1.11: George Washington, and the start of the French and Indian War

Send us Fan MailAs a man given the nickname "First in the Hearts of his Countrymen," among many others, what could we possibly explore about the life of the famous George Washington that hasn't already been written?  He led America's Continental Army in the War for Independence against the British, agreed to attend the pivotal Philadelphia Convention in May 1787, and served two terms as the first President of the United States.  However, before all of this, Washington had aspirations of elevating his social status to that of Virginia's elite planter gentry...and he dreamt of military glory on behalf of His Majesty's growing British Empire, and this may well be an aspect of his life about which the least is taught.  This episode of History: Beyond the Textbook focuses on the inexperienced George Washington...the young man who sought advancement, but in the process, inadvertently helped trigger a global war that reshaped the relationship between Great Britain and her North American Colonies.Key PeopleGeorge Washington, colonial planter and military officerTanaghrisson, captured Catawba man and Seneca "Half-King"Ensign Joseph Coulon de Villiers de Joumonville-ill-fated French diplomatEdward Braddock-British GeneralKey EventFrench and Indian WarWe're back for Season Four of History: Beyond the Textbook!  This season will  focus on the stories of individuals who shaped "America's Federalist Era" in the years roughly 1789-1800.  The first six episodes will release every Tuesday from October 28-December 2, while the second six episodes will be released every Tuesday from February 17-March 24.   Catch up on Season One, "America's Colonial Era," Season Two, "America's Revolution," and Season Three, "America's Crucial Years," wherever you listen to your podcasts!Feel free to contact us with feedback or questions by clicking the "Send Us a Text" link or email us at: [email protected]