Very Presidential with Ashley Flowers George Washington: (Almost) Our First Zombie President
Nov 10, 2020
George Washington's complex legacy is unpacked, revealing a mix of myth and harsh reality. His military blunders, obsession with salary, and role in a major international war are highlighted. The discussion dives into his reluctant rise to presidency, awkward inauguration, and notable relationships with figures like Hamilton and Jefferson. Intriguingly, a bizarre attempt to resurrect him post-death adds a quirky twist. Ultimately, Washington's contradictions regarding slavery and political division are examined with a critical lens.
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Washington's Myth Versus Reality
- George Washington is deeply mythologized; many childhood stories about him are false or exaggerated.
- Ashley Flowers shows how myths like the cherry tree and wooden teeth obscure a more complex historical figure.
The Jumonville Ambush That Sparked War
- At 22, Lieutenant Colonel Washington ambushed a French diplomatic party and killed Joseph Coulon de Jumonville, sparking wider conflict.
- That skirmish escalated into the Seven Years' War and unexpectedly boosted Washington's fame.
Money, Marriage, And Power
- Washington's resentment over unequal military pay contributed to his resignation from the British Army and shaped his political trajectory.
- His marriage to Martha Custis instantly increased his wealth, land, and enslaved labor force.