Understanding Washington: His First Inaugural Address and Farewell Address
Guiding Question
- How did George Washington’s leadership and decisions shape the early republic?
Objectives
- Students will describe the impact of Washington on shaping the early republic.
- Students will consider the long-term impact that Washington had on our country.
Engage
- Glossary terms: virtue, precedent
- Begin class by asking students why they think George Washington is such an important figure for our country, even to this day. Answers may include “he was our first president” or “he helped lead our country in the Revolutionary War.” Tell students that as the first president, Washington had a lot of responsibilities.
- Say: “Washington shaped what the role of the president would be and how the office would function. He served as a unifying figure for a young country that needed a virtuous leader to help it grow stronger, and he stepped down from power after serving for two terms, establishing a precedent that was followed for nearly 150 years.”
Explore
- Write the definition of the word “humility” on the board. Tell students to keep this word in mind as they read.
- A recognition that one’s ignorance is far greater than one’s knowledge. Putting others ahead of ourselves in thought, word, and deed. A willingness to give others credit and to admit when we are wrong.
- Distribute the First Inaugural Address Primary Source activity to read individually or in groups. Once students finish reading, have them answer the comprehension questions.
- Transition: Washington served for two terms as president. While there were no restrictions on term limits, he decided to step down and not run again for a third term. We will now watch a video on what he said in his Farewell Address upon leaving office.
- Distribute the Washington’s Farewell Address Viewing Guide for students to use to follow along with Primary Source Essentials: Washington’s Farewell Address Video
Assess & Reflect
- As a reflection, have students individually or in groups draft a couple of paragraphs answering these questions:
- What was the impact of Washington on shaping the early republic?
- What is the long-term impact that Washington had on our country?
- Write the definitions of responsibility and prudence on the board.
- Responsibility: Acting on good judgment about what is right or wrong even when it is not popular. Individuals
must take care of themselves, their families, and their fellow citizens/others in civil society and a republic and
be vigilant to preserve their own liberty and the liberty of others. - Prudence: Practical wisdom that applies reason and other virtues to discern the right courses of action in specific situations.
- Responsibility: Acting on good judgment about what is right or wrong even when it is not popular. Individuals
- Ask students “Consider the virtues of humility, responsibility, and prudence. Who is a person in your life who you think demonstrates one of these?” Potential people could include a parent, grandparent, or older member of their community. Have students make an art image depicting how the person demonstrates this virtue.