Needless to say, almost every school boy and girl can recite
Georgie’s accomplishments ad nauseum–well, at least my kids can:
Planter (and slaveowner), surveyer, inadvertantly began the
first real “world war” in the French and Indian War, delegate to
the Virginia House of Burgesses, commander of the Continental
Army, president of the Constitutional Convention, and of course
the first President under the document that came out of said
convention. Attached is a scene from the 1999 A&E film The
Crossing, which deals with Washington’s Christmas victory at
Trenton in 1776. General Horatio Gates, a former British
soldier, outlies his reservations about Washington’s plan–and
Washington himself. In his response, played by Jeff Daniels, you
can note Washington’s stature, resolve, reckless nature and his
fiery temper: something often forgotten about him. It’s a great
scene to use in the classroom to compare with the idealized
Washington of paintings, prints, books and film. Hope you enjoy
the rest of Washington’s birth