Washington: The First Man of the Republic

This episode will look at the political theory and social status of George Washington. Remembered by Henry Lee as, "First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen," Washington occupied an ambiguous place in the nation. For here was a country premised on social and political equality, yet with an individual who clearly was its first person. Washington was keenly aware of his role in the nation, and sought to be a unifying figure who stood above faction, while promoting economic development that would bring the disparate parts of the nation together.