A President's Vision

George Washington

1st President of the United States
April 30, 1789–March 4, 1797

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen,” George Washington was the unanimous selection to become the first president of the United States under the Constitution. As the hero of the Revolutionary War, he had the stature and credibility to take on the leadership of the fragile new nation, and he assumed the role with dignity and humility. His popularity helped convince the American people of the necessity, effectiveness, and safety of a strong national government.

Describing his efforts as “walking on untrodden ground,” Washington set precedent with every action of his administration. Working with Congress, he established the cabinet as an advisory body; raised bonds, taxes, and tariffs to cover the national debt and pay for government operations; and helped plan the new capital city on the Potomac. In the international arena, he relied on diplomacy to remain “unentangled in the crooked politics of Europe.” He believed that the United States must grow on its own, free of international alliances, in order to prosper. Though he preferred to govern with an even hand, keeping himself above the fray, tumultuous politics at home and treacherous politics abroad forced him to make decisions and assert policies that created opposition.

Before leaving office, he wrote a moving message to the American people warning of the political dangers he saw threatening his cherished Union. His Farewell Address continues to be read to the Senate every year on February 22nd.

Teacher Resources

At First Glance Worksheet 

A brief worksheet that guides students through an initial examination of the Washington poster.

Image Analysis Worksheet

A worksheet that asks students to examine closely each image featured on the Washington poster.

Primary Source Worksheets

Worksheets asking students to examine a primary source and then answer several questions regarding its context, meaning, and significance.

• George Washington, letter to his Cabinet regarding establishing rules for neutrality, August 3, 1793.
• “Report on Manufacturers,” Annals of Congress, 2nd Cong., 971–72.
• Letter to James Ross, Jasper Yeates, and William Bradford regarding the Whiskey Rebellion, August 8, 1794.
• George Washington, Farewell Address, 1796.
• General Washington, letter declaring acceptance of the command of the armies of the United States, 1798.

Spanish Translation of Poster Narrative

A translation of the poster narrative describing Washington's vision for his presidency.

Classroom Activities, Assignments, and Further Resources

Further activities, assignments, and resources related to the Washington poster.

TEKS Correlation

This guide shows how the President’s Vision George Washington materials correlate to the TEKS for social studies.