Read the excerpt from America's First President: George Washington:
(1) George Washington is often referred to as the founder of the United States. He was the first president of the country. Washington also played a pivotal role in the American wars and the drafting of the U.S. Constitution.
Childhood
(2) George Washington was born into a moderately wealthy family on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. The family owned a tobacco plantation. George was homeschooled and spent a lot of time learning hands-on skills. When George was sixteen, he became a land surveyor and helped to plot the land in Virginia's western territory. Through this experience, he learned skills such as farming and resourcefulness, and he developed an interest in western land holdings and purchases. It was this passion that brought about his belief that the future of the nation depended on the colonization of the West.
The French and Indian War
(3) In the early 1750s, border disputes began between Britain and France. Both countries were claiming rights to land in the Ohio River Valley. In December 1752, Washington was made commander of the Virginia militia even though he did not have any training or previous military experience.
(4) In the summer of 1755, Washington joined Major General Edward Braddock and the British army in an attempt to overtake the French controlled Fort Duquesne. To reach the fort, the soldiers had to travel through the dense woods of the Allegheny Mountains. Washington knew the area well and helped lead the way, despite suffering from a terrible case of dysentery. When the soldiers reached the Monongahela River, ten miles from Fort Duquesne, they were ambushed by the French forces who were working with the native people. During the attack, most of the senior officers from the British Army were killed or severely wounded. Washington escaped injury with four bullet holes in his cloak and two horses shot out from under him.
Select the statement that explains what made George Washington qualified to be commander of the Virginia militia. (2 points)
His homeschool education gave him the skills and training in military activities.
His family was wealthy, so they were able to provide him the training he needed to be successful.
He attended prominent military training schools throughout his childhood.
His land surveying skills gave him a strong knowledge of Virginia and his farming skills made him resourceful.
