100 American People

Source: eslfast.com

George Washington was the first President of the United States, winning every vote in both the 1789 and 1793 elections. Before becoming president, he led the American army against the British and is famous for his bold crossing of the Delaware River in a harsh winter, which helped turn the war in the colonies’ favor. He also guided his troops through the terrible winter at Valley Forge, where many soldiers died but the army emerged stronger and ready to fight. Washington’s smart leadership and determination earned him the title “Father of His Country.” His actions were key to the creation of the new nation.

unanimous

Definition: Receiving the same vote from all electors, as Washington did in both of his presidential elections.
Example: Washington’s unanimous victory in the first American election made him the nation’s first president.

Commander-in-Chief

Definition: The chief leader of the military forces, a role Washington held over the First Continental Army.
Example: As Commander-in-Chief, Washington directed the army that fought the British before the United States was established.

Crossing

Definition: The daring operation of moving troops across the Delaware River during winter to launch an attack.
Example: Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware river enabled the Americans to capture New Jersey and shift the war’s momentum.

Valley Forge

Definition: The winter encampment in Pennsylvania where Washington’s army endured harsh conditions but emerged ready for battle.
Example: At Valley Forge, 3,000 soldiers died, yet the remaining troops survived thanks to Washington’s training and preparedness.

military intelligence

Definition: The strategic understanding and planning ability that Washington displayed, earning him the nickname “Father of His Country.”
Example: Washington’s military intelligence guided the successful operations that led to the birth of the nation.

In what year did George Washington first become President?

1789
1793
1777
1776

How many electoral votes did Washington receive in his second election?

50%
75%
100%
0%

Which river did Washington cross during the famous winter attack?

Mississippi River
Ohio River
Delaware River
Hudson River

Approximately how many troops did Washington lead to Valley Forge?

3,000
11,000
20,000
5,000

What nickname was given to Washington for his military intelligence?

The Lion of the North
The Father of His Country
The Eagle of Freedom
The Sword of Liberty

Do you think George Washington truly deserves the title “greatest American”? Why or why not?
Have you ever faced a tough decision like Washington’s crossing of the Delaware? Share what happened.
What might have happened to the Revolutionary War if Washington had not crossed the Delaware River in winter?
Why do you think Washington chose Valley Forge as the place to stay during the harsh winter?
Some people say Washington’s unanimous elections show his popularity; others think there were no real opponents. Which view do you agree with?
Should leaders always take risky actions like the crossing of the Delaware? Why or why not?
Imagine you are a soldier at Valley Forge. Write a short diary entry describing the winter experience.
If you could interview George Washington, what three questions would you ask about his leadership?
Do you agree that Washington earned the nickname “Father of His Country” because of his military intelligence? Explain your answer.
How did the training and preparedness of Washington’s officers help the army survive the winter at Valley Forge?

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100

2 years, 3 months and 12 days ago Level: Upper-Intermediate (B2)

George Washington: The Father of the Country

There may be no greater American than George Washington. Washington became the first United States President in 1789 with his unanimous victory in the first American election. He was also unanimously elected to a second term in 1793, the only president ever to garner 100 percent of the electoral votes. Washington was also the Commander-in-Chief of the First Continental Army that fought the British when the country was not yet established.

His epic "Crossing of the Delaware" river to recover New York City is still considered one of the greatest military moves in the history of warfare. At the time of the crossing, the British had taken Boston and New York. The Continental Army was on the run and disorganized, but Washington had a plan. He decided to take his troops across the Delaware River in the middle of winter. This was a move that many military minds thought impossible, but not Washington. The Americans were able to take New Jersey, and change the course of the war.

Another landmark moment for Washington was the winter at Valley Forge. In 1777, Washington led an army of more than 11,000 troops into Valley Forge in Pennsylvania, where the army suffered through a cold winter that claimed the lives of 3,000 men. When the spring arrived, instead of a demoralized, beaten group of soldiers, the army emerged battle ready, and able to continue the fight against the English in New York. The army was able to survive the fierce winter because of the training, and preparedness of Washington's officers. Washington earned the nickname, "The Father of His Country," because of his military intelligence that led to the birth of the nation.