George Washington: A Life from Beginning to End

Biographies of US Presidents - Hourly History #1

by Henry Freeman, Hourly History

George Washington

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George Washington, the first president of the United States, is much more than a monument on Mount Rushmore. Who was Washington, the general, president, and husband? He was first and foremost a man of impeccable honor which, despite military adversity and political wrangling, never abandoned him. The Founding Fathers who squabbled and competed amongst themselves did agree on one thing: only Washington could lead the country, first in the country’s military fight for freedom and then as the man charged with transforming thirteen individual states into a united country. But in his youth, George Washington did not intend to become the Father of his Country. As a younger son of a middling class Virginian, he intended to earn his living as a surveyor, and in that role, he was introduced to the vast potential of the country that would one day be a nation. But when the death of his older brother made him the heir to Mount Vernon, Washington ascended to leadership in the military, political and social spheres of Virginia and the United States.

Inside you will read about...
✓ The Washington's of Virginia
✓ Europe Exports its Wars to the Colonies
✓ Washington at Mount Vernon
✓ An Englishman no Longer
✓ Washington at War
✓ The Father of His Country
✓ Return to Mount Vernon

As a member and later officer in the Virginia militia, he fought with the British army against the French as the two European powers struggled for control of the rich Ohio Valley. The British, who would refuse Washington a commission in their army, would later meet him in battle as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, fighting for independence against the forces of King George III. As a political leader, he would become the architect of the American government. As the master of Mount Vernon, Washington’s marriage to the wealthy Martha Dandridge Custis placed him among the elite of the Virginia aristocracy. His integrity established a model for subsequent generations to emulate. That few have managed to match his achievements is an indication of his influence and character. Meet George Washington, the man, and discover the identity of this remarkable leader.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, Historical, American History, Ebooks, American Revolution

124 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 9, 2016

About the author

Henry Freeman is an author and archaeologist. He has a passion for history and loves to travel the world exploring various historical sites.

Henry graduated from the University of Cambridge with a double major in History and Archaeology and shortly after that started his career as an archaeologist.

After traveling the world getting first-hand experience with history, Henry was determined to take up his dream of becoming a best-selling author.

He decided to partner up with the newly formed publishing company Hourly History writing short, concise and straightforward history books that never takes more than one hour to read.

Reviews

[Nihal · Rating 5 out of 5]

The life of the first President of The United States, this book gives full information on his past, his part in the Continental Congress and the American Revolution, his service as a President, his death, and his legacy.

George Washington was one personality of patience, courage, and duty. I just loved reading about this great man.

[Otherwyrld · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short introduction to the life of Washington, part of a series on American Presidents by Hourly History (presumably because you can read them in an hour). It was okay as introductions go, but most people probably wouldn't learn anything new as Washington's life is so well known. I am looking forward to reading about some of the less famous Presidents though

[Cliff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasant primer on the pioneer president.

[William Bahr · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fellow author writing about George Washington ("George Washington's Liberty Key"), I'd say this is a very well written, relatively brief (51 pages) summation of George Washington’s life, with quite a few interesting items I’ve not seen elsewhere. That said, from my own research there are also a few inaccuracies:

Page 2 Kindle: George III did not say, “If he [Washington] does that [resigns his command], he will be the greatest man in the world.” George III actually said that Washington would be “the greatest character of the age.”

Page 4: Washington didn’t chop down a cherry tree. According to Parson Weems (believe him or not), young George barked it (cut around it so that the sap couldn’t flow and the tree would die).

Page 13: The reader is led to believe that Washington found charming the whistling bullets at Fort Necessity; actually they were the bullets at Jumonville Glen.

Page 13: Forbes did not follow Washington’s recommendation, which was to travel along Braddock’s earlier Virginia route. Forbes traveled a route along the southern border of Pennsylvania.

Still, a very worthwhile read.

[Kaitlyn Marie]

Trying to hit my reading goal this year
Also, I just finished watching Veep

[Young Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a good book, but it’s even better if read with the Hourly History’s “French and Indian War”, “American Revolution” and “French Revolution” as a collection.

Nowadays in the States, the word “Washington Myth” is being circulated in attempt to make all his achievements sound like a degraded mythical tales. It is true that some of the stories about George Washington have been exaggerated, but after all he was a great leader who led the desperate colonists to a stunning victory against the rising world empire Great Britain.

(Kindle Ed., p. 10)
...However, the conflict which had Great Britain and France forever at odds was no longer something that took place across the ocean...

That conflict was definitely the British attempt to undermine the French dominance over the global waters and take it for Great Britain itself.

First, it had to fight a Global War of Hegemony and Powershift to completely end the old-established European order led by Bourbon-France since the Peace of Westphalia. And the American Revolution, despite its danger to French ruling monarchy herself, provided France a great ally to contain the intensifying challenge from Great Britain, not just in India, but in North America as well.

France needed the independent United States of America against the British, and the Americans seized the chance and took full advantage of the French policy against Great Britain at all cost.

Whether it was a diplomatic success, brand new military tactics (camouflaged guerrilla warfare in contrast to the conventional lining-up tactics) or both, the American victory led by General George Washington, internationally recognized by the Treaty of Paris, is an undeniable historical fact, not a myth.

The American-French alliance (U.S. Continental Army + French Navy) prevailed over the British might skyrocketing since its victory of the Seven Years’ War against France; the French leaders, suspicious of the newly-born America’s capability, agreed to forming an alliance because of the initial success of the American Continental Army.

And that initial success of the Americans, despite their shortage of manpower and supplies, was only possible thanks to the unity among the American people.

There were many conflicts between the Congress and Continental Army even in the middle of the bloody war that was to decide either the young nation’s complete independence or utter destruction.

Amidst all the political and economic disputes, everyone agreed that George Washington, and no others, was the best man to unite all the people of the 13 colonies.

(Kindle Ed., p. 31)
“I had no hesitation to declare that I had but one gentleman in my mind for that important command and that was a gentleman from Virginia, who was among us and very well known to all of us, a gentleman whose skill and experience as an officer, whose independent fortune, great talents, and excellent universal character would command the approbation of all America and unite the cordial exertions of all the colonies better than any other person in the Union.” —John Adams

It wasn’t an empty flattering. They wouldn't choose a vain man as their leader for a real action: If they did, they'd lose that war, but they won it against a nation much more powerful than their own. This person had to be a trusted and respected figure in real in order to lead all the reluctant people (labeled as rebels and traitors) unified as one in a desperate moment. And we understand WHY he was the one to unite the people when we learn his life.

This book tells us many great stories about the man, who was never a father of his own blood, but the father of our great nation, the United States of America.

Read the full review here

[Thom Swennes · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Washington was the first and one of the best-known presidents of the United States. He is affectionately known as the Father of Our Nation. This title was justly earned, as he not only guided that new nation through a war that could have easily been lost but also served as the glue which held the struggling army together but also as a light, illuminating the way to the future.
When an army is faced with ultimate success or imminent defeat, they are often reduced to a base state and disintegrate through lack of discipline or drive. So was the Continental Army in 1783 when the British army was defeated and peace declared throughout the thirteen original colonies that now officially formed the United States. George Washington, the Virginia planter and ex=colonial officer that served valiantly in the French and Indian War, was a mainstay and driving force that ultimately led his ill-fed and bedraggled army to victory. He served as the adhesive that held his troops together in war and was now to serve in the same capacity in holding together a new nation. His first attempt was directed to his officers and men after the end of hostilities. They were afraid that the newly empowered United States Congress wouldn’t pay the owed back-pay and promised military pensions. This suspicion is well-founded through past experiences but Washington, fearing an unrest among his troops would jeopardize the peace process, ordered his officers to a meeting at The Temple of Virtue, near the town of Newburgh. Here he delivered his Newburgh Address. This is a flowery and wordy speech that calmed the ranks and paved the way toward forging a new nation.
This short history of a great man and leader is far too short to do the man, his times, and his accomplishments justice. It serves as a cornerstone and inspiration to delve deeper into the life of this slave-holding Virginia planter and part-time soldier. Unlike other visionaries and creators of a new nation, Washington saw a government void of political parties and ruled by popular vote. The nation he fathered developed into one he never dreamed of.
This, like all the books in this series, is a stepping stone to other more detailed books that can answer the questions that this one is too brief to address. I have summarized just a small portion of his deeds, as many of his trials and triumphs are so well known. I would say that interested people should endeavor to learn more about the man as his life as a general and statesman are so well known.

[Julian Orozco, Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Father Of A New Born Country

Great read, this book is. That's what Master Yoda would say.
Just as I believe George Washington was a Jedi Master of the American Revolution. He learned all his wares and wisdoms from previous teachings, training and self-education and training and teaching his subordinate commanders in these learned experiences.
Most honorable and dutiful man to lead a successful business, a brand new army from scratch and a newly formed government for a gracious new country.

[Cameo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy reading and learning about history. One of my favorite parts of United States history is the American Revolution. I've been reading "Hourly History" book quite a bit since I can normally put one away in less than an hour. This one about George Washington was quick, and easy to read, but interesting. I like the way "Hourly History" explains about the person or timeframe without it feeling long and borning yet I also don't feel like I'm missing out on details. It's a good balance they seem to have perfected.

[Jerry Walch · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biographical overview of George Washington's life and career. A great reference for students and history buffs. like all of the Hourly History books, this one crams as much information in a mere fifty pages that you would expect to find i8n a book of 300 to 400 pages. No fluff, just solid facts.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

My second of the hourly read books, a very quick but informative dive into the life of George Washington. I really enjoy these little books, a great way to get a quick overview and understanding about of some of the life of some fascinating people from history. I will probably read more of these little biographies in the future.

[Will Warnuu · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book, George Washington's Expense Account, shows, in detail, the $400,000+ expenses that Washington submitted to the Congress, not $65,000+ as the author of this book states. I can't help but wonder what else in this book is erroneous.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

I genuienely had little knowledge of the man and his achievements.

A superb way to introduce yourself to this history in bite size chunks.

Ideal for your lunch hour.

[Madelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this short biography of George Washington, the emphasis is on his middle class life, where he worked for a living, and honed his leadership abilities through military service, first in the French and Indian War for the British, and ultimately as the commander that freed the American colonies. I was surprised that no mention was made of Washington's Masonic ties. Over the past few decades, much has been made of this connection.

The way history is taught in US schools, it is not surprising that we know more about the myths, such as the chopping down the cherry tree incident than what the father of our country actually did. I am reading more and more history these days because of the current political and governmental climate in which we find ourselves. Although GEORGE WASHINGTON, by Hourly History, is a very short read, I learned much that I had never before known.

George Washington did not run for president; he was more or less conscripted by The Constitutional Convention, held in Philadelphia. "On February 4, 1789, in a unanimous vote, the 69 members of the Electoral College chose George Washington to serve. Creating a new government was on his shoulders and Washington was aware that this was a monumental task." It was only the Electoral College that voted. It is unfortunate, at least to my way of thinking, that what was born of necessity in getting a new government created became the norm that exists to this day. During this time was born the rivalry between Hamilton and Jefferson that actually led to the development of political parties.

I read a lot, and I do so appreciate these narratives from Hourly History that take about an hour to read and impart new information about the history which I thought I knew.

[Terri's Dangerous When Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot about Washington. First off I learned that what they taught me in elementary school about chopping down the cherry tree and other stories were myths. I learned how it came to be that Washington inherited Mount Vernon, and how it came to be that his wife Martha had so much property when he married her, resulting in them being quite the power couple. He wasn't as educated as he wished but he was smart. He owned slaves and loved farming. He rather accidentally fell into military service and soon found out he was quite good at it, making quite a name for himself that would have a large impact on his future and the future of the United States. There is quite a bit in this biography about the Revolutionary War and it was quite informative. Washington used his own money to supply his troops during the hard winters. After the war he was eager to return to his wife and farming but he found himself swept into the building of a new nation, elected first president. It is sad how he died so suddenly, with no biological children of his own, although he had many stepchildren. In the end I felt like I learned a lot about Washington and I am glad I read this book.

[Jill Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great find this series is! I was contacted about this book/Hourly History by the Director of the series, and asked if I'd be interested in doing a review. I'm a long-time fan of American History (thanks to my dad) and of biographies, and the idea of condensing a life like Washington's into a one-hour read was curiously compelling. I didn't quite know what to expect - I rather thought I knew a fair amount about our first President; turns out I was wrong, and an hour's worth of reading provided me with rather more new information than I imagined it would!

With a larger emphasis on early life than I had previously experienced (relatively, that is, given the length of the book), I found myself lost in this one quickly. I suspect I read it in rather less than an hour; it certainly felt shorter. In a clear, concise voice, the book presents the life and accomplishments (which were many and varied) of Washington in a way that is informative, interesting and engaging.

This is a marvelous idea for a series, and I'm pleased to report that there are a slew of titles on a very broad range of topics encompassing global history. I suspect will be a great way to develop a working knowledge base about a lot of subjects that have always interested me but that I've feared were too large or involved to do justice to without a major time commitment, like the actual, non-Starz, experience of the Vikings, the Renaissance, or the Middle Ages. There are also biographies of the famous and infamous and histories of world wars. It's a brilliant collection that seems to be ever-expanding, and I'm delighted to have been introduced to it!

[Crislee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was actually good. It wasn't too detailed so folks shouldn't get too bogged down with unnecessary information. As a homeschool parent I also think it's a good source for kids to learn about Washington without boring the socks off of them. It is short, touched all the important highlights but not boring. I read it in two nights. I think it's on the reading level of grades 4th and up if the 4th grader is a tad advanced. But the others should have no problems understanding. And lets face it, we don't remember what bores us. There are many free titles in this series on Amazon. I highly suggest parents take the time to download them all. Especially homeschool families. We could use more good/free sources.

[Quinton Baran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stumbled on the series of books and found may of them for free on Amazon.

This is a short but concise history of George Washington, with a discussion of his ancestors, why they lived in the colonies. their economic situations, how George Washington approached life, his romances and marriage, his military career first under the British and then under the Continental Congress. Finally, a discussion of his presidency and post presidency life.

George Washington was a man of duty and honor. It is true that he owned slaves, and he had other flaws too (as all men and women do).

I would recommend this quick read to those wanting to get to know our first President more, especially youth, to encourage them to read and learn more history.

[Alice JCrowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, informative fast read

If you are like me, you might want a refresher course in American History. Many other Great Statesmen get the glory, but let us not ever forget the Founders like George Washington. Many in Congress forget where they came from.....it all started with George Washington. The Humble Humanity of this man is one great quality missing in Politics of today. Let those leaders who want to thump the Bible at the leaders of the other side remember; what Peter said about Paul....says more about Peter than it dies Paul. Enjoy!

[Jolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice summary of George Washington's life

Lots of information about George Washington's life presented in the context of the times. I very much appreciated the author's conclusion focusing on George Washington's honor and character. Some of the myths that have developed regarding Washington's life were briefly mentioned.

I noticed what I think was a typo where Sally Cary was referred to as Sarah Cary.

[Marie Lapointe]

Refresher Course

With our country on the road to destruction it's good to review what our founding fathers did for our country. I really wish politicians would go back to school and relearn how and why this country needs to stay free. It goes way back before Washington. Just thinking of all the brave soldiers who died for our freedom to just have it thrown away over greed and power.

[Sarah Ominski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brief History and Education about our Founding Father

I enjoyed reading this brief historical overview of George Washington. I loved learning a bit about his wife too! I love that she was educated, intelligent and supportive of Washington 's work. I feel inspire to do more reading to learn about America and I wish I had paid more attention in my history classes with Mr. Dell and Mr. Gustafson! ☺🙋

[Mark Laufenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot of information about the life of Washington packed into this book. A very good look at his military history and the true patriotism and greatness of the man in serving his country. For my part, I would like to have learned a little more about what transpired during his presidential term. I thought that part was very brief.

[Patsy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Hourly History Book

This book starts with George Washington childhood, his schooling, as a young man, he helped survey the American land. The story includes fighting against the British for America. After the war, he went to the White House to fight for each person in his unit for five years of back pay. Since no one received payment during the war, the government corrected the error. An excellent read! I highly recommend these Hourly History books to everyone.

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple, brief, overview of the life of George Washington. You may learn new material from this book if the public school system is your only source of historical knowledge. If you have read longer biographies of Washington, it is unlikely you will encounter anything you don’t already know. For all that, this is a good place to dip your toes in if you’re starting to study the founding fathers.

[Caesar Palacios · Rating 5 out of 5]

Military Genius

Washington is exemplary by the way he led the revolutionaries to freedom enduring the rudiments of climate and harsh weather conditions. His efforts were rewarded with the Presidency which is in a way far more greater challenge than leading the country to independence.

[Bob Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thumbnail sketch

If you are looking for an in-depth biography of Washington this is not it. However it is a good thumbnail sketch of the man known as the father of our country. It does raise the question of what would have happened had Washington received a commission in the British Army early on. I just liked it.

[Megan Dyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an interesting read

There are a lot of interesting facts in this book however I did feel the middle started getting too much into the revolutionary war rather than the person this entire book was about...still good worth the read

[Gian Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Told quickly the life of the American Cincinnatus is one incredible, deeply fascinating story.
His uncompromising adherence to strong moral and family values made the first American President an important figure in history like few others.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

This short, concise biography of George Washington was an easy yet fascinating read. The well known facts are included but it’s the “behind the scenes” views that make this book truly worthwhile. Among the many books listed I chose this randomly and I’m so glad I did.