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Introduction

George Washington has become such an institutional figure, at least in the United States, that the source of his prominence is easily lost. Cities, streets, bridges, schools, parks, and an entire State have all been named in his honour. His image is on the US currency, coins and postage stamps. Many manufacturers, keen for association with his reputation of virtue, strength and honesty, put his image on their products to boost sales. As recently as 2010, Washington was shown leading a charge in a Dodge Challenger TV commercial. Turning him into a symbol, however, risks losing him as a man.

Born into a middle-class family, Washington became one of the richest men in the colonies. By the age of twenty-two, his name was well known on both sides of the Atlantic. He was unanimously elected as commander-in-chief of an army that would go on to win independence. Behind the scenes, he orchestrated a coup d’état which resulted in the creation and implementation of the Constitution, still used in the United States today. Subsequently, he went on to be unanimously elected as its first president. In voluntarily resigning his office, Washington singlehandedly redefined the idea of greatness itself. Formerly, ‘great’ leaders earned esteem by conquering an enemy and subduing its people; during the Age of Divine Right, greatness was a reflection of the ruler’s ability to put down threats to the throne. Washington defied these definitions when he walked away from power twice, at the end of the Revolution and after the presidency (which he could have held for life).

When compared with fellow American leaders, Washington was not a particularly original thinker, but his ego-less leadership proved a vital and assured presence. So who was the man George Washington, what did he achieve, and why is he still considered one of the most influential people in history?

This, in an hour, is the story of George Washington.