Why was George Washington important?

1. Why was George Washington important?

2. Objectives In this activity you will: • Learn the importance of George Washington. • Discuss how he compares to other presidents.

3. Why was George Washington important? When judging the importance of an historical figure, as historians we should consider questions such as the following: • Did they have an important impact on historical events? • Were they successful? • Did their actions have a long-term impact on the world? • How did their actions compare to the actions and impact of other historical individuals?

4. Why was George Washington important? Firstly, we need to be clear on what Washington did. Read through the following two slides to learn about Washington, and write a paragraph explaining why you think he was important.

5. Why was George Washington important? • George Washington led colonial rebels to victory during the American War of independence between the years 1775-1783. • He successfully kept the army together during the bitter winter of 1776-1777. Without him, the American army may have disintegrated. • During the war, he helped to keep the Thirteen Colonies united. • He was the first President of the USA between 1789-1797. • He helped to shape the American Constitution, which still exists today. • He helped to shape the powers of an American President.

6. Why was George Washington important? • Washington served a second term as President when he wanted to retire. Again he acted as a force for unity between the different colonies. • In 1794, he signed the Jay Treaty with Britain, which re-established trading links. Many Americans criticised him for signing this treaty. • He refused to serve a third term as President and he advised that America should not be drawn into European Affairs. • By the end of the 19th century and into the 20th century, America became one of the most powerful countries in the world.

7. Why was George Washington important? Completing the following tasks will help you to decide the relative importance of George Washington as compared to other American presidents. • Using the internet and help from your class teacher, find out when these men were President of the USA. • Arrange them in the correct chronological order. • Now try to find between one and four different reasons why these presidents have been considered to be important. • Write a paragraph explaining whether George Washington was more or less important then the other presidents.

8. American Presidents

9. Remember When judging the importance of an historical figure, as historians we should consider questions such as the following: • Did they have an important impact on historical events? • Were they successful? • Did their actions have a long-term impact on the world? • How did their actions compare to the actions and impact of other historical individuals?