Oct 16, 2026 · 26 min · 10 segments
So you wanna learn about American History, eh? Whether you are a history buff, or you want to figure out how America got to the screwed up place it's in now, this is the place to start your quest for…
Without George Washington, there may have been no victory in the Revolutionary War, and thus no United States.
North and South, states' rights and strong federal government advocates, abolitionists and slaveholders, he was the glue that held it all together.
As we shall see throughout this series, temperament is the common denominator of the greatest presidents, and in Washington, it was his most admired quality.
Washington had a gravity that made him a natural leader of men, a dignity such that even brilliant minds like Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton recognized him as a superior.
To turn him into some kind of remote, stately figure would be a disservice, although understandable, because the country owes him everything.
Born into middling status in Virginia, then the most populous British colony, Washington became an officer in the militia just before the French and Indian War, a time when the collision between French and British empires for the domination of North America was inevitable.
In 1753, the 22-year-old Major Washington was sent to what is now Pittsburgh in a contested region known as Ohio Country.
The incident, known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen, had international repercussions, as both France and England sent troops to North America to protect their colonial interests.
War was formally declared in 1756, and Washington was made a colonel in the Virginia Regiment.
His military experience during this time would provide invaluable insight into British war tactics, as well as a chance to hone his leadership skills.
He realized that having numerous state militias was ineffective because there was no singular command.
This made Washington a firm believer in a strong central authority for the country.
After the war, Washington married a wealthy widow, Martha Custis, and became a successful planter at Mount Vernon.
Without George Washington, there may have been no victory in the Revolutionary War, and thus no United States.
North and South, states' rights and strong federal government advocates, abolitionists and slaveholders, he was the glue that held it all together.
As we shall see throughout this series, temperament is the common denominator of the greatest presidents, and in Washington, it was his most admired quality.
Washington had a gravity that made him a natural leader of men, a dignity such that even brilliant minds like Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton recognized him as a superior.
To turn him into some kind of remote, stately figure would be a disservice, although understandable, because the country owes him everything.
Born into middling status in Virginia, then the most populous British colony, Washington became an officer in the militia just before the French and Indian War, a time when the collision between French and British empires for the domination of North America was inevitable.
In 1753, the 22-year-old Major Washington was sent to what is now Pittsburgh in a contested region known as Ohio Country.
The incident, known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen, had international repercussions, as both France and England sent troops to North America to protect their colonial interests.
War was formally declared in 1756, and Washington was made a colonel in the Virginia Regiment.
His military experience during this time would provide invaluable insight into British war tactics, as well as a chance to hone his leadership skills.
He realized that having numerous state militias was ineffective because there was no singular command.
This made Washington a firm believer in a strong central authority for the country.
After the war, Washington married a wealthy widow, Martha Custis, and became a successful planter at Mount Vernon.
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