| Today's lesson |
 In
this lesson you will learn about George Washington. You will watch
the video or read the video script and take a test to check
your listening and reading comprehension.
Focus: listening, reading |
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| Read the video
script |
Hi. In the classroom today you will learn about George Washington.
George Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732.
He was born on the family's Pope's Creek Estate near present-day
Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia.
He was the first son of Augustine Washington and his second wife,
Mary Ball Washington.
George Washington was introduced to Martha Dandridge Custis by
friends of Martha when George was on leave from the French and
Indian War.
George only visited her home twice before proposing marriage to her
3 weeks after they met.
George and Martha were each 27 years old when they married on
January 6th, 1759.
The newlywed couple moved to Mount Vernon.
George Washington led the Continental Army to victory over the
Kingdom of Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War from 1775
to 1783.
The Continental Congress appointed Washington commander-in-chief of
the American revolutionary forces in 1775.
The following year, he forced the British out of Boston, lost New
York City, and crossed the Delaware River in New Jersey, defeating
the surprised enemy units.
As a result of his strategy, Revolutionary forces captured the two
main British combat armies at Saratoga and Yorktown.
Negotiating with Congress, the colonial states, and French allies,
he held together a tenuous army and a fragile nation.
Following the end of the war in 1783, Washington returned to private
life and retired to his plantation at Mount Vernon.
He presided over the Philadelphia Convention that drafted the United
States Constitution in 1787 because of general dissatisfaction with
the Articles of Confederation.
George Washington became President of the United States in 1789.
George Washington served as the President of the United States of
America from 1789 to 1797.
He sought to create a great nation capable of surviving in a world
torn asunder by war between Britain and France.
His unilateral Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793 provided a basis
for avoiding any involvement in foreign conflicts.
He supported plans to build a strong central government by funding
the national debt, implementing an effective tax system, and
creating a national bank.
Washington avoided the temptation of war and began a decade of peace
with Britain via the Jay Treaty in 1795.
Washington's farewell address was a primer on republican virtue and
a stern warning against partisanship, sectionalism, and involvement
in foreign wars.
Washington is seen as a symbol of the United States and
republicanism in practice.
His devotion to civic virtue made him an exemplary figure among
early American politicians.
Until next time. |
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Take the test |
 George
Washington was a very important and popular United States
President. Watch the video or read the video script.
Then take the following test to check your listening
and reading comprehension skills. |
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1. George Washington was born on which date?
2. George Washington was born in which state?
3. Who were George Washington's parents?
4. Who did George Washington marry?
5. What age were George and Martha when they were married?
6. Where did George and Martha move to after they were married?
7. The American Revolutionary War was fought during which years?
8. Where did Washington return to in 1783?
9. George Washington was president during which years?
10. Washington began a decade of peace with Britain via which
treaty in 1795?
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