George Washington
 |
George Washington:
First in War,
First in Peace, and
First in the Hearts of His Countrymen |
LESSON THREE: Integrity and Firmness is
All I Can Promise: The Washington Presidency
This lesson addresses George Washington's leadership as President of the United States. The documents in the lesson range from a few days before his inauguration through his presidency and includes one letter from retirement that summarizes foreign policy issues between the United States and the French Republic. The documents explore several key issues during the administration that Washington highlighted in his Farewell Address of September 19, 1796.
Preliminary Activity:
- Study and discuss George Washington, A Reluctant Leader to set the stage for a discussion of key issues during Washington's two terms as President of the United States.
- Refer to textbook accounts of Washington's administration and list the accomplishments and unresolved issues of his presidency.
Discussion:
- Divide the class into four groups and assign each one of the following topics: Federal Union, Political Factions, Whiskey Rebellion, and Permanent Alliances.
- Working in groups, students read and discuss Washington's views on each topic as revealed in his correspondence.
Group 1 - Federal Union
Consider such questions as:
- How is the American nation guided by divine providence?
- According to Washington, why is the United States unique among nations of the world?
- How does government best serve the interests of the people?
- What are the feelings of Southerners toward the national government? According to Washington, what factors are responsible for these attitudes?
- What concerns does Washington express regarding future adherence to the excise tax on whiskey?
Group 2 - Political Factions
Consider such questions as:
- According to Washington, should differences of opinion be put aside in the interest of unity?
- How do political factors obstruct the functions of government?
- Why does Washington feel that the nation will be torn asunder by political factions?
- According to Washington, what role have gazettes (newspapers) played in promoting discord?
- What is the tone of Washington's letter to Jefferson?
Group 3 - Whiskey Rebellion
| For additional evidence explore: |
|
Consider such questions as:
- Why does Washington believe it is important for the government to act?
- According to Washington, what are the consequences of taking no action?
- What is Washington referring to when he says "we may bid adieu to all government in this Country, except Mob and Club Govt."?
- In Washington's view, once a law is passed by the Congress what is the responsibility of citizens?
- According to Washington, to what extent was Citizen Edmund Genet, the French ambassador, responsible for the discontent in western Pennsylvania?
Group 4 - Permanent Alliances
Consider such questions as:
- Why is Washington concerned over the outbreak of war in Europe?
- Why does Washington believe there is a need for immediate action?
- Why did Washington feel neutrality was the wisest course of action?
- According to Washington, was the Proclamation of Neutrality a violation of the Franco-American alliance?
- Why would Washington advise the nation to "steer clear of permanent alliances?" In your opinion, was this good advice in the 1790s? Would you consider it a wise policy in today's world? Explain.
For additional evidence on Washington's admonition to avoid permanent alliances, search on Genet (Citizen Edmund Genet, the French Ambassador to the United States).
- Review George Washington’s September 17, 1796, Farewell Address for sections that relate to the topic your group investigated.
- Prepare a report to the class explaining Washington's views on the subject under investigation. What advice did Washington offer to the nation? Why?
Culminating Activities:
Write an essay developing one topic that Washington discussed in his Farewell Address and explain how his comments were either consistent with or diverged from policy statements during his administration.
Today, the warning about political parties and "entangling" alliances are the two issues most commonly referred to in the Farewell Address. Read sections from the Farewell Address that relate to both these issues. Assume the role of a modern television journalist and prepare a news program relating these issues to the present day.
Standards:
McREL 4th Edition Standards & Benchmarks
Civics
Standard 29. Understands the importance of political leadership, public service, and a knowledgeable citizenry in American constitutional democracy
Historical Understanding
Standard 1. Understands and knows how to analyze chronological relationships and patterns
Standard 2. Understands the historical perspective
Language Arts
Standard 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Standard 7. Uses reading skills and strategies to understand and interpret a variety of informational texts
Extension Activities
What are the paramount issues included in Washington's Farewell Address? From Washington's perspective, how are domestic and foreign policy issues interrelated?
"Chart the points Washington makes in his Farewell Address under the headings, Personal Reflections, Admonitions, and Recommendations." What does Washington have to say regarding each of these issues.
What central issues of the day were not included in Washington's Farewell? Why do you think they were omitted? Explain.
Research how later generations have viewed Washington's Farewell Address.
|
