151. The Founding Fathers: George Washington (Ep 1)
May 22, 2024
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Explore the fascinating early life of George Washington, from his ordinary beginnings to his motivations as a soldier. Discover the man behind the myth, including his complex relationships and the moral contradictions of his slave-holding past. Delve into Washington's early ambitions as a land surveyor and his romantic pursuits amidst the backdrop of colonial Virginia. Uncover his pivotal role in the chaotic lead-up to the Seven Years' War and the intertwined destinies of colonists and Native Americans as he navigated ambition and authority.
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Quick takeaways
Washington's childhood debunked myth, complexities of slave ownership revealed.
Struggling painter Gilbert Stewart faces Washington's reserved nature and fierce persona.
From surveyor to key figure in French and Indian Wars, Washington showcases bravery and leadership.
Deep dives
The Making of George Washington
George Washington's childhood myth is debunked. Mason Lock Weems created false anecdotes to glorify Washington, presenting him as a saintly figure. Washington's life is chronicled, revealing his complexities, including being a slave owner and a plantation man.
Gilbert Stewart's Artistic Encounter with Washington
Gilbert Stewart, a painter in financial trouble, aims to paint Washington's portrait to clear his debts. Despite trying to connect with Washington, Stewart faces the general's reserved nature and reveals a fierce persona hidden beneath his composed exterior.
Washington's Early Life and Family Dynamics
Washington's birth is described as a difficult delivery, with his mother suffering. Raised in a dysfunctional family environment, he shoulders adult responsibilities from a young age, showing resentment towards his mother. His family history reflects social mobility and scandalous behaviors, influencing his later decisions.
Washington's Military Journey and Experiences
From a young surveyor to a key figure in the French and Indian Wars, Washington showcases bravery and leadership. His disillusionment with British military tactics leads to him resigning his commission. Observing their incompetence, he sets the stage for his military and political ascent.
Marriage, Land Speculation, and Virginia's Transformation
Marriage to Martha elevates Washington's social status, merging vast landholdings. Engaged in land speculation and political growth, Washington becomes a prominent figure in Virginia's evolution. His ties to Freemasonry and knowledge of slave treatment reveal his complex involvement in societal norms and power dynamics.
Everybody knows Washington as the strapping, powerful general and then president who helped to overthrow the British and forge America, but how did he get there? He was born into a respectable Virginian planter family, had an ordinary education and, with the exception of his tortured relationship with his mother, had a childhood of no note. However, as a young man he sought out the world and learnt all he could from it. He fought as a soldier alongside the British where he displayed his capacity for immense bravery and his ability to motivate men, setting him on his path to his great achievement. But he was not a saint, his great passion was farming and to work his farm he had vast numbers of slaves. He consistently sought to expand his land too, normally at the expense of the Native Americans. Join William and Anita as they discuss the complexity of George Washington and his life before the American Revolution.