George Washington
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George Washington:
First in War,
First in Peace, and
First in the Hearts of His Countrymen |
LESSON ONE: Honor and Passion for Glory:
George Washington in the Ohio Valley
This lesson examines ways in which George Washington demonstrated his leadership abilities as a young British colonial officer. Textbooks make little reference to his military career during the mid-eighteenth century Anglo-French contest for empire. The lesson includes a reading to acquaint students with Washington's first adventures as a military leader and draws upon his letterbooks to explore his role in the struggle between Britain and France for control of North America between 1753 and 1758.
Preliminary Activity:
- Set the stage for the lesson by brainstorming leadership traits. Discuss the qualities of a good leader. What are the responsibilities of leadership? Record and save student responses to reference at the conclusion of the lesson.
- Read selections from a textbook or encyclopedia on the eighteenth-century colonial conflicts between Britain and France in North America leading up to the Seven Years' War (French and Indian War).
- Examine a map of colonial North America ca. 1750.
- Why were both Britain and France interested in the Ohio Valley?
- What English colonies laid claim to the Ohio Valley?
- Students can read and discuss George Washington: Making of a Military Leader.
- How might the Ohio Company of Virginia influence actions taken by the House of Burgesses regarding the colony's interest in the Ohio Valley?
- What were the prospects for success of this mission?
- Why would Washington want to assume command of the mission?
- Distribute (or use a transparency to project) an excerpt of "The humble Address of the Officers of the Virginia Regiment" who served under George Washington on the occasion of his retirement as commander of the Virginia Regiment in 1758.
What does the address by officers under Washington's command indicate regarding his military leadership?
Discussion:
Divide the class into five groups to read different documents revealing Washington's perspective on the campaign about which the officers of the Virginia Regiment had expressed their sentiments. Groups report to the entire class on their readings regarding the difficulties Washington faced during his campaign in the Ohio Valley. Students should take notes during the group presentations. Refer students to the Lesson Timeline to help them place their reading in a historical context.
Group 1
Consider such questions as:
- What was the tone of Washington's reply to the invitation to accept a commission under Governor Sharpe's command?
- What are the reasons Washington gives for rejecting the appointment?
- To what extent would Washington's reply to Governor Sharpe's offer reflect negatively on his military career?
- What does this letter reveal about Washington's character?
Group 2
Consider such questions as:
- Why would Washington wish to serve under General Braddock as a volunteer?
- Would service under General Braddock enhance Washington's military career?
- Under what conditions would Washington serve?
- Why do you think General Braddock would agree to Washington's request for special privileges?
- What does the letter to William Bird reveal about Washington's motives for serving under General Braddock?
Group 3
Consider such questions as:
- According to Washington, what was the reason for the British defeat at the hands of a smaller French and Indian force?
- How does Washington describe the actions of the British regulars in the battle?
- What were the consequences of the British defeat?
Group 4
Consider such questions as:
- How does Washington respond to accusations against him?
- How does Washington defend himself?
- What is the tone of the letter?
- How does Virginia Governor Dinwiddie respond?
Group 5
Consider such questions as:
- What is Washington's assessment of the situation on the frontier in his letter to Virginia Governor Dinwiddie?
- How does Washington describe the fall of Fort Duquesne to Virginia Governor Fauquier?
- What credit does Washington give to his troops during the long campaign to dislodge the French from the Ohio Valley?
- How does the British victory affect relations with the Indians?
Culminating Activities:
- Discuss how Washington succeeded in becoming a prominent figure in the Virginia militia.
- What risks was Washington willing to take in order to achieve recognition?
- What leadership qualities did he demonstrate during the 1753-54 expedition?
- In the 1754-58 campaign?
- What advice would you have given Washington if you had served as his adjutant during the campaigns against the French in the Ohio Valley?
- Assume the role of a member of the House of Burgesses and draft a resolution recognizing Washington's service to Virginia between 1753 and 1758.
- Review leadership traits from the earlier brainstorming activity. Does Washington exemplify these qualities? Explain.
Extension Activities
- Compare Washington's letters to Virginia Governor Dinwiddie during the Ohio Valley campaigns with his letters to the Continental Congress during the American Revolution regarding the failure to provide adequate supplies and monetary support for the military.
- What was the basis for Washington's criticisms of the Virginia governor and House of Burgesses during the campaigns against the French in the Ohio Valley?
- How did Washington react to the failure of the Continental Congress to adequately supply his forces during the American Revolution?
- What similarities do you see in Washington's letters to Governor Dinwiddie and in his later chastisements of the Continental Congress?
- How do these letters reflect on Washington as a military leader?
- A military leader is often called upon to deal with desertion within his command.
- How did Washington handle deserters during the Ohio Valley campaigns? Compare this with Washington's disciplinary actions during the American Revolution. Search on deserters and select from letters corresponding to the dates of Washington's campaigns, 1754-58 and 1775-83.
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