Describes several aspects of the life of Founding Father George Washington, covering his military career, his presidency, his life at Mount Vernon, his treatment of his slaves, and his legacy. Includes fourteen primary documents, discussion questions, a chronology, and a further reading list.

Making of a leader: Washington's ambition / Paul K. Longmore -- Washington the surveyor / Willard Sterne Randall -- Washington's early military career / A.J. Langguth -- Farmer and slave owner: Life at Mount Vernon / Robert F. Dalzell Jr. and Lee Baldwin Dalzell -- Squire of Mount Vernon / Ralph K. Andrist -- Master and employer / Paul Leicester Ford -- Military leader: Appointment as commander / Douglas Southall Freeman -- Assessing Washington's Strategy and leadership / John E. Ferling -- Washington the spymaster / Thomas Fleming -- General Washington and the progress of the Revolutionary War / Mackubin Owens -- President: Washington administration / Forrest McDonald -- Establishing precedents for the executive office / David E. Maas -- Washington's role in the controversy over slavery / Dorothy Twohig -- Understanding Washington's retirement / Bruce G. Peabody -- Importance of George Washington: Enlightened American Hero / Gordon S. Wood -- Above all, the man had character / Hugh Sidey.