ASSESSMENT

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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

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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.
What is the meaning of the word “austerity” as it is used in the text?

Lightheartedness

Sternness

Humility

Happiness
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.
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
You are tasked with writing the plaque that goes at the foot of the Washington Monument. Its purpose is to summarize George Washington’s accomplishments and dedicate the monument to him. Write the words that will appear on the plaque.
Type your answer here.

Answer 1

George Washington
Father of our Nation
A True Patriot and Leader
Commander-in-Chief who led us to victory
First President, humble and dedicated
Respected and admired by all
This monument stands in honor of his legacy.

Answer 2

You are tasked with writing the plaque that goes at the foot of the Washington Monument. Its purpose is to summarize George Washington’s accomplishments and dedicate the monument to him. Write the words that will appear on the plaque.
Type your answer here.

Answer 3

George Washington
Commander, President, Father
He forged a nation's freedom
With limited supplies and inexperienced men,
He led us to victory in the Revolution.
Refusing a crown, he chose to unite,
To build a solid government, just and right.

A man of dignity, wisdom, and grace,
His leadership laid a firm foundation.
Through his service, our nation found its place,
In the annals of history, a shining creation.

With humility, he served two terms,
Embodying the ideals on which we stand.
He strengthened our nation, faced its concerns,
Guiding us with a steady hand.

This monument, a tribute true,
To George Washington, a revered name.
A symbol of our gratitude,
Forever honoring his enduring fame.

In honor of his legacy, we dedicate,
This monument stands, strong and tall.
A reminder of his greatness, innate,
For generations to admire and recall.

George Washington
Father of our nation,
A true American hero,
This monument, our dedication,
To his unyielding spirit that will forever glow.