Washington last as commanding general, for the army offered by Adams, until his death?
What role did George Washington have in the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War?
What role did George Washington have in the Virginia Regiment during the French and Indian War?
What was the result of the Battle of the Monongahela for General Braddock?
What was the result of the Battle of the Monongahela for General Braddock?
How did Washington feel about a royal commission in the British army?
How did Washington feel about a royal commission in the British army?
What was the primary crop that Washington cultivated at Mount Vernon after his marriage?
What was the primary crop that Washington cultivated at Mount Vernon after his marriage?
What did Washington do with lands that were granted to veterans of the French and Indian War?
What did Washington do with lands that were granted to veterans of the French and Indian War?
What was Washington's view on the Stamp Act of 1765?
What was Washington's view on the Stamp Act of 1765?
What was the purpose of the resolutions that Washington and George Mason drafted for the Fairfax County committee?
What was the purpose of the resolutions that Washington and George Mason drafted for the Fairfax County committee?
Who nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army?
Who nominated George Washington as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army?
Who impressed Washington with his knowledge of ordnance and was promoted to chief of artillery?
Who impressed Washington with his knowledge of ordnance and was promoted to chief of artillery?
How did Washington initially feel about the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Continental Army?
How did Washington initially feel about the enlistment of Black soldiers in the Continental Army?
Who was the British general in command when British troops occupied Boston?
Who was the British general in command when British troops occupied Boston?
What reforms did Washington launch upon arriving in Boston?
What reforms did Washington launch upon arriving in Boston?
What was Washington's policy regarding the treatment of civilians in New York City?
What was Washington's policy regarding the treatment of civilians in New York City?
How did Washington respond to Howe's message to negotiate peace, addressing him as 'George Washington, Esq.'?
How did Washington respond to Howe's message to negotiate peace, addressing him as 'George Washington, Esq.'?
What victories boosted Patriot morale in late 1776 and early 1777?
What victories boosted Patriot morale in late 1776 and early 1777?
What was Benedict Arnold's role at Saratoga?
What was Benedict Arnold's role at Saratoga?
Where did Washington's army spend a harsh winter, resulting in significant losses due to disease and lack of supplies?
Where did Washington's army spend a harsh winter, resulting in significant losses due to disease and lack of supplies?
Who transformed Washington's recruits into a disciplined fighting force at Valley Forge?
Who transformed Washington's recruits into a disciplined fighting force at Valley Forge?
What country entered into a Treaty of Alliance with the Americans in early 1778?
What country entered into a Treaty of Alliance with the Americans in early 1778?
At whose direction did Major Benjamin Tallmadge form the Culper Ring?
At whose direction did Major Benjamin Tallmadge form the Culper Ring?
What key American defensive position on the Hudson River did Benedict Arnold attempt to help the British capture?
What key American defensive position on the Hudson River did Benedict Arnold attempt to help the British capture?
Who advised Washington that Cornwallis in Virginia was the better target than New York?
Who advised Washington that Cornwallis in Virginia was the better target than New York?
What battle is considered the last significant battle of the Revolutionary War?
What battle is considered the last significant battle of the Revolutionary War?
What action did Washington take to quell the Newburgh Conspiracy?
What action did Washington take to quell the Newburgh Conspiracy?
What did Washington describe the Articles of Confederation as?
What did Washington describe the Articles of Confederation as?
Who nominated Washington to preside over the Constitutional Convention?
Who nominated Washington to preside over the Constitutional Convention?
What plan, calling for a sovereign national government, did Washington highly recommend at the Constitutional Convention?
What plan, calling for a sovereign national government, did Washington highly recommend at the Constitutional Convention?
What position was Washington appointed to at the College of William & Mary prior to the first presidential election?
What position was Washington appointed to at the College of William & Mary prior to the first presidential election?
Who administered the oath of office to George Washington at his first inauguration?
Who administered the oath of office to George Washington at his first inauguration?
What title did Washington favor using as president, rejecting suggestions of more majestic titles?
What title did Washington favor using as president, rejecting suggestions of more majestic titles?
What departments did Congress create in 1789 to execute the functions of the executive branch?
What departments did Congress create in 1789 to execute the functions of the executive branch?
Which political faction did Washington sympathize with, even though he remained non-partisan?
Which political faction did Washington sympathize with, even though he remained non-partisan?
What did Washington proclaim November 26, 1789, to encourage national unity?
What did Washington proclaim November 26, 1789, to encourage national unity?
What policy did Washington proclaim in response to the French Revolutionary Wars?
What policy did Washington proclaim in response to the French Revolutionary Wars?
What was the Whiskey Rebellion about?
What was the Whiskey Rebellion about?
What treaty did Hamilton formulate to normalize trade relations with Britain?
What treaty did Hamilton formulate to normalize trade relations with Britain?
What did Washington stress as paramount in his Farewell Address?
What did Washington stress as paramount in his Farewell Address?
After retiring from the presidency, what did Washington offer to organize when relations with France deteriorated?
After retiring from the presidency, what did Washington offer to organize when relations with France deteriorated?
What was the primary form of Washington's wealth at the time of his death?
What was the primary form of Washington's wealth at the time of his death?
What common practice of the time did Washington order his estate overseer to perform when he had a severely inflamed throat?
What common practice of the time did Washington order his estate overseer to perform when he had a severely inflamed throat?
Who was seated at the foot of Washington's deathbed when he died?
Who was seated at the foot of Washington's deathbed when he died?
What did Martha Washington do with her correspondence with George after his death?
What did Martha Washington do with her correspondence with George after his death?
What was Washington's religious affiliation?
What was Washington's religious affiliation?
Which of Martha Washington's children suffered from epileptic attacks and died at Mount Vernon?
Which of Martha Washington's children suffered from epileptic attacks and died at Mount Vernon?
What was George Washington's birth year?
What was George Washington's birth year?
Which of these wars did George Washington participate in?
Which of these wars did George Washington participate in?
What type of crop did Washington grow at Mount Vernon?
What type of crop did Washington grow at Mount Vernon?
What was the name of the document that officially recognized American independence?
What was the name of the document that officially recognized American independence?
What role was Washington given at the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
What role was Washington given at the Constitutional Convention of 1787?
How many times was George Washington elected as President?
How many times was George Washington elected as President?
Which of these is a worry Washington expressed in his farewell address?
Which of these is a worry Washington expressed in his farewell address?
Near the end of his life, what did Washington do regarding his slaves?
Near the end of his life, what did Washington do regarding his slaves?
In what capacity did Washington serve in the Virginia House of Burgesses?
In what capacity did Washington serve in the Virginia House of Burgesses?
Who did Washington marry?
Who did Washington marry?
What role did Washington have at the College of William & Mary?
What role did Washington have at the College of William & Mary?
What army did his role as adjutant general inspire Washington to seek a commission in?
What army did his role as adjutant general inspire Washington to seek a commission in?
What movement of the American Colonists was Washington opposed to that led to boycott of British goods?
What movement of the American Colonists was Washington opposed to that led to boycott of British goods?
After the victory at Boston whom did Washington correctly guess the British would return to?
After the victory at Boston whom did Washington correctly guess the British would return to?
What system earned Washington the title of America's First Spymaster?
What system earned Washington the title of America's First Spymaster?
What French official gave Washington sound advice regarding his war efforts?
What French official gave Washington sound advice regarding his war efforts?
After resigning as commander-in-chief what project did Washington reactivate in his interests?
After resigning as commander-in-chief what project did Washington reactivate in his interests?
Whom did Washington convince to serve in Congress and weaken Jefferson's power in Virginia?
Whom did Washington convince to serve in Congress and weaken Jefferson's power in Virginia?
How did one of Washington's doctors describe the condition that caused his death?
How did one of Washington's doctors describe the condition that caused his death?
Flashcards
George Washington
George Washington
First president of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797, and commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.
American Revolutionary War
American Revolutionary War
Military conflict between Great Britain and its thirteen colonies in North America, leading to American independence.
Siege of Boston
Siege of Boston
Victory achieved by Washington and his army at Boston which forced the British to evacuate.
Continental Congress
Continental Congress
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Townshend Acts
Townshend Acts
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Trenton and Princeton Victories
Trenton and Princeton Victories
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Treaty of Paris (1783)
Treaty of Paris (1783)
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U.S. Constitution
U.S. Constitution
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Washington's Farewell Address
Washington's Farewell Address
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Whiskey Rebellion
Whiskey Rebellion
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Jay Treaty
Jay Treaty
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Treaty of San Lorenzo
Treaty of San Lorenzo
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Washington's Resignation
Washington's Resignation
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West Ford
West Ford
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Bloodletting
Bloodletting
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Cynanche trachealis
Cynanche trachealis
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Study Notes
Overview of George Washington's Life
- Born on February 22, 1732, and died December 14, 1799
- He was the first U.S. president, serving from 1789 to 1797
- Served as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War
- Considered a Founding Father and the "Father of His Country"
- Also a tobacco and wheat planter at Mount Vernon who owned slaves
Early Life and Education
- Born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, to Augustine and Mary Ball Washington
- Was the first of six children
- Became close to his older half-brother Lawrence
- Family moved to a plantation on Little Hunting Creek in 1735, then to Ferry Farm in 1738
- Inherited Ferry Farm and ten slaves when his father died in 1743
- Attended Lower Church School in Hartfield after his father died
- Learned mathematics and land surveying and became a talented draftsman and mapmaker
- Compiled "The Rules of Civility," a list of rules for social interaction
Early Career
- Visited William Fairfax's plantation, Belvoir, when he was younger
- Fairfax became a patron and surrogate father
- Surveyed Fairfax's Shenandoah Valley property in 1748 spending a month there
- Received a surveyor's license from the College of William & Mary and was appointed surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia
- Resigned as a surveyor in 1750
- Purchased almost 1,500 acres in the Shenandoah Valley by 1752
Military Career
- Accompanied Lawrence to Barbados in 1751 to treat Lawrence's tuberculosis, where he contracted smallpox
- Lawrence died in 1752, and Washington leased Mount Vernon from his widow Anne; he inherited it in 1761
- Appointed major and commander of a Virginia militia district by Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie, starting his military career
- Appointed special envoy to the French in 1753
- Tasked with demanding the French vacate British-claimed land, make peace with the Iroquois, and gather intelligence
- Met with Iroquois leader Tanacharison
- Presented the British demand to Jacques Legardeur de Saint-Pierre, the French commander, who refused
French and Indian War
- Promoted to lieutenant colonel and second-in-command of the Virginia Regiment in February 1754
- Ordered to confront the French at the Forks of the Ohio
- Commanded an ambush of a French detachment, killing commander Joseph Coulon de Jumonville
- Ambush led to Washington being blamed for "assassinating" Jumonville
- Promoted to colonel and given command of the full Virginia Regiment
- Constructed Fort Necessity in response to the initial battle
- Surrendered at Fort Necessity to French forces on July 3, 1754
- Voluntered as an aide to General Edward Braddock in 1755
- His advice led to the army splitting into a main column and a "flying column"
- Remnants of the force retreated after the Battle of the Monongahela where General Braddock was killed
- Reappointed commander of the Virginia Regiment in August 1755 with the rank of colonel
- Clashed with Captain John Dagworthy over seniority at Fort Cumberland
- Became frustrated with the failure to realize a royal commission
- Assigned to the British Forbes Expedition to capture Fort Duquesne in 1758
- Resigned his commission after the French abandoned Fort Duquesne before the assault
Marriage, Civilian, and Political Life
- Married Martha Dandridge Custis on January 6, 1759, becoming one of the wealthiest men in Virginia
- Managed Martha's Custis estate, increasing his social standing
- Inspected lands in the Ohio and Great Kanawha regions in late 1770
- Purchased land from veterans, leading to negative feelings from some
- Doubled the size of Mount Vernon and its slave population by 1775
- Served in the Virginia House of Burgesses for seven years, representing Frederick County
- Became a critic of British taxation and mercantilist policies
- Diversified his holdings from tobacco to wheat, flour milling, and hemp farming
- Used inheritance to settle debts after his stepdaughter Patsy died in 1773
Opposition to British Parliament and Crown
- Washington opposed taxes imposed by the British Parliament without proper representation
- Believed the Stamp Act 1765 was oppressive
- Angered by the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and British interference in American western land speculation
- Viewed the Coercive Acts as "an invasion of our rights and privileges"
- Drafted resolutions for the Fairfax County committee in July 1774
- Attended the First Virginia Convention and was selected as a delegate to the First Continental Congress
- Helped train militias in Virginia and organized enforcement of the Continental Association boycott
Commander in Chief of the Continental Army
- Appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on June 15, 1775, by the Second Continental Congress
- Declined a salary, only accepting expense reimbursement
- Banned the enlistment of Black soldiers initially, later overturning the ban due to British promises of freedom to slaves
- Reformed the army by instituting military drills and strict disciplinary measures
- Secured the Dorchester Heights above Boston, forcing the British to evacuate in March 1776
- Entered Boston with 500 men, explicitly ordering them not to plunder
New York and New Jersey Campaign
- Guessed the British would retaliate in New York City after the victory at Boston
- Ordered the construction of fortifications and instructed forces to respect civilians
- Washington's forces fought but were eventually forced to retreat to Manhattan
- Declined to accept a message from Howe that wasn't addressed with diplomatic protocol
- Abandoned Fort Washington in November after initial defense
- Retreat through New Jersey with reduced troops
Victories at Trenton and Princeton
- Crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania
- Launched a surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton on December 26, 1776
- Attacked British regulars at Princeton on January 3, 1777, resulting in American victory
Philadelphia Campaign and Valley Forge
- Howe outmaneuvered Washington at the Battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, capturing Philadelphia
- Patriot attack against the British at Germantown in October failed
- Wintered at Valley Forge with his army in December 1777, suffering significant losses
- Faced low troop morale and increased desertions
- A revolt by his officers prompted some members of Congress to consider removing Washington from command
- Appointed Baron Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben as Inspector General
- Strengthened army supply lines and reorganized quartermaster and commissary departments
French Alliance and Espionage
- Secured French entry into a Treaty of Alliance in early 1778
- Ordered a limited strike on the retreating British after they evacuated Philadelphia
- Developed an espionage system against the British, including the Culper Ring
- Dealt with Benedict Arnold's treason, taking personal command at West Point
Southern Theater and Victory at Yorktown
- Lafayette returned from France with more support, and 5,000 French troops arrived at Newport, Rhode Island in July 1780
- Marched to Yorktown, Virginia, with Rochambeau in 1781, known as the "celebrated march"
- Commanded a joint force, trapping the British Army and securing surrender on October 19, 1781
Demobilization and Resignation
- Calmed the Newburgh Conspiracy in March 1783
- Britain officially recognized American independence with the Treaty of Paris on September 3, 1783
- Gave a farewell address to his soldiers on November 2 and disbanded his army
- Resigned as commander-in-chief in December 1783 and was appointed president-general of the Society of the Cincinnati
Return to Mount Vernon
- Reactivated interests in the Great Dismal Swamp and Potomac Canal projects
- Undertook a trip to check on his land holdings in the Ohio Country
- Completed remodeling work at Mount Vernon
- Estate operated at a loss due to depreciated wartime currency and poor crop yields
- Cultivated fast-growing trees and native shrubs and began breeding mules
Constitutional Convention of 1787
- Called for a strong union, believing the Articles of Confederation were inadequate
- Attended the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787
- Elected to preside over the meeting
- Initially despaired over proceedings but lobbied for ratification of the Constitution
First Presidential Election
- Appointed chancellor of the College of William & Mary in 1788
- Unanimously elected president in 1789
First Term as President
- Inaugurated on April 30, 1789, in New York City
- Established precedents for the office, including the title "Mr. President" and the cabinet form of government
- Selected the first justices for the Supreme Court
- Appointed Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State, Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury, and Henry Knox as Secretary of War
- Remained non-partisan, though his advisors formed the Federalist and Jeffersonian Republican parties
- Proclaimed November 26, 1789, as a day of Thanksgiving to encourage national unity
Second Term
- Re-elected unanimously in 1792
- Issued a proclamation declaring American neutrality in 1793
- Suppressed the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania
- Resolved the Northwest Indian War at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794
- Supported the Jay Treaty to normalize trade relations with Britain, facing public criticism
- Negotiated the Treaty of San Lorenzo with Spain in 1795, settling border issues and guaranteeing access to the Mississippi River
Farewell Address
- Retired at the end of his second term
- Stressed national unity and warned against political parties and foreign alliances in his Farewell Address
- Emphasized the importance of religion and morality in a republic
Post-Presidency
- Retired to Mount Vernon in March 1797
- Supported the Alien and Sedition Acts
- Appointed commander-in-chief of the armies during the Quasi-War with France in 1798
- Operated a distillery for whiskey production and invested in land around the new Federal City
- Estate worth an estimated $780,000 at the time of his death
Death
- Inspected his farms on horseback in inclement weather on December 12, 1799
- Developed a sore throat and difficulty breathing
- Underwent bloodletting and received treatment from doctors
- Died on December 14, 1799, with his last words being "'Tis well."
Funeral and Burial
- Funeral held on December 18, 1799, at Mount Vernon
- Buried in the Washington family vault
- Remains placed in a marble sarcophagus in 1837
Views on Slavery
- Owned at least 577 slaves during his lifetime
- Initially aligned with Virginia planters' views on slavery
- Gradually grew to oppose slavery, influenced by revolutionary principles
- Privately supported emancipation but remained publicly silent
- Emancipated his valet Billy Lee and provided for the manumission of his slaves in his will
Religious and Spiritual Views
- Baptized as an infant and was a member of the Anglican Church
- Referred to God in American Enlightenment terms
- Acknowledged major religious sects and opposed state religion
- Was a Freemason and charter Master of Alexandria Masonic lodge No. 22 in 1788–1789
Personal Life
- Married Martha Dandridge Custis but had no biological children together
- Raised Martha's children and grandchildren
- Was reserved but known for his strong presence
- Taller than most contemporaries, with grey-blue eyes and reddish-brown hair
- Suffered from severe tooth decay and used false teeth
Legacy
- Remembered as the "Father of His Country" and one of the most influential figures in American history
- Memorialized with numerous namesakes and monuments, including Washington, D.C., and the Washington Monument
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