George Washington and The Washington Monument
When the Revolutionary War ended, no man in the United States commanded more respect than George Washington. Americans celebrated his ability to win the war despite limited supplies and inexperienced men. They admired his decision to refuse a salary and accept only reimbursements for his expenses. He had even rejected a proposal by some of his soldiers to make him king of the new country. It was not only what Washington did but the way he did it. Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, described him as "polite with dignity, affable without familiarity, distant without haughtiness, grave without austerity, modest, wise, and good."
George Washington
Washington retired to his plantation at Mount Vernon after the war, but he soon had to decide whether to return to public life. It became clear that the Articles of Confederation had left the Federal Government too weak to levy taxes, regulate trade, or control its borders. Men such as James Madison began calling for a convention that would strengthen its authority. Washington was reluctant to attend. He had business affairs to manage at Mount Vernon. He worried about his reputation and the future of the country if he did not go to Philadelphia. He finally decided that "to see this nation happy...is so much the wish of my soul," and he served as one of Virginia’s representatives. The other delegates chose him to preside over their deliberations, which ultimately produced the U.S. Constitution.
A key part of the Constitution was the development of the office of President. No one seemed more qualified to fill that position than Washington. The year 1789 began the first of his two terms. He used the nation’s respect for him to develop respect for this new office. At the same time, he tried to quiet fears that the President would become as powerful as the king the new country had fought against. He tried to create the kind of solid government he thought the nation needed. He supported a national bank, collected taxes to pay for expenses, and strengthened the Army and Navy. Though many people wanted him to stay for a third term, in 1797 he again retired to Mount Vernon.
George Washington’s inauguration
Washington died suddenly two years later. His death produced great sadness, and it restarted attempts to honor him. As early as 1783, the Continental Congress had decided that a statue of George Washington would be built at the place where Congress would be established. The proposal called for engraving on the statue that explained that it had been built "in honor of George Washington, the illustrious Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States of America.” It was easy to understand why nothing happened while the government lacked a permanent home. However, there was little progress even after Congress had settled on Washington, DC, as the new capital.
Ten days after President Washington’s death, a Congressional committee recommended a different type of monument. John Marshall, a Representative from Virginia, proposed that a tomb be built within the Capitol. But a lack of funds and disagreement over what type of memorial would best honor the country’s first president prevented progress on any project. The Washington family was also reluctant to move the president’s body.
The Washington Monument today
Progress towards a memorial finally began in 1833. That year marked the 100th anniversary of Washington’s birth. A large group of concerned citizens formed the Washington National Monument Society. They began collecting donations for the monument. By the middle of the 1830s, they had raised over $28,000 and announced a competition for the design of the memorial.
Source: The National Park Service, Public Domain, adapted by the Freckle Team
The Washington Monument is a memorial built in honor of George Washington, the first President of the United States. After Washington's death in 1799, there were various proposals for a monument to memorialize him, but progress did not begin until 1833, on the centennial anniversary of Washington's birth. The Washington National Monument Society was formed by concerned citizens who collected donations for the monument. By the mid-1830s, they had raised over $28,000 and announced a competition for the design of the memorial.
The Washington Monument, as it stands today, was designed by Robert Mills and construction began in 1848. However, due to funding issues, construction was halted in 1854 and did not resume until 1876. It was finally completed and dedicated in 1885, becoming the tallest structure in the world at that time.
The Washington Monument stands as a symbol of George Washington's leadership and contributions to the United States. It is a prominent landmark in Washington, D.C., and is visited by millions of tourists each year.
Which of the following pieces of evidence support the analysis that George Washington was a well-respected leader? Select all that apply.
The American people wanted to build a monument to commemorate Washington immediately after his death.
The Washington family was reluctant to move the president’s body to be buried in the Capitol.
Washington retired to his plantation at Mount Vernon after the war.
The American people felt it was only right that Washington serve as their president.
The pieces of evidence that support the analysis that George Washington was a well-respected leader are:
- The American people wanted to build a monument to commemorate Washington immediately after his death.
- Washington retired to his plantation at Mount Vernon after the war.
- The American people felt it was only right that Washington serve as their president.
These pieces of evidence demonstrate the admiration and respect that the American people had for George Washington.
What is the meaning of the word “austerity” as it is used in the text?
Lightheartedness
Sternness
Humility
Happiness
The meaning of the word "austerity" as it is used in the text is sternness.
How does the second paragraph contribute to the text?
It explains why Washington was admired by many.
It explains the challenges of creating a monument for Washington.
It explains the design of the Washington Monument.
It explains Washington’s commitment to his country.
The second paragraph contributes to the text by explaining Washington's commitment to his country. It discusses his decision to attend the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia despite having other responsibilities and concerns, emphasizing his dedication to the well-being and happiness of the nation.
How would George Washington be portrayed in a film version of the text?
As a person concerned with status
As an overbearing ruler
As a good-natured, humble leader
As a serious and arrogant man
Based on the information provided in the text, George Washington would be portrayed as a good-natured, humble leader in a film version. The text highlights his polite, dignified, and affable demeanor, as well as his modesty, wisdom, and goodness. It presents him as someone who refused a salary, rejected a proposal to become king, and was committed to serving and creating a solid government for the nation.
How would George Washington be portrayed in a film version of the text?
As a person concerned with status
As an overbearing ruler
As a good-natured, humble leader
As a serious and arrogant man