Why is George Washington known as "Father of His Country"? What were his reasons for not seeking a third term as president? And what purpose did he have in his Farewell Address?

Washington secured American independence as commander of the Continental Army and established traditions as the nation’s first president.

This week, Mary brings Gary on to compare the portraits of the famous two Georges of early American history, George Washington and King George III of England. They'll explore the reasons behind each man's deliberately chosen outfits and stances. What do these paintings convey about the leaders' confidence and leadership against the backdrop of the Revolutionary War? And what unlikely similarities between the two men do these paintings reveal?

How did George Washington display the virtue of prudence through his life? Explore the influence of his prudence on the early republic and discuss what examples of prudence can be observed today.

George Washington, the nation's first president, made his first inaugural address before both houses of Congress. He acknowledged Providence as guiding the nation’s steps: "No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the Invisible Hand which conducts the affairs of men more than those of the United States."

President George Washington’s Farewell Address was not delivered as a speech, but rather printed in newspapers. Washington wrote over a period of months beginning with notes James Madison had prepared at the end of his first term. He also sought the advice of John Jay and Alexander Hamilton in formulating his message.

Kicking off our summer Close Reading series, BRI staff Kirk and Tony explore two of George Washington's most famous works, his Farewell Address and his First Inaugural Address, to understand what qualities made Washington a great leader. What underlying principles informed Washington's actions? And how did he see his role in charting the future of a nation?

George Washington spent a lifetime mastering politics before he was unanimously elected the nation’s first president. In this Scholar Talk video, Tony Williams and distinguished bestselling historian David O. Stewart discuss Stewart's new book, "George Washington: The Political Rise of America's Founding Father," and how George Washington demonstrated political genius in helping create the American republic. How did Washington grow from a brash and impatient young man to exercise the civic virtues of restraint and moderation? What are some of the lessons we can still learn from America's first Commander in Chief?