1. The Greatness of George Washington
Pre-AP US History
Mr. Schaefer
NAME _____________________________________
HOUR __________________
According to the author, why has Washington’s prestige suffered over the years by people and historians?
How did Parson Mason Weems’ account of Washington shape future generations’ understanding of Washington?
3. How did Washington’s reputation affect him?
According to the author, why is it so difficult for us- students of history- to understand Washington today?
What were the opinions of Adams and Jefferson of Washington’s intellect?
6. Explain what Washington’s genius was according to the author.
Analyze what type of European Enlightenment Washington attempted to live and the specific characteristics/habits he practiced throughout his life.
Why did Washington refuse to go to France in the 1780s?
Based on the previous question, why might Washington have been rather quiet in the company of other men of influence at the time?
What two things did Washington do by1783 to cement his legacy with all Americans?
What was the significance- on a global scale- of Washington’s actions in 1783?

2. Explain the concept of a classical hero in term of how it was understood in the 18th century and how Washington was trying to fulfill this definition.
What did “honor” mean to many of the men of 18th century America?
How did Washington come to make many of decisions? In other words, what did he almost always consider before deciding?
Identify three questions Washington posed when determining whether to attend the Constitutional Convention. Put them in your own words!
16. Provide an example from the essay of how Washington attempted to give the office of the Presidency an air of importance.
Provide examples of precedents Washington established in the young government.
In what ways did Washington’s retirement from the Presidency serve as an important example for the young country?
Who did Washington see as a threat to the institutions of the young country in the latter part of the 1790s?
Why did Washington become so disillusioned with the government by the end of his life in the late 1790s?
What did the author mean in the last three paragraphs by stating “democracy made such great heroes no longer essential to the workings of the American government?”
After reading the article, do you think a man like Washington could be elected President today? Why or why not? Explain.