Segment One

An elderly George Washington and his lifelong friend, Dr. Craik, remember two incidents that occurred before the Revolutionary War. As a young soldier on the western frontier of Virginia, Washington encountered and killed a French Ambassador. This incident started the French and Indian War. Although the young officer's mistake was met with shock, the elderly Washington reflects that it taught him the lessons of military leadership. Years later, as a Virginia Burgess, he led the fight for non-importation of English goods into Virginia. This stand thrust him into the political arena that foreshadowed his Presidency.

Speak with the elderly Washington and our 21st-century historian.

Segment Two

As the Revolutionary War wound down, Washington was called upon to squelch an uprising among his officers. The officers gathered in a farmhouse in Newburgh, New York to disband the army unless Congress paid them for their war efforts. In an emotional speech, Washington reminded the men that service to their country outweighed personal gain. In 1792, after his first term as President, Washington considered retiring from public life. During his only visit to Mount Vernon, Thomas Jefferson convinced Washington to remain as President for another term because he was the only man that could hold the fledgling nation together.

Speak with the elderly Washington and our 21st-century historian.

Don't Forget:

Historians and staff are available to answer questions from your students for one hour after each broadcast.

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