1 00:00:13,317 --> 00:00:15,617 - After six long years, 2 00:00:15,754 --> 00:00:17,634 the British are striking directly 3 00:00:17,756 --> 00:00:20,236 at the heart of the Patriot cause 4 00:00:20,368 --> 00:00:22,668 in a bid to finally end the war. 5 00:00:22,805 --> 00:00:24,755 - 20 hogshead. 6 00:00:24,894 --> 00:00:27,774 Pure Virginia tobacco. [sniffs] 7 00:00:27,897 --> 00:00:29,587 A man could live off that for years. 8 00:00:32,075 --> 00:00:34,295 - At the tip of the spear is the man 9 00:00:34,425 --> 00:00:36,555 who nearly took down the Continental Army 10 00:00:36,688 --> 00:00:38,778 with an act of betrayal. 11 00:00:38,908 --> 00:00:41,648 ♪♪♪ 12 00:00:47,482 --> 00:00:49,832 - The turncoat Benedict Arnold 13 00:00:49,962 --> 00:00:52,662 is now a British brigadier general 14 00:00:52,791 --> 00:00:55,061 on the front lines of their latest strategy 15 00:00:55,185 --> 00:00:57,665 to crush the rebel spirit 16 00:00:57,796 --> 00:01:01,316 and rouse a loyalist army to fight the Patriots. 17 00:01:01,452 --> 00:01:02,852 - Burn it all. 18 00:01:04,368 --> 00:01:05,668 - The British think, okay, we're gonna sweep south 19 00:01:05,804 --> 00:01:07,284 and get control here 20 00:01:07,415 --> 00:01:09,415 in a way that we haven't before. 21 00:01:09,547 --> 00:01:11,507 There's a lot of action happening on a lot of fronts 22 00:01:11,636 --> 00:01:13,156 at this point. 23 00:01:13,290 --> 00:01:15,600 - Arnold is sent to the Chesapeake 24 00:01:15,727 --> 00:01:17,767 to attack the American forces 25 00:01:17,903 --> 00:01:19,043 in Washington's backyard, 26 00:01:19,166 --> 00:01:20,646 and soon Richmond, 27 00:01:20,776 --> 00:01:23,866 the capital of Virginia, is in flames. 28 00:01:23,996 --> 00:01:26,556 - It's a double blow not only to have betrayed 29 00:01:26,695 --> 00:01:28,955 for the cause, but then to lead a successful raid 30 00:01:29,089 --> 00:01:31,399 in the heart of the revolution. 31 00:01:31,526 --> 00:01:32,606 It made Americans furious. 32 00:01:41,797 --> 00:01:43,627 - What is it, Lieutenant Colonel Hamilton? 33 00:01:43,755 --> 00:01:45,365 - We just received word. 34 00:01:45,496 --> 00:01:46,926 Arnold has been sighted in the south. 35 00:01:47,063 --> 00:01:48,543 - Where? 36 00:01:48,673 --> 00:01:49,673 - Virginia. 37 00:01:49,805 --> 00:01:51,285 Outside Richmond. 38 00:01:53,678 --> 00:01:55,288 - Virginia. 39 00:01:55,419 --> 00:01:57,199 How many men does Arnold command? 40 00:01:57,334 --> 00:01:58,994 - It's hard to be certain. 41 00:01:59,119 --> 00:02:01,559 Over a thousand. Less than 1,500? 42 00:02:02,861 --> 00:02:04,781 - Send the marquis. 43 00:02:04,907 --> 00:02:06,867 - I suppose we could spare a thousand men, but-- 44 00:02:06,996 --> 00:02:08,476 - Well, if the reports are accurate, 45 00:02:08,606 --> 00:02:10,256 Lafayette will be outnumbered. 46 00:02:10,391 --> 00:02:12,041 - Well, our troops are already stretched thin, 47 00:02:12,175 --> 00:02:13,865 and if we truly aim to reclaim New York-- 48 00:02:14,003 --> 00:02:16,613 - I would prefer, when I return home, 49 00:02:16,745 --> 00:02:19,785 Arnold has not reduced it to ashes. 50 00:02:19,922 --> 00:02:22,192 - Hmm. 51 00:02:22,316 --> 00:02:25,186 Still no word from the French. 52 00:02:25,319 --> 00:02:27,409 - Rochambeau is waiting to hear from his admirals. 53 00:02:27,538 --> 00:02:29,708 For now, their ships remain anchored off Rhode Island. 54 00:02:31,716 --> 00:02:34,586 Perhaps if they see the urgency in destroying Arnold's forces, 55 00:02:34,719 --> 00:02:38,289 they will finally join this war in earnest. 56 00:02:38,419 --> 00:02:41,679 Our fleet has remained idle far too long. 57 00:02:41,813 --> 00:02:44,343 - The French have been allied to America 58 00:02:44,468 --> 00:02:46,688 since early 1778, 59 00:02:46,818 --> 00:02:48,818 and while they have a fleet 60 00:02:48,951 --> 00:02:52,911 and more than 5,000 troops stationed in New England, 61 00:02:53,042 --> 00:02:55,352 they have yet to join the fight. 62 00:02:55,479 --> 00:02:58,129 - Washington has been cultivating Rochambeau 63 00:02:58,265 --> 00:03:02,135 to plan for an all-out assault on New York City. 64 00:03:02,269 --> 00:03:05,009 He still believes that's the best way to win the war. 65 00:03:05,141 --> 00:03:06,971 - But the French commander 66 00:03:07,099 --> 00:03:09,619 Comte de Rochambeau isn't convinced. 67 00:03:09,754 --> 00:03:11,804 And for now, 68 00:03:11,930 --> 00:03:14,190 Washington must face the British surge 69 00:03:14,324 --> 00:03:16,674 on his own. 70 00:03:16,805 --> 00:03:19,495 - Provide the marquis with 1,200 soldiers. 71 00:03:19,634 --> 00:03:21,114 - Yes, sir. 72 00:03:21,244 --> 00:03:22,994 With the French support or not, 73 00:03:23,115 --> 00:03:25,205 the marquis will have the traitor's head on a pike. 74 00:03:25,335 --> 00:03:28,155 - As long as he is brought before me in the end, 75 00:03:28,295 --> 00:03:31,035 the state of his person bears no concern. 76 00:03:35,171 --> 00:03:37,571 - Washington's determination to catch Arnold 77 00:03:37,695 --> 00:03:39,175 isn't just personal, 78 00:03:39,306 --> 00:03:40,696 it's imperative. 79 00:03:40,829 --> 00:03:43,749 By January, 1781, 80 00:03:43,875 --> 00:03:47,225 the revolutionary cause is teetering on the edge. 81 00:03:47,357 --> 00:03:49,447 - Like every war, people think 82 00:03:49,577 --> 00:03:52,837 that this is gonna be over pretty quickly. 83 00:03:52,971 --> 00:03:55,671 And they could not have had the resources 84 00:03:55,800 --> 00:03:58,060 or understood what a protracted thing 85 00:03:58,194 --> 00:03:59,374 this was going to be. 86 00:03:59,500 --> 00:04:01,370 - The spirit of 1776 87 00:04:01,502 --> 00:04:03,722 that had fueled this revolution in the beginning 88 00:04:03,852 --> 00:04:05,332 was long gone. 89 00:04:05,462 --> 00:04:08,292 The American people were tired of war. 90 00:04:08,422 --> 00:04:10,342 - Because the economy has collapsed, 91 00:04:10,467 --> 00:04:12,427 because Congress is ineffective, 92 00:04:12,556 --> 00:04:14,776 because people are losing focus, 93 00:04:14,906 --> 00:04:16,686 even Washington admits 94 00:04:16,821 --> 00:04:20,171 that if this goes much longer, we've lost. 95 00:04:21,652 --> 00:04:24,392 - It's not just the country that's wavering, 96 00:04:24,525 --> 00:04:26,475 it's also the troops. 97 00:04:26,614 --> 00:04:29,794 After years without sufficient food or salary, 98 00:04:29,921 --> 00:04:31,881 incidents of mutiny 99 00:04:32,010 --> 00:04:34,880 in the Continental Army are rising. 100 00:04:35,013 --> 00:04:39,193 - The troops are beginning to lose their hope. 101 00:04:39,322 --> 00:04:41,462 In particular, they've not been paid. 102 00:04:41,585 --> 00:04:42,845 This is a big problem. 103 00:04:42,978 --> 00:04:44,198 - Congress doesn't have the money, 104 00:04:44,327 --> 00:04:45,717 so the soldiers were told, 105 00:04:45,850 --> 00:04:47,810 "We'll pay you at the end of the war." 106 00:04:47,939 --> 00:04:49,509 They've been provided alcohol 107 00:04:49,637 --> 00:04:53,337 and firearms, but that's about it. 108 00:04:53,467 --> 00:04:55,427 - It is in vain to think 109 00:04:55,556 --> 00:04:58,076 an army can be kept together much longer 110 00:04:58,210 --> 00:04:59,690 under such a variety of sufferings 111 00:04:59,821 --> 00:05:02,211 as ours has experienced, 112 00:05:02,345 --> 00:05:04,255 and that, unless some immediate 113 00:05:04,391 --> 00:05:06,481 and spirited measures are adopted 114 00:05:06,610 --> 00:05:09,530 to furnish at least three months' pay to the troops, 115 00:05:09,657 --> 00:05:11,437 clothe and feed them better, 116 00:05:11,572 --> 00:05:15,102 the worst that can befall us may be expected. 117 00:05:19,188 --> 00:05:21,018 - Three years. 118 00:05:21,146 --> 00:05:25,716 We've been out here three years fighting. 119 00:05:25,847 --> 00:05:27,937 No food, 120 00:05:28,066 --> 00:05:29,456 no shelter. 121 00:05:31,635 --> 00:05:33,195 When was the last time 122 00:05:33,333 --> 00:05:34,293 you had a decent pair of boots on your feet? 123 00:05:34,421 --> 00:05:37,031 - Never. - Yeah. 124 00:05:37,162 --> 00:05:39,902 - And what about pay? - Yeah. 125 00:05:40,035 --> 00:05:41,855 - We expected to risk our lives for free? 126 00:05:41,993 --> 00:05:43,393 - No. - No. 127 00:05:43,517 --> 00:05:44,777 - Go through hell and not even receive 128 00:05:44,909 --> 00:05:47,559 a decent belly full before nightfall? 129 00:05:47,695 --> 00:05:49,165 - No. - Yeah. 130 00:05:49,305 --> 00:05:50,345 - They said things would change. 131 00:05:50,480 --> 00:05:51,920 - Yeah. - Yeah. 132 00:05:52,047 --> 00:05:52,957 - And we listened to them. - Yeah. 133 00:05:53,091 --> 00:05:54,701 - Yeah. - Yeah. 134 00:05:54,832 --> 00:05:57,792 - Well, I tell you, 135 00:05:57,922 --> 00:06:01,712 nothing will change unless we make it. 136 00:06:01,839 --> 00:06:03,669 - Yeah. - Yeah. 137 00:06:03,798 --> 00:06:05,538 - So I say we march. 138 00:06:05,669 --> 00:06:07,189 - Yeah. - Yeah. 139 00:06:07,323 --> 00:06:09,673 - Tell it to them face to face! - Yeah! 140 00:06:11,109 --> 00:06:15,769 - And if we need to spill blood... 141 00:06:15,897 --> 00:06:17,677 so be it. 142 00:06:17,812 --> 00:06:19,732 - Men: Yeah! 143 00:06:19,857 --> 00:06:23,377 - No more without pay. 144 00:06:23,513 --> 00:06:26,733 No more without food! - Yeah! 145 00:06:26,864 --> 00:06:30,434 - No bread, no soldiers! - No more soldiers. 146 00:06:30,564 --> 00:06:33,354 - [chanting] No bread, no soldiers. 147 00:06:33,480 --> 00:06:36,610 No bread, no soldiers. No bread, no soldiers. 148 00:06:36,744 --> 00:06:39,444 - The New Jersey troops will soon march toward Trenton 149 00:06:39,573 --> 00:06:43,363 to demand what they're owed by force. 150 00:06:43,490 --> 00:06:47,360 - Let us go! 151 00:06:47,494 --> 00:06:49,544 - Washington is watching the American war effort 152 00:06:49,670 --> 00:06:51,020 wither on the vine. 153 00:06:51,149 --> 00:06:53,369 And this adds to Washington's anxiety. 154 00:06:53,500 --> 00:06:56,500 "How do I present as good a face on this as possible 155 00:06:56,633 --> 00:06:58,553 when actually things are not that good?" 156 00:07:07,035 --> 00:07:11,775 - We have earned the respect of the French, and now this. 157 00:07:11,909 --> 00:07:13,959 What will they think? 158 00:07:14,085 --> 00:07:15,695 How will the world see us 159 00:07:15,826 --> 00:07:17,516 when we cannot even manage our own men? 160 00:07:26,533 --> 00:07:27,663 - Your orders, sir? 161 00:07:29,710 --> 00:07:31,760 - Send as large a detachment as we can spare. 162 00:07:31,886 --> 00:07:33,666 Force the soldiers back into line. 163 00:07:36,368 --> 00:07:37,718 Execute the leader. 164 00:07:37,848 --> 00:07:40,758 ♪♪♪ 165 00:07:42,853 --> 00:07:44,993 - You have to understand these young people 166 00:07:45,116 --> 00:07:46,726 lost confidence in their leaders 167 00:07:46,857 --> 00:07:48,377 which is where a mutiny comes from. 168 00:07:48,511 --> 00:07:50,171 - [chanting] No, bread, no soldiers! 169 00:07:50,295 --> 00:07:53,035 - But you had to knock it down as fast as you could. 170 00:07:53,168 --> 00:07:55,868 You couldn't let it spread because it's like a virus. 171 00:07:55,997 --> 00:07:57,907 If it's not dealt with immediately, 172 00:07:58,042 --> 00:07:59,302 it will infect the whole organization. 173 00:07:59,435 --> 00:08:02,345 [crowd cheering] 174 00:08:02,482 --> 00:08:03,352 - Go on! - Yeah. 175 00:08:13,188 --> 00:08:16,148 - Mutiny is tearing apart the army 176 00:08:16,278 --> 00:08:18,848 that George Washington struggled to hold together 177 00:08:18,976 --> 00:08:21,756 through six years of war. 178 00:08:21,892 --> 00:08:25,422 Now, with the revolutionary cause at risk, 179 00:08:25,548 --> 00:08:28,808 he's restoring order among his New Jersey troops 180 00:08:28,943 --> 00:08:31,473 by force. 181 00:08:31,598 --> 00:08:34,338 - The object is to compel the mutineers 182 00:08:34,470 --> 00:08:37,820 to unconditional submission. 183 00:08:37,952 --> 00:08:40,042 - The mutiny has been broken up. 184 00:08:40,171 --> 00:08:42,171 The men have been disarmed. 185 00:08:42,304 --> 00:08:44,924 They are ordered to reveal their ringleaders. 186 00:08:45,046 --> 00:08:47,306 - Go on. 187 00:08:47,439 --> 00:08:50,489 Do it, then. 188 00:08:50,617 --> 00:08:54,447 - You will represent to them how dangerous to civil liberty 189 00:08:54,577 --> 00:08:56,927 the precedent is of armed soldiers 190 00:08:57,058 --> 00:08:58,318 dictating terms to their country. 191 00:08:58,450 --> 00:09:00,670 - Drop. - Drop. 192 00:09:02,150 --> 00:09:03,240 - Move. - Move. 193 00:09:03,368 --> 00:09:05,198 - The mutineers, 194 00:09:05,327 --> 00:09:07,457 they're given muskets and a choice. 195 00:09:07,590 --> 00:09:10,160 ♪♪♪ 196 00:09:13,248 --> 00:09:15,118 "Execute your ringleader 197 00:09:15,250 --> 00:09:16,640 or be executed. 198 00:09:16,773 --> 00:09:20,523 ♪♪♪ 199 00:09:23,998 --> 00:09:25,518 - Take aim! 200 00:09:25,652 --> 00:09:27,042 - They have to raise their muskets 201 00:09:27,175 --> 00:09:28,605 and, at the order, 202 00:09:28,742 --> 00:09:30,702 open fire on their own comrades. 203 00:09:34,312 --> 00:09:36,922 - I spoke nothing but the truth. 204 00:09:41,276 --> 00:09:43,016 - Fire! 205 00:09:51,721 --> 00:09:53,851 - It's good to be a nice guy, 206 00:09:53,984 --> 00:09:55,864 but at the end of the day in those days, 207 00:09:55,986 --> 00:09:57,506 you had to use these tools 208 00:09:57,640 --> 00:09:59,420 to keep an organization together. 209 00:09:59,555 --> 00:10:01,685 And he was up to that task. 210 00:10:01,818 --> 00:10:05,168 ♪♪♪ 211 00:10:05,300 --> 00:10:07,130 - Washington's tactic 212 00:10:07,258 --> 00:10:09,908 stemmed the tide of mutiny and saved his army. 213 00:10:10,044 --> 00:10:11,744 But in the South, 214 00:10:11,872 --> 00:10:14,092 the British are more determined than ever 215 00:10:14,222 --> 00:10:15,182 to destroy it. 216 00:10:16,920 --> 00:10:18,880 General Charles Cornwallis, 217 00:10:19,009 --> 00:10:20,969 who has spent much of the past two years 218 00:10:21,098 --> 00:10:22,618 fighting in the Carolinas, 219 00:10:22,752 --> 00:10:25,062 is now moving into Virginia. 220 00:10:25,189 --> 00:10:27,709 - General Cornwallis is one of the ablest 221 00:10:27,844 --> 00:10:29,764 British generals. 222 00:10:29,890 --> 00:10:32,890 He's quick-minded. He moves aggressively. 223 00:10:33,023 --> 00:10:35,373 He knows how to handle troops in the field. 224 00:10:35,504 --> 00:10:37,074 ♪♪♪ 225 00:10:37,201 --> 00:10:38,731 - Lord Cornwallis decides, 226 00:10:38,855 --> 00:10:40,195 "I'm gonna go to Virginia. 227 00:10:40,335 --> 00:10:41,945 "Virginia is home to Washington, 228 00:10:42,076 --> 00:10:43,156 "home to Jefferson, 229 00:10:43,294 --> 00:10:44,644 "all these Patriot leaders. 230 00:10:44,774 --> 00:10:46,954 "If I can make them suffer, 231 00:10:47,081 --> 00:10:49,471 "maybe I can get the Patriots to come to terms." 232 00:10:50,998 --> 00:10:52,958 - As Cornwallis arrives, 233 00:10:53,087 --> 00:10:55,307 Benedict Arnold, who's continued to burn 234 00:10:55,437 --> 00:10:57,267 and loot the state, 235 00:10:57,395 --> 00:10:59,085 is on his way out. 236 00:10:59,223 --> 00:11:01,443 - Arnold is a great commander, 237 00:11:01,573 --> 00:11:03,923 and he was considered that way by the British. 238 00:11:04,054 --> 00:11:06,014 However, there are a lot of British officers 239 00:11:06,143 --> 00:11:07,843 who even see him as a traitor, 240 00:11:07,971 --> 00:11:09,231 as a man with no honor. 241 00:11:13,368 --> 00:11:15,198 - Ah, General Cornwallis. 242 00:11:15,326 --> 00:11:17,416 - Brigadier General Arnold. 243 00:11:19,417 --> 00:11:23,247 I have received reports of your progress here. 244 00:11:23,378 --> 00:11:25,728 - And yet I am still being replaced. 245 00:11:28,557 --> 00:11:30,987 I burn their ironworks in Weston, 246 00:11:31,125 --> 00:11:34,475 tobacco fields and warehouses in Richmond. 247 00:11:34,606 --> 00:11:36,826 Destroyed their gun powder, poured out their rum. 248 00:11:36,957 --> 00:11:39,477 - Yes, I know. I read the reports. 249 00:11:39,611 --> 00:11:41,311 - What we have to worry about now is the French. 250 00:11:41,439 --> 00:11:43,879 We can no longer take our naval advantage for granted. 251 00:11:44,007 --> 00:11:45,487 If we're not careful, 252 00:11:45,617 --> 00:11:47,877 we'll become vulnerable to attack by water. 253 00:11:48,011 --> 00:11:51,931 - Well, then the responsibility is mine now. 254 00:11:52,059 --> 00:11:53,929 You need trouble yourself no further. 255 00:11:54,061 --> 00:11:55,501 - As I experienced-- - If you will excuse me, 256 00:11:55,627 --> 00:11:57,187 Brigadier General, 257 00:11:57,325 --> 00:12:00,065 we have important matters to attend to here, 258 00:12:00,197 --> 00:12:02,677 and I am sure... 259 00:12:02,809 --> 00:12:04,989 you need to prepare for your journey north. 260 00:12:05,115 --> 00:12:08,815 ♪♪♪ 261 00:12:22,567 --> 00:12:24,437 - Within a year, 262 00:12:24,569 --> 00:12:27,919 Arnold leaves for England with his wife Peggy, 263 00:12:28,051 --> 00:12:31,051 never again to set foot on American soil. 264 00:12:34,884 --> 00:12:37,934 The first order of business for General Cornwallis 265 00:12:38,061 --> 00:12:40,111 is to set up a base on the Chesapeake 266 00:12:40,237 --> 00:12:43,407 for the Royal Navy and his roughly 8,000 troops. 267 00:12:44,938 --> 00:12:48,248 By July, he chooses Yorktown. 268 00:12:48,376 --> 00:12:51,506 The post is easily accessible to the British fleet 269 00:12:51,640 --> 00:12:54,900 for resupply and reinforcement. 270 00:12:55,035 --> 00:12:57,205 But it's also vulnerable to the French, 271 00:12:57,341 --> 00:12:59,131 who finally see an opening 272 00:12:59,256 --> 00:13:03,216 to mount a decisive strike against the British. 273 00:13:03,347 --> 00:13:07,477 Within weeks, the allies move into action. 274 00:13:07,612 --> 00:13:09,402 - Cornwallis doesn't realize 275 00:13:09,527 --> 00:13:11,397 that the French are prepared 276 00:13:11,529 --> 00:13:15,269 to send a fleet to trap him in Virginia. 277 00:13:15,403 --> 00:13:18,623 - The French Navy was about to arrive at the Chesapeake. 278 00:13:18,754 --> 00:13:21,194 If Washington and Rochambeau 279 00:13:21,322 --> 00:13:24,332 could get their armies down there as quickly as possible, 280 00:13:24,455 --> 00:13:27,195 the trap could shut around Lord Cornwallis. 281 00:13:27,328 --> 00:13:28,938 ♪♪♪ 282 00:13:29,069 --> 00:13:31,769 - When the navies clash in September, 283 00:13:31,898 --> 00:13:34,548 the French score an unexpected victory, 284 00:13:34,683 --> 00:13:38,693 giving the alliance control of the seas around Yorktown. 285 00:13:38,818 --> 00:13:41,468 - For once, the French Navy defeats the Royal Navy 286 00:13:41,603 --> 00:13:43,133 and drives them away 287 00:13:43,257 --> 00:13:44,737 from the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. 288 00:13:44,867 --> 00:13:47,347 - The French have achieved temporary, 289 00:13:47,478 --> 00:13:49,958 very brief naval superiority. 290 00:13:50,090 --> 00:13:51,610 This is the moment 291 00:13:51,743 --> 00:13:54,573 Washington has been looking for since 1775. 292 00:13:54,703 --> 00:13:58,363 ♪♪♪ 293 00:13:58,489 --> 00:14:01,749 - The allied army arrives on the outskirts of Yorktown 294 00:14:01,884 --> 00:14:03,844 within weeks, 295 00:14:03,973 --> 00:14:06,283 cutting off Cornwallis' only remaining escape. 296 00:14:11,851 --> 00:14:16,511 With a combined 19,000 French and Americans soldiers, 297 00:14:16,638 --> 00:14:19,248 it's the most formidable fighting force 298 00:14:19,380 --> 00:14:20,860 Washington will ever command. 299 00:14:24,385 --> 00:14:26,295 To defeat Cornwallis, 300 00:14:26,430 --> 00:14:29,910 Washington and his allies opt for a classic siege. 301 00:14:30,043 --> 00:14:32,093 They create a series of trenches 302 00:14:32,219 --> 00:14:34,529 that creep ever closer to the enemy. 303 00:14:34,656 --> 00:14:36,826 If all goes to plan, 304 00:14:36,963 --> 00:14:40,883 the British defenses should collapse in a matter of days. 305 00:14:44,100 --> 00:14:47,500 - Report, Major General Lafayette. 306 00:14:47,625 --> 00:14:48,055 - The trench should be completed by morning. 307 00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:53,890 - Then we move up the artillery. 308 00:14:54,023 --> 00:14:56,113 - Rochambeau and his best men are with Knox now, 309 00:14:56,243 --> 00:14:57,813 reviewing placements and positions. 310 00:14:57,940 --> 00:14:59,120 - Good. 311 00:15:00,682 --> 00:15:03,422 - My countrymen are finally think for themselves. 312 00:15:03,554 --> 00:15:08,124 You Americans are fast learners. 313 00:15:08,255 --> 00:15:14,865 - What other choices do we have? 314 00:15:15,001 --> 00:15:17,391 - The present moment offers in prospect 315 00:15:17,525 --> 00:15:20,915 the epoque which will decide American independence 316 00:15:21,050 --> 00:15:24,490 and the glory and superiority of the allies. 317 00:15:24,619 --> 00:15:26,319 The liberties of America 318 00:15:26,447 --> 00:15:28,707 and the honor of the allied arms 319 00:15:28,840 --> 00:15:30,320 are in our hands. 320 00:15:30,451 --> 00:15:31,541 ♪♪♪ 321 00:15:31,669 --> 00:15:33,239 - This is the moment 322 00:15:33,367 --> 00:15:35,497 where it all comes together for Washington. 323 00:15:42,898 --> 00:15:44,638 It was almost beyond his ability 324 00:15:44,769 --> 00:15:46,859 to comprehend that finally, 325 00:15:46,989 --> 00:15:48,689 after six years of thinking 326 00:15:48,817 --> 00:15:51,727 it was all about to fall apart, 327 00:15:51,863 --> 00:15:55,083 it was all on the edge of actually happening. 328 00:16:08,184 --> 00:16:10,934 [screaming] 329 00:16:13,363 --> 00:16:15,543 Everyone... 330 00:16:15,670 --> 00:16:16,580 fire! 331 00:16:24,070 --> 00:16:24,810 Fire! 332 00:16:36,821 --> 00:16:39,001 Fire! 333 00:16:39,128 --> 00:16:40,388 Reload. 334 00:16:46,396 --> 00:16:49,266 - Direct hit after direct hit. 335 00:16:49,399 --> 00:16:52,269 - General George Washington's dreamed of launching 336 00:16:52,402 --> 00:16:54,802 a grand assault on the enemy 337 00:16:54,926 --> 00:16:56,666 since the day the war began. 338 00:17:00,410 --> 00:17:03,630 And now he finally has the fire power. 339 00:17:05,502 --> 00:17:07,902 Thousands of troops and dozens of heavy guns 340 00:17:08,027 --> 00:17:09,677 are being added to his arsenal, 341 00:17:09,811 --> 00:17:11,991 thanks to the French and their commander 342 00:17:12,118 --> 00:17:14,118 Comte de Rochambeau. 343 00:17:16,339 --> 00:17:18,079 - Increase our bombardment. 344 00:17:18,211 --> 00:17:20,471 We cannot let the British to rebuild their fortifications. 345 00:17:20,604 --> 00:17:22,524 - I doubt they will hold for another day. 346 00:17:22,650 --> 00:17:23,960 - And I doubt, Henry, 347 00:17:24,086 --> 00:17:25,476 that they will give up so easily. 348 00:17:40,494 --> 00:17:41,544 - Incoming! 349 00:17:48,023 --> 00:17:50,113 - 48 hours into the bombardment. 350 00:17:50,243 --> 00:17:52,073 - Out. All of you. 351 00:17:52,201 --> 00:17:54,031 - Entrapped by Washington's forces... 352 00:17:55,639 --> 00:17:58,119 General Cornwallis is pinning all his hopes 353 00:17:58,251 --> 00:18:00,081 on reinforcement. 354 00:18:00,209 --> 00:18:04,869 - Sir, I can only repeat that nothing but a successful 355 00:18:04,996 --> 00:18:07,346 naval action can save me. - [explosion] 356 00:18:13,918 --> 00:18:16,878 We have lost about 70 men, 357 00:18:17,008 --> 00:18:20,448 and many of our works have been seriously damaged. 358 00:18:20,577 --> 00:18:24,967 Against so powerful an attack, 359 00:18:25,104 --> 00:18:27,544 we cannot hope to make a very long resistance. 360 00:18:27,671 --> 00:18:29,021 [explosions] 361 00:18:29,151 --> 00:18:30,761 Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. 362 00:18:35,679 --> 00:18:36,989 [horse neighing] 363 00:18:37,116 --> 00:18:38,896 - Where do we stand? 364 00:18:39,030 --> 00:18:41,600 - Our bombardments have weakened them considerably. 365 00:18:41,729 --> 00:18:43,989 - General Cornwallis has withdrawn most of his forces 366 00:18:44,123 --> 00:18:46,083 into the city as it stands. 367 00:18:46,212 --> 00:18:47,652 They're down to two fortifications 368 00:18:47,778 --> 00:18:49,998 with ops here and here. 369 00:18:50,129 --> 00:18:51,829 - If we take the Redoubts, 370 00:18:51,956 --> 00:18:54,436 we can run our next trench all the way to the water. 371 00:18:54,568 --> 00:18:56,048 - But then the barrels of our cannon, 372 00:18:56,178 --> 00:18:59,138 will breach the threshold of their position. 373 00:18:59,268 --> 00:19:01,918 - Known as Redoubts 9 and 10, 374 00:19:02,053 --> 00:19:04,233 the fortifications are the last line of defense 375 00:19:04,360 --> 00:19:06,150 holding off the Americans 376 00:19:06,275 --> 00:19:07,795 from advancing their trench line 377 00:19:07,929 --> 00:19:10,979 to bombard the town at close range. 378 00:19:11,106 --> 00:19:12,456 - How many men does number 10 hold? 379 00:19:12,586 --> 00:19:13,976 - Perhaps 50, 380 00:19:14,109 --> 00:19:16,459 but heavily armed and well-fortified, 381 00:19:16,590 --> 00:19:18,900 it will certainly not be easy to take. 382 00:19:19,027 --> 00:19:20,507 - We will need to overwhelm them. 383 00:19:20,637 --> 00:19:22,897 - And catch them by surprise. 384 00:19:23,031 --> 00:19:24,511 As soon as our men are spotted, 385 00:19:24,641 --> 00:19:25,991 they will come under heavy fire. 386 00:19:28,558 --> 00:19:30,298 - Send 400 men. 387 00:19:30,430 --> 00:19:32,520 Move out tonight under the cover of darkness. 388 00:19:32,649 --> 00:19:34,959 - And who shall lead them? 389 00:19:35,086 --> 00:19:37,956 ♪♪♪ 390 00:19:39,221 --> 00:19:40,571 - Alexander. 391 00:19:48,665 --> 00:19:53,365 - Hamilton is Washington's essential staff officer, 392 00:19:53,496 --> 00:19:55,456 but he doesn't want to stay a staff officer 393 00:19:55,585 --> 00:19:57,325 because real glory comes if you lead men 394 00:19:57,457 --> 00:19:58,627 in combat to victory. 395 00:19:58,762 --> 00:20:02,772 ♪♪♪ 396 00:20:02,897 --> 00:20:05,767 Washington becomes dependent upon Hamilton's competence, 397 00:20:05,900 --> 00:20:10,560 so he's reluctant to see Hamilton go. 398 00:20:10,687 --> 00:20:14,867 - Washington recognizes his own self in Hamilton. 399 00:20:14,996 --> 00:20:16,686 Hamilton wants to command an army. 400 00:20:16,824 --> 00:20:19,704 This is how a man is made. 401 00:20:19,827 --> 00:20:21,997 - This is command you've been seeking, is it not? 402 00:20:22,133 --> 00:20:23,353 - Yes, sir. 403 00:20:23,483 --> 00:20:24,833 - The reward is high. 404 00:20:24,962 --> 00:20:26,622 The risk is equally as great. 405 00:20:26,747 --> 00:20:29,177 - I shall not let you down, sir. 406 00:20:31,752 --> 00:20:33,062 - Then the command is yours. 407 00:20:33,188 --> 00:20:36,318 ♪♪♪ 408 00:21:07,962 --> 00:21:09,622 - With Redoubt No. 10, 409 00:21:09,746 --> 00:21:13,136 I think you see the American talent for improvisation 410 00:21:13,272 --> 00:21:14,402 coming to the fore. 411 00:21:17,450 --> 00:21:19,580 They dispense with the usual protocols 412 00:21:19,713 --> 00:21:23,333 of clearing the way before you storm the ramparts. 413 00:21:24,848 --> 00:21:26,758 Hamilton said, "Let's just go for it." 414 00:21:40,821 --> 00:21:42,781 - Charge! 415 00:21:42,910 --> 00:21:44,390 Forward, men! Forward! 416 00:21:44,520 --> 00:21:45,740 Forward! 417 00:21:59,709 --> 00:22:02,149 - Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Hamilton 418 00:22:02,277 --> 00:22:03,927 is leading the charge to break through 419 00:22:04,061 --> 00:22:06,541 the last line of defense around Yorktown. 420 00:22:06,673 --> 00:22:08,023 - Aah! 421 00:22:08,152 --> 00:22:10,292 - Do not fall back! Forward! 422 00:22:10,416 --> 00:22:12,806 ♪♪♪ 423 00:22:12,940 --> 00:22:15,550 - Onward! Onward! 424 00:22:15,682 --> 00:22:17,902 - Fall back! Fall back! 425 00:22:23,254 --> 00:22:25,394 [cheering] 426 00:22:25,518 --> 00:22:29,298 - The fighting is over in just a matter of minutes. 427 00:22:29,435 --> 00:22:31,825 - Yeah! 428 00:22:31,959 --> 00:22:34,089 - With the taking of Redoubt No. 10, 429 00:22:34,222 --> 00:22:36,792 Hamilton is a legitimate war hero. 430 00:22:36,920 --> 00:22:39,450 In many ways, it's the making of Hamilton. 431 00:22:41,316 --> 00:22:43,746 - By the point those two Redoubts are captured, 432 00:22:43,884 --> 00:22:45,024 the writing is on the wall. 433 00:22:50,934 --> 00:22:54,114 - From their position at the captured Redoubts, 434 00:22:54,242 --> 00:22:56,592 the Americans unleash a punishing 435 00:22:56,723 --> 00:22:58,813 point-blank assault on the British. 436 00:23:02,293 --> 00:23:06,043 ♪♪♪ 437 00:23:23,967 --> 00:23:26,447 Unsure if the reinforcements he's requested 438 00:23:26,579 --> 00:23:28,929 will ever arrive, 439 00:23:29,059 --> 00:23:32,059 Cornwallis has seen enough. 440 00:23:32,193 --> 00:23:36,023 ♪♪♪ 441 00:23:50,341 --> 00:23:52,001 - Sir, 442 00:23:52,126 --> 00:23:56,036 I propose an immediate cessation 443 00:23:56,173 --> 00:23:59,443 of hostilities for 24 hours, 444 00:23:59,568 --> 00:24:04,268 and that two officers be appointed from either side 445 00:24:04,399 --> 00:24:06,399 to discuss the terms 446 00:24:06,532 --> 00:24:10,452 of the surrender of the posts of York 447 00:24:10,579 --> 00:24:11,929 and Gloucester, 448 00:24:12,059 --> 00:24:12,759 et cetera, et cetera. 449 00:24:18,935 --> 00:24:22,285 - Yorktown is a crucial, crucial moment in the war. 450 00:24:22,417 --> 00:24:24,417 The fact that the Americans win that battle 451 00:24:24,550 --> 00:24:26,420 has huge psychological 452 00:24:26,552 --> 00:24:28,032 as well as military consequences. 453 00:24:28,162 --> 00:24:30,032 On the British side, 454 00:24:30,164 --> 00:24:31,434 they're outraged that they've lost 455 00:24:31,557 --> 00:24:33,207 and that these Americans 456 00:24:33,341 --> 00:24:36,041 appear to have gotten the better of them. 457 00:24:36,170 --> 00:24:38,040 - And the Brits never quite understood 458 00:24:38,172 --> 00:24:39,612 what they were getting into, 459 00:24:39,739 --> 00:24:41,349 and they underestimated 460 00:24:41,480 --> 00:24:44,440 the nation that had been created. 461 00:24:44,570 --> 00:24:46,920 It's a mistake many people have made over the years. 462 00:24:47,050 --> 00:24:49,230 When you're defending a piece of land that's yours, 463 00:24:49,357 --> 00:24:50,527 you're prepared to die for it. 464 00:24:50,663 --> 00:24:52,753 - On October 19th, 465 00:24:52,882 --> 00:24:55,102 after a three-week-long siege, 466 00:24:55,232 --> 00:24:58,062 the two sides meet on the battlefield 467 00:24:58,192 --> 00:25:00,502 for a formal surrender ceremony. 468 00:25:00,629 --> 00:25:02,539 - Cornwallis is too embarrassed, 469 00:25:02,675 --> 00:25:04,885 so he pretends that he's sick 470 00:25:05,025 --> 00:25:08,985 and he sends out a subordinate to surrender the sword. 471 00:25:09,116 --> 00:25:11,726 This is the second British Army to surrender. 472 00:25:11,858 --> 00:25:13,558 The main British Army is still intact 473 00:25:13,686 --> 00:25:15,296 and still at New York City. 474 00:25:15,426 --> 00:25:18,816 But the will to fight in Great Britain is gone. 475 00:25:18,952 --> 00:25:21,692 When word of Yorktown reaches Britain, 476 00:25:21,824 --> 00:25:23,094 Lord North, the prime minister, 477 00:25:23,217 --> 00:25:26,217 says, "Oh, my God, it's over." 478 00:25:26,350 --> 00:25:30,400 - While peace terms are being negotiated in Paris, 479 00:25:30,529 --> 00:25:33,709 Washington is not convinced that the war is over. 480 00:25:33,836 --> 00:25:36,746 He moves his headquarters to Newburgh, New York, 481 00:25:36,883 --> 00:25:40,153 within striking distance of British-occupied New York City. 482 00:25:40,277 --> 00:25:42,497 - The king will push the war 483 00:25:42,628 --> 00:25:45,588 as long as the nation will find men or money. 484 00:25:45,718 --> 00:25:48,198 Let us prepare for the worst. 485 00:25:48,329 --> 00:25:51,379 There is nothing which will so soon produce peace 486 00:25:51,506 --> 00:25:54,416 as a state of preparation for war. 487 00:25:54,553 --> 00:25:57,693 - The British stopped major action in North America, 488 00:25:57,817 --> 00:25:59,557 but from Washington's point of view, 489 00:25:59,688 --> 00:26:00,948 that might not be permanent, 490 00:26:01,081 --> 00:26:03,691 so he has to keep this army trained 491 00:26:03,823 --> 00:26:07,303 so it can respond and defend and fight if he needs to. 492 00:26:09,176 --> 00:26:11,396 - But with Congress still failing to pay them 493 00:26:11,526 --> 00:26:14,916 more than a year after the battle at Yorktown, 494 00:26:15,051 --> 00:26:17,711 Washington's troops are growing restless 495 00:26:17,837 --> 00:26:20,137 and angry. 496 00:26:20,274 --> 00:26:22,064 - They've been given promises for years. 497 00:26:22,189 --> 00:26:25,579 Some of them have been there seven, eight years long. 498 00:26:25,714 --> 00:26:28,064 And so what happens is you start getting a conspiracy 499 00:26:28,195 --> 00:26:30,365 in the ranks to the officer corps who are saying, 500 00:26:30,501 --> 00:26:32,421 "Well, we're not gonna lay down our arms 501 00:26:32,547 --> 00:26:34,767 "when the peace treaty arrives unless were paid by Congress. 502 00:26:34,897 --> 00:26:37,597 "And if need be, we're gonna march on Congress 503 00:26:37,726 --> 00:26:39,466 and force them to pay us." 504 00:26:39,598 --> 00:26:42,728 - What they're plotting is more than a mutiny. 505 00:26:42,862 --> 00:26:45,652 It's a military takeover of the government, 506 00:26:45,778 --> 00:26:48,688 and they want Washington to lead it. 507 00:26:48,824 --> 00:26:50,224 - There's a group in the army 508 00:26:50,347 --> 00:26:52,867 that wants to march on Philadelphia 509 00:26:53,002 --> 00:26:55,222 and crown Washington emperor. 510 00:26:55,352 --> 00:26:56,702 - George Washington, all of a sudden, 511 00:26:56,832 --> 00:26:59,102 is this incredibly popular superstar 512 00:26:59,226 --> 00:27:01,136 with an Army that is loyal to him. 513 00:27:01,271 --> 00:27:02,751 What if he decided 514 00:27:02,882 --> 00:27:06,282 that he was gonna declare himself in charge, 515 00:27:06,407 --> 00:27:08,057 that he's gonna ask Congress to move along? 516 00:27:12,369 --> 00:27:14,629 - If you ask me, this is not a question 517 00:27:14,763 --> 00:27:17,293 of what we must do, the question is 518 00:27:17,418 --> 00:27:19,458 what we must do if Washington refuses to take charge. 519 00:27:19,594 --> 00:27:21,684 - Right. - Yeah. 520 00:27:21,814 --> 00:27:24,734 - General Horatio Gates is among the officers pushing 521 00:27:24,860 --> 00:27:28,300 for Washington to lead a rebellion against Congress. 522 00:27:28,429 --> 00:27:32,129 Others, like Henry Knox, are urging caution. 523 00:27:32,259 --> 00:27:33,649 - How can we be certain? 524 00:27:33,782 --> 00:27:36,442 - Washington has made his assurances, 525 00:27:36,567 --> 00:27:39,047 and I have never known him to be a liar. 526 00:27:39,179 --> 00:27:40,749 The worst we can do 527 00:27:40,876 --> 00:27:43,876 is rush into action that cannot be undone. 528 00:27:44,010 --> 00:27:47,800 - Keep in mind that pretty much every great revolution 529 00:27:47,927 --> 00:27:50,967 that had been run before to take on tyranny, 530 00:27:51,104 --> 00:27:54,324 the rebellious general soon revealed himself 531 00:27:54,455 --> 00:27:55,715 to be the new king 532 00:27:55,848 --> 00:27:57,548 and then a new kind of tyrant. 533 00:27:57,676 --> 00:28:02,156 This is one of the most important early moments 534 00:28:02,289 --> 00:28:05,729 in the republic where things could've all gone south. 535 00:28:05,858 --> 00:28:08,558 - The question before us is a simple one, I think. 536 00:28:08,687 --> 00:28:11,777 Will we continue to allow 537 00:28:11,907 --> 00:28:14,517 the men who risked their lives 538 00:28:14,649 --> 00:28:17,129 in forging a new nation 539 00:28:17,260 --> 00:28:20,520 to be treated a second class? 540 00:28:20,655 --> 00:28:23,215 - We face enough real issues than to allow ourselves 541 00:28:23,353 --> 00:28:25,363 to fall into hyperbole. 542 00:28:25,486 --> 00:28:29,356 - Is it hyperbole to say we have been ignored, 543 00:28:29,490 --> 00:28:31,490 treated indifferently? 544 00:28:31,622 --> 00:28:33,062 I would list all our grievances, 545 00:28:33,189 --> 00:28:35,019 but every man here is well aware. 546 00:28:35,148 --> 00:28:37,538 - You know as well as I, 547 00:28:37,672 --> 00:28:40,202 Washington will not stand talk of rebellion. 548 00:28:40,327 --> 00:28:42,197 - What rebellion? 549 00:28:42,329 --> 00:28:45,289 It is the men in this room who led us to victory. 550 00:28:45,419 --> 00:28:47,119 - Men: Yes! 551 00:28:47,247 --> 00:28:49,417 - Not those in Philadelphia. 552 00:28:49,553 --> 00:28:53,993 - There are other ways to ensure our grievances are heard. 553 00:28:54,123 --> 00:28:56,693 - Letters, formal requests. 554 00:28:56,822 --> 00:28:58,432 [laughter] 555 00:28:58,562 --> 00:29:00,352 - Tell me, General Knox, 556 00:29:00,477 --> 00:29:02,037 how has this helped us in the past? 557 00:29:02,175 --> 00:29:05,915 - I for one put my trust in Washington, 558 00:29:06,048 --> 00:29:09,228 and I would counsel everyone here to do the same. 559 00:29:09,356 --> 00:29:12,576 - And I would counsel that if Commander Washington 560 00:29:12,707 --> 00:29:14,617 is unwilling to do what is necessary, 561 00:29:14,753 --> 00:29:17,843 then we have no choice 562 00:29:17,973 --> 00:29:20,723 but to take matters into our own hands. 563 00:29:23,718 --> 00:29:25,368 - May I have permission to speakto speak? 564 00:29:31,987 --> 00:29:34,557 - George Washington has led his army 565 00:29:34,685 --> 00:29:37,115 to victory against Britain. 566 00:29:37,253 --> 00:29:40,823 But now some of his officers are counting on him 567 00:29:40,953 --> 00:29:44,573 to lead a new rebellion against their own government. 568 00:29:47,002 --> 00:29:48,702 - Gentlemen... 569 00:29:48,830 --> 00:29:51,010 - There have been plenty of revolutions, 570 00:29:51,137 --> 00:29:52,747 and most of them fail, 571 00:29:52,878 --> 00:29:56,098 and they fail because people get frustrated. 572 00:29:56,229 --> 00:29:58,619 They don't know where their paycheck is coming from. 573 00:29:58,753 --> 00:30:02,983 These are relatable concerns that Washington is facing. 574 00:30:03,105 --> 00:30:08,105 - As I have never left your side one moment, 575 00:30:08,241 --> 00:30:12,111 as I have ever considered my own military reputation 576 00:30:12,245 --> 00:30:15,415 as inescapably connected with that of the army, 577 00:30:15,552 --> 00:30:17,992 it can scarcely be possible, 578 00:30:18,120 --> 00:30:21,210 in this late stage of the war, 579 00:30:21,341 --> 00:30:25,261 that I am indifferent to its interests. 580 00:30:25,388 --> 00:30:30,648 Let me entreat you on your part 581 00:30:30,785 --> 00:30:32,265 not to take any measures 582 00:30:32,395 --> 00:30:36,395 which, viewed in the calm light of reason, 583 00:30:36,530 --> 00:30:39,270 will lessen the dignity 584 00:30:39,402 --> 00:30:43,932 and sully the glory you have hitherto maintained. 585 00:30:45,539 --> 00:30:47,539 - Washington tells his officers, 586 00:30:47,671 --> 00:30:49,721 "No, you can't do this. 587 00:30:49,848 --> 00:30:51,888 "You can't use the military to pressure Congress 588 00:30:52,024 --> 00:30:53,634 to get your back pay." - If you do 589 00:30:53,764 --> 00:30:55,294 what you are thinking of doing, 590 00:30:55,418 --> 00:30:58,328 you will be undermining the very core principles 591 00:30:58,465 --> 00:31:00,415 that we have been fighting for for seven years. 592 00:31:00,554 --> 00:31:01,734 - Not only will the American experiment 593 00:31:01,860 --> 00:31:03,250 be killed in its cradle, 594 00:31:03,383 --> 00:31:05,473 but it will reinforce everyone who says 595 00:31:05,602 --> 00:31:09,042 that self-government is not practical or possible. 596 00:31:09,171 --> 00:31:10,651 - And now... 597 00:31:12,566 --> 00:31:16,136 regarding of issue of payment. 598 00:31:16,265 --> 00:31:18,265 I have recently received word 599 00:31:18,398 --> 00:31:20,308 from a Virginia congressman. 600 00:31:21,836 --> 00:31:24,266 "Congress have been for some time past... 601 00:31:28,147 --> 00:31:30,887 um, almost..." 602 00:31:34,980 --> 00:31:37,200 Apologies. 603 00:31:37,330 --> 00:31:41,730 I have grown blind as well as gray 604 00:31:41,856 --> 00:31:43,546 in the service of my country. 605 00:31:43,684 --> 00:31:47,084 ♪♪♪ 606 00:31:47,209 --> 00:31:50,519 - He pulls out his spectacles from his, uh, breast pocket, 607 00:31:50,647 --> 00:31:52,297 unfolds them. 608 00:31:52,432 --> 00:31:54,522 And there he is, showing this, uh, frailty 609 00:31:54,651 --> 00:31:56,351 in front of his officers for the first time. 610 00:32:01,615 --> 00:32:03,745 - "A short time will bring to a conclusion 611 00:32:03,878 --> 00:32:05,918 "our efforts to this business, 612 00:32:06,054 --> 00:32:08,234 which I'm in hopes will terminate the adoption..." 613 00:32:08,361 --> 00:32:11,021 - When he shows that "I have aged during this time, 614 00:32:11,146 --> 00:32:13,186 that I have suffered, too," 615 00:32:13,322 --> 00:32:14,852 they understand that he hears them 616 00:32:14,976 --> 00:32:17,066 and he's working on their behalf. 617 00:32:17,196 --> 00:32:20,026 - It's Washington playing that moment. 618 00:32:20,155 --> 00:32:22,805 What he does is use who he is 619 00:32:22,941 --> 00:32:25,811 and the symbolism of who he is to dissipate a situation. 620 00:32:25,944 --> 00:32:28,514 - And with that, shame kicks in, 621 00:32:28,642 --> 00:32:32,122 a sense of shared sacrifice that galvanized the officers 622 00:32:32,254 --> 00:32:34,434 and reminded them what they were fighting for. 623 00:32:34,561 --> 00:32:38,351 - You will, by the dignity of your conduct, 624 00:32:38,478 --> 00:32:42,348 afford occasion for posterity to say, 625 00:32:42,482 --> 00:32:45,352 when speaking of the glorious example 626 00:32:45,485 --> 00:32:50,135 you have exhibited to mankind, 627 00:32:50,272 --> 00:32:52,672 "Had this day been wanting, 628 00:32:52,796 --> 00:32:57,236 "the world has never seen the last stage of perfection 629 00:32:57,366 --> 00:33:01,536 to which human nature is capable of attaining." 630 00:33:01,675 --> 00:33:03,235 - When you look at Washington in Newburgh, 631 00:33:03,372 --> 00:33:06,162 it's hard not to remember this impulsive young man 632 00:33:06,288 --> 00:33:08,418 that he was during the French and Indian War. 633 00:33:08,551 --> 00:33:10,991 And you think the reason that they trust him 634 00:33:11,119 --> 00:33:14,689 is that he has proven himself to be so steady, 635 00:33:14,818 --> 00:33:17,298 that he has proven himself 636 00:33:17,430 --> 00:33:20,610 to deliver the most outrageous win of all time. 637 00:33:20,737 --> 00:33:22,517 So if he can defeat 638 00:33:22,652 --> 00:33:26,002 one of the greatest superpowers in the world, 639 00:33:26,134 --> 00:33:27,614 he can deliver their pay. 640 00:33:31,226 --> 00:33:33,356 - Washington and the Newburgh Address 641 00:33:33,489 --> 00:33:36,449 is one of the very few moments in world history 642 00:33:36,579 --> 00:33:38,799 where revolution in favor of liberty ended 643 00:33:38,929 --> 00:33:41,189 without a military coup 644 00:33:41,323 --> 00:33:42,503 and ended with the rule of law. 645 00:33:42,629 --> 00:33:45,409 ♪♪♪ 646 00:33:45,545 --> 00:33:49,585 - Six months after Washington puts talk of a coup to rest, 647 00:33:49,723 --> 00:33:53,643 and nearly two years after the final battle at Yorktown, 648 00:33:53,770 --> 00:33:56,510 the Treaty of Paris is finally signed. 649 00:33:56,643 --> 00:33:58,953 The war is over. 650 00:33:59,080 --> 00:34:01,650 Providence is the word he uses a lot 651 00:34:01,778 --> 00:34:07,388 to try to describe to people how we won the war 652 00:34:07,523 --> 00:34:09,183 right after the war. 653 00:34:09,308 --> 00:34:11,178 "If historians ever take to writing about this, 654 00:34:11,310 --> 00:34:12,920 "they will be accused to writing fiction 655 00:34:13,051 --> 00:34:14,701 "because no one will believe 656 00:34:14,835 --> 00:34:17,875 "that, uh, a group of ragtag soldiers like this 657 00:34:18,012 --> 00:34:20,062 could ever possibly defeat the British Army and Navy." 658 00:34:20,188 --> 00:34:23,968 - On November 25th, 1783, 659 00:34:24,105 --> 00:34:27,665 seven years after running Washington out of New York, 660 00:34:27,804 --> 00:34:30,814 the Redcoats evacuate the city. 661 00:34:30,938 --> 00:34:33,718 Within hours, hundreds of citizens 662 00:34:33,854 --> 00:34:35,424 are lining the streets to celebrate 663 00:34:35,551 --> 00:34:39,161 Washington's triumphant return to New York. 664 00:34:39,294 --> 00:34:41,914 Soon after, the Continental Army 665 00:34:42,036 --> 00:34:43,856 is peacefully disbanded 666 00:34:43,994 --> 00:34:46,874 and Washington formally resigns his post 667 00:34:46,997 --> 00:34:49,297 as commander-in-chief. 668 00:34:49,435 --> 00:34:51,125 - If you had just defeated 669 00:34:51,263 --> 00:34:52,963 the greatest empire in the world, 670 00:34:53,091 --> 00:34:54,881 the idea that you would then say 671 00:34:55,005 --> 00:34:57,225 "Okay, thanks, I'm going to go farm and make whiskey 672 00:34:57,356 --> 00:34:58,836 and grow hemp," 673 00:34:58,966 --> 00:35:01,396 it wasn't done, but he did it. 674 00:35:01,534 --> 00:35:04,414 - In England, when King George III hears 675 00:35:04,537 --> 00:35:06,147 that Washington has surrendered power and gone home, 676 00:35:06,278 --> 00:35:09,888 he replies by saying, "Well, if he did that, 677 00:35:10,020 --> 00:35:12,110 "he will be the greatest man in the world." 678 00:35:12,240 --> 00:35:14,290 ♪♪♪ 679 00:35:14,416 --> 00:35:17,196 [birds chirping] 680 00:35:23,208 --> 00:35:26,948 - When George Washington wrote to Martha in 1775, 681 00:35:27,081 --> 00:35:28,951 he said, "I'll be home by Christmas," 682 00:35:29,083 --> 00:35:32,173 he meant the following Christmas. 683 00:35:32,304 --> 00:35:33,744 But it's already into the 1780s. 684 00:35:33,870 --> 00:35:36,740 ♪♪♪ 685 00:35:59,069 --> 00:36:02,599 - I am once again a private citizen, Martha. 686 00:36:04,423 --> 00:36:07,513 - And it did not take that long at all. 687 00:36:07,643 --> 00:36:09,733 - [laughs] 688 00:36:09,863 --> 00:36:12,823 - Come, everything is ready. 689 00:36:22,963 --> 00:36:26,753 - I feel myself eased of a load of public care. 690 00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:29,140 I hope to spend the remainder of my days 691 00:36:29,274 --> 00:36:32,194 in cultivating the affections of good men 692 00:36:32,320 --> 00:36:35,150 and in the practice of domestic virtues. 693 00:36:35,280 --> 00:36:38,150 ♪♪♪ 694 00:36:43,723 --> 00:36:45,333 - He's done his duty. 695 00:36:45,464 --> 00:36:48,384 He doesn't assume that more is to come. 696 00:36:48,510 --> 00:36:50,340 And he doesn't know 697 00:36:50,469 --> 00:36:51,729 that there's gonna be a new constitution. 698 00:36:51,861 --> 00:36:53,081 He doesn't know there's gonna be 699 00:36:53,211 --> 00:36:54,561 anything called the presidency. 700 00:36:54,690 --> 00:36:56,340 - In the years 701 00:36:56,475 --> 00:36:59,425 immediately following the Revolution, 702 00:36:59,565 --> 00:37:01,995 the young country is in turmoil. 703 00:37:03,830 --> 00:37:06,140 The 13 states are bound together 704 00:37:06,267 --> 00:37:08,567 under the Articles of Confederation. 705 00:37:08,704 --> 00:37:12,144 But while the pact allows Congress to enact laws, 706 00:37:12,273 --> 00:37:15,193 it has no power to enforce them. 707 00:37:15,320 --> 00:37:18,150 And there's no consensus among the states 708 00:37:18,279 --> 00:37:19,889 about how to run a government. 709 00:37:22,631 --> 00:37:24,421 - All the states looked upon themselves 710 00:37:24,546 --> 00:37:26,196 as independent nations. 711 00:37:26,331 --> 00:37:29,551 They owed nothing by way of sovereignty 712 00:37:29,682 --> 00:37:31,072 to any higher authority. 713 00:37:31,205 --> 00:37:34,635 - They understood that there had to be 714 00:37:34,774 --> 00:37:36,784 strength in union, 715 00:37:36,906 --> 00:37:40,126 but they never wanted the strength in union 716 00:37:40,258 --> 00:37:43,908 to take their autonomy away. 717 00:37:44,044 --> 00:37:46,094 - The country had been ravaged by war, 718 00:37:46,220 --> 00:37:48,180 the economy had been destroyed, 719 00:37:48,309 --> 00:37:51,089 and there was no national currency. 720 00:37:51,225 --> 00:37:52,835 So Congress couldn't raise any money 721 00:37:52,966 --> 00:37:54,486 to pay off its national debt. 722 00:37:54,620 --> 00:37:56,060 - The states all turned inward, 723 00:37:56,186 --> 00:37:58,316 and you begin to have a variety 724 00:37:58,450 --> 00:38:01,410 of different kinds of disruptions and arguments 725 00:38:01,540 --> 00:38:03,670 and disagreements throughout the states. 726 00:38:03,803 --> 00:38:05,593 And, really, the fragility of what's being attempted here 727 00:38:05,718 --> 00:38:07,198 becomes very apparent. 728 00:38:07,328 --> 00:38:09,238 - And it looked as though the victories 729 00:38:09,374 --> 00:38:10,774 that had been won on the battlefield 730 00:38:10,897 --> 00:38:13,677 were gonna be lost in the halls of politics. 731 00:38:13,813 --> 00:38:15,603 And for somebody like George Washington, 732 00:38:15,728 --> 00:38:18,948 in particular, this is really discouraging 733 00:38:19,079 --> 00:38:21,259 because by this time 734 00:38:21,386 --> 00:38:22,866 he's being called the father of his country 735 00:38:22,996 --> 00:38:23,776 and his country is falling apart 736 00:38:23,910 --> 00:38:26,430 before his very eyes. 737 00:38:26,565 --> 00:38:28,345 - How melancholy is the reflection, 738 00:38:28,480 --> 00:38:30,090 that in so short a space 739 00:38:30,220 --> 00:38:32,140 we should've made such large strides 740 00:38:32,266 --> 00:38:33,876 towards fulfilling the prediction 741 00:38:34,007 --> 00:38:35,657 of our transatlantic foe! 742 00:38:35,791 --> 00:38:38,011 Leave them to themselves 743 00:38:38,141 --> 00:38:40,801 and their government will soon dissolve. 744 00:38:40,927 --> 00:38:43,497 Will not the wise and goods strive hard 745 00:38:43,625 --> 00:38:45,705 to avert this evil? 746 00:38:45,845 --> 00:38:48,015 ♪♪♪ 747 00:38:48,151 --> 00:38:50,761 - In the spring of 1787, 748 00:38:50,893 --> 00:38:52,943 the Founding Fathers call on delegates 749 00:38:53,069 --> 00:38:56,769 from the 13 states to convene in Philadelphia. 750 00:38:56,899 --> 00:39:00,209 Their mission, build a more effective union. 751 00:39:00,338 --> 00:39:02,468 Benjamin Franklin, 752 00:39:02,601 --> 00:39:04,121 Alexander Hamilton, 753 00:39:04,254 --> 00:39:06,264 now an assemblyman from New York, 754 00:39:06,387 --> 00:39:08,687 and James Madison from Virginia 755 00:39:08,824 --> 00:39:10,654 all agree to attend. 756 00:39:10,783 --> 00:39:15,353 But George Washington is undecided. 757 00:39:15,483 --> 00:39:17,833 - This is one of many moments in which people step forward 758 00:39:17,964 --> 00:39:19,754 and say, "You know, it's pretty important 759 00:39:19,879 --> 00:39:21,919 that you'll be there. People trust you." 760 00:39:22,055 --> 00:39:25,315 And so he ends up being at the constitutional convention. 761 00:39:25,450 --> 00:39:28,100 He presides over the constitutional convention, 762 00:39:28,235 --> 00:39:30,365 not because he's eager, necessarily, to shape things, 763 00:39:30,498 --> 00:39:32,628 but because he felt it was important to be there. 764 00:39:32,761 --> 00:39:35,721 - In its nearly four months in session 765 00:39:35,851 --> 00:39:37,381 the constitutional convention 766 00:39:37,505 --> 00:39:39,725 reinvents the American government, 767 00:39:39,855 --> 00:39:43,075 writing a new constitution that paves the way 768 00:39:43,206 --> 00:39:47,076 for Washington to be elected its first chief executive. 769 00:39:47,210 --> 00:39:49,650 - The Jeffersons, the Madisons, and all the others, 770 00:39:49,778 --> 00:39:53,088 assembled in Independence Hall in 1787. 771 00:39:53,216 --> 00:39:55,516 And they all looked to him because he was a war hero. 772 00:39:55,654 --> 00:39:58,404 They wouldn't be there if it hadn't been for him. 773 00:39:58,526 --> 00:40:01,616 - It was understood without anybody having to say anything 774 00:40:01,747 --> 00:40:03,437 that the presidency was gonna be occupied 775 00:40:03,575 --> 00:40:05,355 by George Washington. 776 00:40:05,490 --> 00:40:07,230 It's one of the reasons that, in the Constitution, 777 00:40:07,361 --> 00:40:09,361 the presidency is simply sketched in. 778 00:40:09,494 --> 00:40:11,024 They just looked over at Washington, said, 779 00:40:11,147 --> 00:40:12,707 "Okay, well, he'll figure it out." 780 00:40:12,845 --> 00:40:15,145 - Washington, right before he becomes president, 781 00:40:15,282 --> 00:40:17,152 is in the perfect position. 782 00:40:17,284 --> 00:40:18,374 He has done the unthinkable. 783 00:40:18,503 --> 00:40:20,163 He's won the Revolution. 784 00:40:20,287 --> 00:40:22,767 He is a celebrity in his own country 785 00:40:22,898 --> 00:40:25,208 and every country. 786 00:40:25,335 --> 00:40:27,505 The entire world respects him. 787 00:40:27,642 --> 00:40:30,252 ♪♪♪ 788 00:40:30,384 --> 00:40:33,874 He has everything to lose by becoming president. 789 00:40:40,525 --> 00:40:43,475 [crowd cheering] 790 00:40:48,184 --> 00:40:50,844 - George Washington spent decades of his life 791 00:40:50,970 --> 00:40:53,150 helping to create a new nation. 792 00:40:53,276 --> 00:40:55,186 Now 57, 793 00:40:55,322 --> 00:40:59,282 he's the only man that people trust to lead it. 794 00:40:59,413 --> 00:41:02,903 His election to the presidency is unanimous. 795 00:41:04,984 --> 00:41:06,904 - No president in American history 796 00:41:07,029 --> 00:41:10,079 did not wish to be president more than George Washington. 797 00:41:10,206 --> 00:41:13,246 - My movements to the chair of government 798 00:41:13,383 --> 00:41:16,563 will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those 799 00:41:16,691 --> 00:41:20,261 of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution. 800 00:41:20,390 --> 00:41:24,390 [crowd cheering] 801 00:41:24,525 --> 00:41:28,655 - He knew, the minute he actually assumed 802 00:41:28,790 --> 00:41:30,400 the responsibilities of office, 803 00:41:30,531 --> 00:41:32,101 no matter how good a job he did, 804 00:41:32,228 --> 00:41:33,838 he was gonna make some enemies. 805 00:41:33,969 --> 00:41:36,409 And that frightened him a lot, 806 00:41:36,537 --> 00:41:38,447 but to then turn around and walk away 807 00:41:38,583 --> 00:41:42,673 from this new entity that he'd worked so hard to create, 808 00:41:42,804 --> 00:41:45,464 at the very moment when arguably he was needed most, 809 00:41:45,590 --> 00:41:49,160 would've been deemed an act of selfishness 810 00:41:49,289 --> 00:41:52,809 which would contradict his code of honor. 811 00:41:52,945 --> 00:41:54,765 [cheers and applause] 812 00:41:54,903 --> 00:41:57,783 ♪♪♪ 813 00:42:03,042 --> 00:42:07,872 - I do solemnly swear. - I do solemnly swear. 814 00:42:08,003 --> 00:42:09,963 - That I will faithfully execute 815 00:42:10,092 --> 00:42:13,232 the Office of President of the United States. 816 00:42:13,356 --> 00:42:16,136 - That I will faithfully execute 817 00:42:16,272 --> 00:42:19,322 the Office of President of the United States. 818 00:42:19,449 --> 00:42:22,019 - And will, to the best of my ability... 819 00:42:22,148 --> 00:42:25,408 - And will, to the best of my ability... 820 00:42:25,543 --> 00:42:27,943 - Preserve, protect, and defend 821 00:42:28,067 --> 00:42:30,937 the Constitution of the United States. 822 00:42:31,070 --> 00:42:34,120 - Preserve, protect, and defend 823 00:42:34,247 --> 00:42:36,247 the Constitution of the United States. 824 00:42:38,294 --> 00:42:40,304 - Long live George Washington, 825 00:42:40,427 --> 00:42:41,907 President of the United States. 826 00:42:42,037 --> 00:42:44,867 [cheers and applause] 827 00:42:50,002 --> 00:42:54,532 - Integrity and firmness is all I can promise. 828 00:42:54,659 --> 00:42:57,789 These, be the voyage long or short, 829 00:42:57,923 --> 00:43:01,363 never shall forsake me, 830 00:43:01,491 --> 00:43:05,061 although I may be deserted by all men. 831 00:43:05,191 --> 00:43:08,891 [cheers and applause] 832 00:43:09,021 --> 00:43:11,501 - What the heck is a president? Like, no one knew. 833 00:43:11,632 --> 00:43:15,112 He had to have enough gravitas and dignity 834 00:43:15,244 --> 00:43:17,644 to be seen as a leader of a nation 835 00:43:17,769 --> 00:43:19,549 in a world of monarchies. 836 00:43:19,684 --> 00:43:22,604 But on the other hand, he can't be monarchical 837 00:43:22,730 --> 00:43:24,560 in any way, or kingly, because people are terrified 838 00:43:24,689 --> 00:43:26,469 that the nation's gonna slip right back 839 00:43:26,604 --> 00:43:28,394 into becoming a monarchy. 840 00:43:28,518 --> 00:43:30,298 And many people had a lot of misgivings 841 00:43:30,433 --> 00:43:32,443 about how much power this new centralized government 842 00:43:32,566 --> 00:43:34,176 was going to have. 843 00:43:34,307 --> 00:43:37,007 - He could've been king, but that was not him. 844 00:43:37,136 --> 00:43:39,136 He believed in what he was doing. 845 00:43:39,268 --> 00:43:40,268 It's those who really don't believe 846 00:43:40,400 --> 00:43:41,750 in what they are doing, 847 00:43:41,880 --> 00:43:43,580 who are just interested in power. 848 00:43:43,708 --> 00:43:47,408 He wasn't interested in power. He had power. 849 00:43:47,537 --> 00:43:51,447 -He's so conscious of that responsibility, 850 00:43:51,585 --> 00:43:54,065 the power of being a president without precedent, 851 00:43:54,196 --> 00:43:57,026 and that he's setting a model that others will follow. 852 00:43:57,156 --> 00:43:59,156 - He writes letters to a number of people 853 00:43:59,288 --> 00:44:02,248 and what he wants is, really, basic advice, like, 854 00:44:02,378 --> 00:44:04,338 "How accessible should I be to the American people? 855 00:44:04,467 --> 00:44:05,897 "Should I accept dinner invitations? 856 00:44:06,034 --> 00:44:08,124 "Does a president shake hands with Americans? 857 00:44:08,254 --> 00:44:11,394 What kind of clothing should a national leader wear?" 858 00:44:11,518 --> 00:44:13,478 He thinks again and again as to what he can do 859 00:44:13,607 --> 00:44:17,257 to prove to people that he's not some superhuman king. 860 00:44:17,393 --> 00:44:20,013 Every day, at a certain time in the afternoon, 861 00:44:20,135 --> 00:44:21,785 he takes a walk around the block. 862 00:44:21,920 --> 00:44:24,490 He looks at a steeple with a clock on it, 863 00:44:24,618 --> 00:44:27,138 sets his watch, and goes back to his work. 864 00:44:27,273 --> 00:44:29,673 He's not in a carriage. He's in the muck of the street, 865 00:44:29,797 --> 00:44:32,757 and that's not accidental. He's making a statement-- 866 00:44:32,887 --> 00:44:36,587 "I am just like you walking in the street." 867 00:44:36,717 --> 00:44:39,627 - To help him shape the presidency, 868 00:44:39,764 --> 00:44:41,464 Washington assembles 869 00:44:41,591 --> 00:44:44,811 some of the brightest minds in the country. 870 00:44:44,943 --> 00:44:47,643 - James Madison is a scholarly fellow Virginian 871 00:44:47,772 --> 00:44:49,692 who has been very involved in the process 872 00:44:49,817 --> 00:44:51,597 of creating the Constitution. 873 00:44:51,732 --> 00:44:54,172 - Madison is also Washington's speechwriter, 874 00:44:54,300 --> 00:44:58,300 and he has unbelievable sway and trust of the president. 875 00:44:58,434 --> 00:45:01,134 - Thomas Jefferson is a Virginian 876 00:45:01,263 --> 00:45:03,143 who wrote the Declaration of Independence, 877 00:45:03,265 --> 00:45:06,005 so he's someone who has a lot of political experience. 878 00:45:06,138 --> 00:45:10,488 - Henry Knox had been with Washington since 1775. 879 00:45:10,620 --> 00:45:12,580 He had seen the army suffer. 880 00:45:12,710 --> 00:45:15,670 He had seen what happens when Congress can't pay its bills. 881 00:45:15,800 --> 00:45:19,980 Alexander Hamilton was Washington's aide in the war, 882 00:45:20,108 --> 00:45:24,328 and he was loyal to Washington personally. 883 00:45:24,460 --> 00:45:27,810 - They experienced the same challenges during the war, 884 00:45:27,942 --> 00:45:29,342 dealing with Continental Congress, 885 00:45:29,465 --> 00:45:31,335 and that really shaped their politics. 886 00:45:31,467 --> 00:45:35,337 - Washington did not have a topflight education, 887 00:45:35,471 --> 00:45:38,691 but he admired people who did. 888 00:45:38,823 --> 00:45:42,173 He wanted the best people that he could get 889 00:45:42,304 --> 00:45:43,924 on his team. 890 00:45:44,045 --> 00:45:45,825 - They don't always agree, 891 00:45:45,960 --> 00:45:48,960 but that's not necessarily a concern to him 892 00:45:49,094 --> 00:45:53,234 because he thinks that actually makes for a stronger debate. 893 00:45:53,359 --> 00:45:54,579 Right? "If there are different views, fine, 894 00:45:54,708 --> 00:45:56,318 "have different views, 895 00:45:56,449 --> 00:45:57,759 "and then I will consider the different views 896 00:45:57,885 --> 00:45:59,315 and come to a decision." 897 00:45:59,452 --> 00:46:01,932 - You can tell a lot from leaders 898 00:46:02,063 --> 00:46:04,413 who like to empower other people, 899 00:46:04,544 --> 00:46:07,164 who look for people who are good at things they are not, 900 00:46:07,286 --> 00:46:08,806 who know things they don't. 901 00:46:08,940 --> 00:46:10,120 Washington was like that. 902 00:46:11,943 --> 00:46:14,903 - In his first 150 days, 903 00:46:15,033 --> 00:46:17,083 Washington, his advisers, 904 00:46:17,209 --> 00:46:19,909 and the Congress worked together 905 00:46:20,038 --> 00:46:23,518 to invent the American government as we know it. 906 00:46:23,650 --> 00:46:26,960 - This is a enormously productive time. 907 00:46:27,088 --> 00:46:28,998 Look at what they accomplished in that first year. 908 00:46:29,134 --> 00:46:30,534 - They created the executive branch, 909 00:46:30,657 --> 00:46:32,747 the judiciary branch, the first tax laws. 910 00:46:32,877 --> 00:46:34,357 - The Bill of Rights 911 00:46:34,487 --> 00:46:35,707 that talked about the way the government 912 00:46:35,836 --> 00:46:37,616 could not infringe upon other people, 913 00:46:37,751 --> 00:46:39,191 the citizens' rights. 914 00:46:39,318 --> 00:46:40,838 - They set up the Patent Office. 915 00:46:40,972 --> 00:46:43,542 They strengthened a system of our economy. 916 00:46:43,670 --> 00:46:45,450 There's a proclamation of Thanksgiving. 917 00:46:45,585 --> 00:46:47,805 - All these things were signed in one way or another 918 00:46:47,935 --> 00:46:49,325 by George Washington. 919 00:46:49,458 --> 00:46:51,238 - It is this audacious experiment. 920 00:46:51,373 --> 00:46:53,293 Washington and the Founding Fathers 921 00:46:53,419 --> 00:46:55,069 basically inspire a nation to strengthen 922 00:46:55,203 --> 00:46:57,513 its civic backbone, and in the process, 923 00:46:57,640 --> 00:46:59,250 it just creates the precedent 924 00:46:59,381 --> 00:47:01,821 that people can self-govern themselves, 925 00:47:01,949 --> 00:47:03,559 and I think we've lost sight 926 00:47:03,690 --> 00:47:06,610 of just how revolutionary that idea is. 927 00:47:06,736 --> 00:47:09,126 - In June of 1790, 928 00:47:09,261 --> 00:47:12,791 Congress also chooses a site for a new capital city 929 00:47:12,917 --> 00:47:15,477 on the banks of the Potomac River, 930 00:47:15,615 --> 00:47:19,485 what will one day become Washington, D.C. 931 00:47:19,619 --> 00:47:23,449 The plan is to build it by the end of the decade. 932 00:47:23,579 --> 00:47:26,449 Until then, the government and the president 933 00:47:26,582 --> 00:47:30,332 take up temporary residence in Philadelphia. 934 00:47:30,456 --> 00:47:33,326 [bell ringing] 935 00:47:35,156 --> 00:47:37,456 - Please clear the table. 936 00:47:37,593 --> 00:47:40,033 Ensure that all the plates and silverware 937 00:47:40,161 --> 00:47:41,991 are put away before you leave. 938 00:47:42,120 --> 00:47:45,210 - For the Washingtons, whose household is run 939 00:47:45,340 --> 00:47:48,950 by at least a half a dozen enslaved women and men, 940 00:47:49,083 --> 00:47:52,393 living in Pennsylvania is problematic. 941 00:47:52,521 --> 00:47:54,611 Governed by Quakers, 942 00:47:54,741 --> 00:47:56,831 it's one of the first states to commit 943 00:47:56,961 --> 00:47:59,881 to ending slavery within its borders. 944 00:48:00,007 --> 00:48:03,357 - The Gradual Abolition Act of 1780 stated 945 00:48:03,489 --> 00:48:06,969 that if you were a non-resident and you came to Pennsylvania, 946 00:48:07,101 --> 00:48:08,841 you could bring your slaves with you, 947 00:48:08,973 --> 00:48:11,453 but you could only stay for a period of six months. 948 00:48:11,584 --> 00:48:14,114 - If an enslaved person was in Pennsylvania 949 00:48:14,239 --> 00:48:15,629 for more than six months, 950 00:48:15,762 --> 00:48:17,942 they could be granted their freedom. 951 00:48:18,069 --> 00:48:19,239 - Hello, dearest. 952 00:48:23,770 --> 00:48:24,730 Christopher. 953 00:48:28,470 --> 00:48:31,300 Bring the president some tea and see that he is comfortable. 954 00:48:31,430 --> 00:48:33,780 ♪♪♪ 955 00:48:33,911 --> 00:48:37,181 -Washington, like many other slave-holding presidents, 956 00:48:37,305 --> 00:48:39,915 is not willing to go without his slaves, 957 00:48:40,047 --> 00:48:42,307 but he's also not willing to follow the rules, 958 00:48:42,441 --> 00:48:44,271 and so he finds a kind of loophole. 959 00:48:46,575 --> 00:48:48,525 - In case it shall be found 960 00:48:48,664 --> 00:48:50,974 that any of my slaves shall attempt their freedom 961 00:48:51,102 --> 00:48:53,762 at the expiration of six months, 962 00:48:53,887 --> 00:48:57,277 it is my wish and desire that you would send them home, 963 00:48:57,412 --> 00:48:59,022 for although I do not think 964 00:48:59,153 --> 00:49:01,763 they would be benefitted by the change, 965 00:49:01,895 --> 00:49:05,285 the idea of freedom might be too great a temptation 966 00:49:05,420 --> 00:49:07,290 for them to resist. 967 00:49:07,422 --> 00:49:09,292 - Basically, they were to create 968 00:49:09,424 --> 00:49:11,304 a slave rotation plan. 969 00:49:11,426 --> 00:49:13,246 Every six months, 970 00:49:13,385 --> 00:49:15,865 the Washingtons would rotate their slaves 971 00:49:15,996 --> 00:49:18,216 out of Pennsylvania back to Virginia. 972 00:49:18,346 --> 00:49:21,646 And if that was too problematic or cumbersome, 973 00:49:21,784 --> 00:49:24,484 a quick trip across the river to Trenton, New Jersey, 974 00:49:24,613 --> 00:49:28,013 would basically stop the clock on freedom. 975 00:49:30,315 --> 00:49:34,445 - It behooves me to prevent the emancipation of them. 976 00:49:34,580 --> 00:49:38,190 Otherwise, I shall not only lose the use of them, 977 00:49:38,323 --> 00:49:41,803 but may have them to pay for. 978 00:49:41,935 --> 00:49:44,455 I wish to have it accomplished under pretext 979 00:49:44,590 --> 00:49:48,900 that may deceive both them and the public. 980 00:49:49,029 --> 00:49:51,159 - You want him to take a leadership position 981 00:49:51,292 --> 00:49:53,562 on the slavery issue, and you're gonna be disappointed 982 00:49:53,686 --> 00:49:55,036 as you read his correspondence. 983 00:49:55,166 --> 00:49:57,996 He doesn't think the way you want him to. 984 00:49:58,125 --> 00:50:00,815 He sees the slaves as his property 985 00:50:00,954 --> 00:50:04,314 that he can't afford to lose. 986 00:50:04,436 --> 00:50:07,046 - Washington fears that abolishing slavery 987 00:50:07,178 --> 00:50:09,958 would divide the union into two. 988 00:50:10,094 --> 00:50:13,404 The focus at that time was establishing the new nation. 989 00:50:13,532 --> 00:50:17,012 So Washington was pushing the decision 990 00:50:17,144 --> 00:50:19,584 about what to do with the institution of slavery 991 00:50:19,712 --> 00:50:21,762 to people that came after him. 992 00:50:21,888 --> 00:50:24,798 ♪♪♪ 993 00:50:28,068 --> 00:50:30,588 - America's reckoning over slavery 994 00:50:30,723 --> 00:50:33,163 is still decades in the future, 995 00:50:33,291 --> 00:50:34,991 but Washington's about to face 996 00:50:35,119 --> 00:50:36,769 a more immediate threat to the nation-- 997 00:50:36,903 --> 00:50:38,823 [chanting] 998 00:50:38,948 --> 00:50:42,818 A call to arms against his own government. 999 00:50:50,351 --> 00:50:53,051 - More than two years into Washington's first term, 1000 00:50:53,180 --> 00:50:56,660 the people are rising up 1001 00:50:56,792 --> 00:50:59,622 over a new tax on whiskey, 1002 00:50:59,752 --> 00:51:02,672 one the president signed into law. 1003 00:51:05,714 --> 00:51:06,724 - He's approaching. - Come on. 1004 00:51:06,846 --> 00:51:08,886 [cheering] 1005 00:51:09,022 --> 00:51:10,852 - No more taxes! No more taxes! 1006 00:51:10,980 --> 00:51:13,680 - And now the tax collector is a target. 1007 00:51:13,809 --> 00:51:15,119 - No more taxes! 1008 00:51:15,246 --> 00:51:17,376 No more taxes! - Grab him! 1009 00:51:17,509 --> 00:51:19,769 [mob clamoring] 1010 00:51:19,902 --> 00:51:23,252 No more taxes! - Come on! 1011 00:51:23,384 --> 00:51:25,784 - No more taxes. No more taxes. 1012 00:51:25,908 --> 00:51:28,348 No more taxes! No more taxes! 1013 00:51:28,476 --> 00:51:31,826 No more taxes! No more taxes! 1014 00:51:31,958 --> 00:51:34,218 No more taxes! No more taxes! 1015 00:51:38,747 --> 00:51:41,747 - Paying back the debt is a price of revolution. 1016 00:51:41,881 --> 00:51:44,411 - You will not find me in disagreement, 1017 00:51:44,536 --> 00:51:47,406 yet not everyone is drawing the same conclusion. 1018 00:51:47,539 --> 00:51:49,409 - If they continue to doubt that we are one country, 1019 00:51:49,541 --> 00:51:50,671 we will fail. 1020 00:51:52,239 --> 00:51:53,979 - The tax is the work 1021 00:51:54,111 --> 00:51:57,201 of Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton, 1022 00:51:57,331 --> 00:51:59,681 who's also pushing for a national bank, 1023 00:51:59,812 --> 00:52:02,682 another unpopular idea. 1024 00:52:04,425 --> 00:52:07,945 - So when the nation launches, it's deeply in debt. 1025 00:52:08,081 --> 00:52:12,131 There's no national financial superstructure of any kind. 1026 00:52:12,259 --> 00:52:15,389 Hamilton realizes that there needs to be a way 1027 00:52:15,523 --> 00:52:18,873 to raise money to pay for aspects of governance. 1028 00:52:19,005 --> 00:52:21,305 He also wants to establish a standard 1029 00:52:21,442 --> 00:52:23,752 that he can create this kind of tax 1030 00:52:23,879 --> 00:52:26,399 and that people will abide by it and pay it. 1031 00:52:26,534 --> 00:52:30,634 - Washington believed a strong and coherent federal government 1032 00:52:30,756 --> 00:52:34,586 was the best bulwark against disunion and chaos. 1033 00:52:36,022 --> 00:52:38,942 - No more taxes! No more taxes! 1034 00:52:39,068 --> 00:52:41,678 No more taxes! No more taxes! 1035 00:52:41,810 --> 00:52:43,160 No more taxes! No more taxes! 1036 00:52:43,290 --> 00:52:45,770 - Take it off. - No more taxes! 1037 00:52:45,901 --> 00:52:47,821 - Take it off! - No more taxes! 1038 00:52:47,947 --> 00:52:49,777 - Come on! 1039 00:52:49,905 --> 00:52:52,205 - The whiskey tax ends up being very controversial 1040 00:52:52,343 --> 00:52:54,653 because it hits very hard in the West 1041 00:52:54,780 --> 00:52:58,130 where whiskey is almost a form of currency. 1042 00:52:58,262 --> 00:53:00,832 - We're not talking about big whiskey producers. 1043 00:53:00,960 --> 00:53:03,270 We're talking about grain farmers. 1044 00:53:03,397 --> 00:53:07,177 They pay their rent in produce, in grain, and whiskey. 1045 00:53:07,314 --> 00:53:10,194 - From the standpoint of lot of people in America, 1046 00:53:10,317 --> 00:53:13,357 this is exactly what the British government had done. 1047 00:53:13,494 --> 00:53:16,414 And, my gosh, we're gonna have to fight against this 1048 00:53:16,541 --> 00:53:17,981 the way we fought against the British 1049 00:53:18,107 --> 00:53:19,537 when they were levying taxes. 1050 00:53:19,674 --> 00:53:21,764 - [groaning] - Come on! 1051 00:53:21,894 --> 00:53:24,724 - Ha ha ha ha! 1052 00:53:24,853 --> 00:53:26,463 - People started saying, 1053 00:53:26,594 --> 00:53:29,384 "We've traded George III of Britain 1054 00:53:29,510 --> 00:53:31,510 "for George I of America, 1055 00:53:31,643 --> 00:53:32,773 and we don't like this." 1056 00:53:32,905 --> 00:53:36,385 - [screaming] 1057 00:53:36,517 --> 00:53:38,647 ♪♪♪ 1058 00:53:38,780 --> 00:53:42,000 - Tell Mr. Hamilton he can keep his taxes. 1059 00:53:47,398 --> 00:53:49,748 - The powers of the Presidency give you the right. 1060 00:53:49,878 --> 00:53:52,708 - Yes, but we must take care 1061 00:53:52,838 --> 00:53:55,538 not to lay claim to more than we are due. 1062 00:53:55,667 --> 00:53:58,187 - A true leader must make the right decisions, 1063 00:53:58,322 --> 00:54:01,242 not the ones that will make everyone happy. 1064 00:54:01,368 --> 00:54:04,418 - Happiness is not my aim. 1065 00:54:04,545 --> 00:54:08,105 What we must achieve is unity. 1066 00:54:08,245 --> 00:54:11,805 - But dissent over Hamilton's financial plans 1067 00:54:11,944 --> 00:54:16,344 is also causing a rift in Washington's inner circle. 1068 00:54:16,470 --> 00:54:18,560 Two of his closest advisers, 1069 00:54:18,690 --> 00:54:21,480 Thomas Jefferson and James Madison, 1070 00:54:21,606 --> 00:54:23,476 are quietly recruiting allies 1071 00:54:23,608 --> 00:54:26,218 to oppose Hamilton's influence. 1072 00:54:29,831 --> 00:54:32,791 - Washington had the best team that he could get, 1073 00:54:32,921 --> 00:54:34,751 and they eventually began 1074 00:54:34,880 --> 00:54:38,280 to drift apart and into a rivalry. 1075 00:54:38,405 --> 00:54:40,055 They were all revolutionaries together 1076 00:54:40,189 --> 00:54:41,889 but they all didn't have the same idea 1077 00:54:42,017 --> 00:54:44,107 about what the revolution was supposed to be about. 1078 00:54:45,499 --> 00:54:47,109 Now, 1079 00:54:47,240 --> 00:54:49,590 we would never speak ill of Washington. 1080 00:54:49,721 --> 00:54:52,771 He's a good man, the only man for the Presidency. 1081 00:54:52,898 --> 00:54:56,728 - But that a pugnacious upstart has corrupted his ear. 1082 00:54:56,858 --> 00:54:58,898 - I'm sure you have seen it for yourself. 1083 00:54:59,034 --> 00:55:01,524 No one carries more sway now than Hamilton. 1084 00:55:01,646 --> 00:55:05,126 - And, uh, we need not look far for the consequences. 1085 00:55:05,258 --> 00:55:06,778 - The whiskey tax. 1086 00:55:06,912 --> 00:55:08,002 - It is a great disservice to the people. 1087 00:55:08,130 --> 00:55:09,440 - But at the end of the day, 1088 00:55:09,567 --> 00:55:12,347 it is a merely a symptom 1089 00:55:12,483 --> 00:55:14,793 of the far more troubling disease. 1090 00:55:17,488 --> 00:55:19,228 - Jefferson believes that Washington 1091 00:55:19,359 --> 00:55:22,279 always sides with Hamilton. 1092 00:55:22,406 --> 00:55:25,096 And for the most part he does because they share 1093 00:55:25,234 --> 00:55:28,064 a strong belief in central government. 1094 00:55:28,194 --> 00:55:31,424 -Jefferson is trying to flesh out the idea 1095 00:55:31,545 --> 00:55:33,585 of creating a separate political party. 1096 00:55:33,721 --> 00:55:36,071 They don't see it as being anti-Washington. 1097 00:55:36,202 --> 00:55:37,602 They feel like they're fighting 1098 00:55:37,725 --> 00:55:38,985 to preserve the integrity of the revolution. 1099 00:55:39,118 --> 00:55:40,988 - If we do not find a permanent way 1100 00:55:41,120 --> 00:55:42,950 to check Hamilton's influence, he will destroy 1101 00:55:43,078 --> 00:55:45,818 everything we have worked so hard to build. 1102 00:55:45,951 --> 00:55:47,301 -Jefferson and Madison 1103 00:55:47,431 --> 00:55:49,301 don't assume that they're creating 1104 00:55:49,433 --> 00:55:51,093 an organized opposition to the government. 1105 00:55:51,217 --> 00:55:53,047 What they assume is that they're trying 1106 00:55:53,175 --> 00:55:55,565 to save the government from people who are warping it. 1107 00:55:55,700 --> 00:55:59,660 - On the eve of the second presidential election, 1108 00:55:59,791 --> 00:56:03,191 Washington remains wildly popular with the public. 1109 00:56:03,316 --> 00:56:05,096 So Madison and Jefferson 1110 00:56:05,231 --> 00:56:08,231 mount a campaign to change that. 1111 00:56:08,365 --> 00:56:11,365 - One of the things that drove the emergency parties was 1112 00:56:11,498 --> 00:56:13,458 to write newspapers that aimed at a particular audience. 1113 00:56:13,587 --> 00:56:14,977 People tended to read newspapers 1114 00:56:15,110 --> 00:56:16,590 that supported their own positions. 1115 00:56:16,721 --> 00:56:17,771 - There was a gazette in the United States 1116 00:56:17,896 --> 00:56:19,106 that was seen as very 1117 00:56:19,245 --> 00:56:21,195 pro-Washington's administration, 1118 00:56:21,334 --> 00:56:23,124 a mouthpiece for Hamilton's views. 1119 00:56:23,249 --> 00:56:25,029 - It's biased. 1120 00:56:25,164 --> 00:56:26,914 And so at an early point, Jefferson and Madison think, 1121 00:56:27,035 --> 00:56:28,425 "We need another newspaper 1122 00:56:28,559 --> 00:56:29,949 "that has a different point of view," 1123 00:56:30,082 --> 00:56:32,392 and they create the "National Gazette." 1124 00:56:35,392 --> 00:56:39,662 - The newspaper is a betrayal in more ways than one. 1125 00:56:39,787 --> 00:56:41,397 Jefferson's put the publisher 1126 00:56:41,528 --> 00:56:44,098 on the State Department payroll. 1127 00:56:44,226 --> 00:56:47,186 Washington's own government is unwittingly funding 1128 00:56:47,316 --> 00:56:50,576 the attacks against his policies. 1129 00:56:50,711 --> 00:56:53,241 - This is obviously, like, 80 different kinds of shady. 1130 00:56:53,366 --> 00:56:56,016 And his surrogate sons are the people 1131 00:56:56,151 --> 00:56:59,021 spearheading these efforts underneath his nose. 1132 00:57:03,898 --> 00:57:05,118 He felt betrayed. 1133 00:57:05,247 --> 00:57:07,287 He was a man in psychic pain. 1134 00:57:07,424 --> 00:57:10,344 And he didn't want to run for reelection. 1135 00:57:10,470 --> 00:57:13,430 He knew another four years could very well kill him. 1136 00:57:21,481 --> 00:57:23,571 - You see me again entering 1137 00:57:23,701 --> 00:57:27,751 upon the arduous duties of an important office. 1138 00:57:27,879 --> 00:57:31,449 And perhaps in no instance of my life 1139 00:57:31,578 --> 00:57:33,538 have I ever been more sensible 1140 00:57:33,667 --> 00:57:36,667 of the sacrifice than in the present. 1141 00:57:36,801 --> 00:57:39,591 For at my age, the love of retirement 1142 00:57:39,717 --> 00:57:44,067 grows every day more and more powerful. 1143 00:57:44,199 --> 00:57:45,589 - Fetch me the box. 1144 00:57:45,723 --> 00:57:47,073 - Yes, sir. 1145 00:57:47,202 --> 00:57:48,902 - As Washington's about to embark 1146 00:57:49,030 --> 00:57:51,120 on his second term in office, 1147 00:57:51,250 --> 00:57:54,430 he's feeling the effects of his 61 years. 1148 00:57:54,558 --> 00:57:56,298 In particular, 1149 00:57:56,429 --> 00:57:59,349 a problem that's plagued him for decades. 1150 00:57:59,476 --> 00:58:01,166 -George Washington suffered 1151 00:58:01,303 --> 00:58:04,003 from a horrible dental disease. 1152 00:58:04,132 --> 00:58:09,092 By the time he becomes President of the United States, 1153 00:58:09,224 --> 00:58:11,754 he has maybe one tooth left in his mouth. 1154 00:58:11,879 --> 00:58:14,799 ♪♪♪ 1155 00:58:25,545 --> 00:58:27,675 - He now relies on a contraption 1156 00:58:27,808 --> 00:58:31,288 made from wires, screws, and hippopotamus ivory. 1157 00:58:31,420 --> 00:58:34,030 The replacement teeth are not made of wood. 1158 00:58:34,162 --> 00:58:35,382 They're real teeth, 1159 00:58:35,512 --> 00:58:37,212 including some of his own 1160 00:58:37,339 --> 00:58:38,599 that had fallen out. 1161 00:58:38,732 --> 00:58:40,432 We know that he wanted them 1162 00:58:40,560 --> 00:58:42,950 to look as natural as possible. 1163 00:58:43,084 --> 00:58:45,354 Farm animals, cows were used. 1164 00:58:45,478 --> 00:58:47,258 And we also know that those dentures 1165 00:58:47,393 --> 00:58:50,833 were made from the teeth of enslaved people. 1166 00:58:52,659 --> 00:58:55,099 - Washington actually paid money 1167 00:58:55,227 --> 00:58:56,747 to have teeth removed, 1168 00:58:56,881 --> 00:58:58,971 healthy teeth removed from enslaved people 1169 00:58:59,100 --> 00:59:01,150 to be then be placed in his mouth. 1170 00:59:02,321 --> 00:59:04,281 - We know this because 1171 00:59:04,410 --> 00:59:06,410 it's written in his account books. 1172 00:59:06,543 --> 00:59:08,023 He would often pay them 1173 00:59:08,153 --> 00:59:10,983 a couple of shillings for a tooth. 1174 00:59:21,427 --> 00:59:23,257 - This wasn't particular to him. 1175 00:59:23,385 --> 00:59:25,775 People of means would advertise 1176 00:59:25,910 --> 00:59:28,570 for teeth in the newspaper. 1177 00:59:28,695 --> 00:59:30,695 And one of Washington's dentists said this. 1178 00:59:30,828 --> 00:59:33,528 ♪♪♪ 1179 00:59:38,096 --> 00:59:41,226 - The dentures are terribly painful to wear. 1180 00:59:41,360 --> 00:59:44,710 That sort of grimace on his face on the dollar bill, 1181 00:59:44,842 --> 00:59:46,412 angry Washington, I mean, a lot of that-- 1182 00:59:46,539 --> 00:59:47,579 has to do with his teeth. 1183 00:59:52,066 --> 00:59:55,636 - Well, that is done, then. 1184 00:59:55,766 --> 00:59:58,286 Now, let us hurry. Time is wasting. 1185 00:59:58,420 --> 01:00:02,030 - Because of his dentures, he avoids public speaking. 1186 01:00:02,163 --> 01:00:05,383 But on this day, he'll have no choice. 1187 01:00:05,514 --> 01:00:08,044 Despite the rise in partisan attacks 1188 01:00:08,169 --> 01:00:10,039 and dissension in his own cabinet, 1189 01:00:10,171 --> 01:00:13,091 Washington's been unanimously reelected 1190 01:00:13,218 --> 01:00:15,308 and is preparing to take the oath of office 1191 01:00:15,437 --> 01:00:17,217 for a second time. 1192 01:00:17,352 --> 01:00:20,052 -The presidency was taking a lot out of him, 1193 01:00:20,181 --> 01:00:22,011 but Washington can't leave just yet. 1194 01:00:22,140 --> 01:00:24,270 If he does, everybody tells him 1195 01:00:24,403 --> 01:00:27,233 the nation could very well descend into civil war. 1196 01:00:27,362 --> 01:00:28,712 - He didn't want to be President. 1197 01:00:28,842 --> 01:00:31,192 He did it because there was no one else. 1198 01:00:31,323 --> 01:00:33,593 He did it for the good of his country. 1199 01:00:35,240 --> 01:00:37,630 - Fellow citizens, 1200 01:00:37,764 --> 01:00:40,164 I am again called upon 1201 01:00:40,288 --> 01:00:42,678 by the voice of my country. 1202 01:00:44,902 --> 01:00:46,992 - Washington's second inaugural address 1203 01:00:47,121 --> 01:00:50,391 is the shortest ever in American history-- 1204 01:00:50,516 --> 01:00:53,646 just 135 words. 1205 01:00:54,999 --> 01:00:57,649 - I shall endeavor to express 1206 01:00:57,784 --> 01:01:00,094 the high sense I entertain 1207 01:01:00,221 --> 01:01:03,491 of this distinguished honor 1208 01:01:03,616 --> 01:01:05,396 and of the confidence 1209 01:01:05,531 --> 01:01:08,401 which has been reposed in me 1210 01:01:08,534 --> 01:01:12,104 by the people of United America. 1211 01:01:14,845 --> 01:01:16,365 - In his first term, 1212 01:01:16,498 --> 01:01:18,678 Washington built a nation. 1213 01:01:18,805 --> 01:01:23,585 Now, in his second, he must keep it together. 1214 01:01:23,723 --> 01:01:25,813 But his trusted advisers, 1215 01:01:25,943 --> 01:01:28,253 especially Hamilton and Jefferson, 1216 01:01:28,380 --> 01:01:29,820 are increasingly at odds 1217 01:01:29,947 --> 01:01:33,857 over issues at home and abroad. 1218 01:01:33,994 --> 01:01:37,694 Britain and France are once again at war. 1219 01:01:37,824 --> 01:01:42,054 Washington wants nothing to do with the conflict. 1220 01:01:42,176 --> 01:01:44,306 - He was concerned about 1221 01:01:44,439 --> 01:01:48,009 keeping a fragile nation together 1222 01:01:48,139 --> 01:01:52,449 and worried that outside influences 1223 01:01:52,578 --> 01:01:54,188 might come in and stir things up 1224 01:01:54,319 --> 01:01:57,059 and make it more difficult to remain unified. 1225 01:01:57,191 --> 01:01:58,541 - He understood 1226 01:01:58,671 --> 01:02:02,111 that if the United States became a toy 1227 01:02:02,240 --> 01:02:03,500 in this fight between Britain and France, 1228 01:02:03,632 --> 01:02:05,242 if the United States took sides, 1229 01:02:05,373 --> 01:02:08,943 then it would give the other side every incentive 1230 01:02:09,073 --> 01:02:10,773 to try to destroy the United States. 1231 01:02:10,901 --> 01:02:13,641 - Newspapers are debating both sides. 1232 01:02:13,773 --> 01:02:16,213 People are wearing French flags, 1233 01:02:16,341 --> 01:02:18,211 and they're gathering outside the President's house. 1234 01:02:18,343 --> 01:02:19,823 And within his Cabinet, 1235 01:02:19,953 --> 01:02:22,833 he has Hamilton arguing for neutrality. 1236 01:02:22,956 --> 01:02:24,476 - But Jefferson and Madison said, 1237 01:02:24,610 --> 01:02:26,350 "France bailed us out. They're our friends. 1238 01:02:26,481 --> 01:02:28,271 "They are the reason we won the war. 1239 01:02:28,396 --> 01:02:30,046 "We've got to back them in this." 1240 01:02:30,181 --> 01:02:32,101 Washington says, "Actually, our deal was with a king 1241 01:02:32,226 --> 01:02:33,356 who no longer has a head." 1242 01:02:33,488 --> 01:02:35,528 - Washington took upon himself 1243 01:02:35,664 --> 01:02:37,584 to declare neutrality for the United States. 1244 01:02:37,710 --> 01:02:39,060 -Washington and Hamilton, they said, 1245 01:02:39,190 --> 01:02:40,710 "We need to be neutral." Because of that, 1246 01:02:40,844 --> 01:02:42,854 they're castigated as pro-English. 1247 01:02:42,976 --> 01:02:45,236 And this is one of the key things 1248 01:02:45,370 --> 01:02:46,680 in American history, 1249 01:02:46,806 --> 01:02:49,106 a fundamental dividing line 1250 01:02:49,243 --> 01:02:50,903 that helps sparks partisan politics 1251 01:02:51,028 --> 01:02:52,808 as we know it. 1252 01:02:52,943 --> 01:02:55,123 - Have you seen the papers? Hmm? 1253 01:02:55,249 --> 01:02:57,079 This is a baseless charge, 1254 01:02:57,208 --> 01:02:59,168 and it must be publicly address as such. 1255 01:02:59,297 --> 01:03:00,987 - The government cannot be expected 1256 01:03:01,125 --> 01:03:03,605 to respond every time 1257 01:03:03,736 --> 01:03:06,826 an essay is published that offends you. 1258 01:03:06,957 --> 01:03:09,177 - The President is not the head of a party. 1259 01:03:09,307 --> 01:03:10,477 He is the head of a nation. 1260 01:03:10,612 --> 01:03:12,532 - A nation that ideologically 1261 01:03:12,658 --> 01:03:14,048 only seems to run in one direction. 1262 01:03:14,181 --> 01:03:16,141 - If you disagree with President's policies, 1263 01:03:16,270 --> 01:03:18,490 perhaps you should find more persuasive arguments! 1264 01:03:18,620 --> 01:03:20,750 - Or perhaps I-- - Enough! 1265 01:03:29,501 --> 01:03:30,591 - If I may. 1266 01:03:32,460 --> 01:03:33,770 I fear this is an argument 1267 01:03:33,897 --> 01:03:36,597 that extends far beyond this room. 1268 01:03:40,294 --> 01:03:42,914 They call it the funeral dirge of George Washington. 1269 01:03:53,960 --> 01:03:55,440 - A king? 1270 01:03:58,835 --> 01:04:01,925 So I wish to be a king, do I? 1271 01:04:03,230 --> 01:04:05,190 A tyrant? 1272 01:04:05,319 --> 01:04:07,409 Is that what I am now? 1273 01:04:12,544 --> 01:04:17,204 I did not want this. 1274 01:04:17,331 --> 01:04:19,941 I never asked for any of this. 1275 01:04:24,034 --> 01:04:27,304 My God! I should rather be in my grave 1276 01:04:27,428 --> 01:04:29,338 than be made emperor of this world, 1277 01:04:29,474 --> 01:04:32,694 and they charge me with wanting to be a king? 1278 01:04:52,410 --> 01:04:53,720 Go on, then. 1279 01:04:57,284 --> 01:04:59,854 -Woodrow Wilson once said that, 1280 01:04:59,983 --> 01:05:01,853 for some people, 1281 01:05:01,985 --> 01:05:05,075 words were more powerful than bullets 1282 01:05:05,205 --> 01:05:06,945 and caused more pain. 1283 01:05:08,817 --> 01:05:11,207 So Washington, frankly, 1284 01:05:11,342 --> 01:05:13,392 compared to most other people who've been President, 1285 01:05:13,518 --> 01:05:15,818 escaped most of the words, 1286 01:05:15,955 --> 01:05:20,085 but the one he didn't escape hurt him. 1287 01:05:20,220 --> 01:05:21,570 - You know, in the 18th century 1288 01:05:21,700 --> 01:05:23,220 when they worry about their "fame", 1289 01:05:23,354 --> 01:05:24,884 they weren't worried about celebrity. 1290 01:05:25,008 --> 01:05:26,918 They were worried about their reputation. 1291 01:05:29,012 --> 01:05:31,362 -American politics, American media 1292 01:05:31,492 --> 01:05:33,712 during the 1790s 1293 01:05:33,842 --> 01:05:37,462 were as nasty as they've ever been ever since. 1294 01:05:37,585 --> 01:05:39,975 - The really critical editors would deliver three copies 1295 01:05:40,110 --> 01:05:42,720 of their paper every day to the President's house, 1296 01:05:42,851 --> 01:05:44,901 even after he cancelled their subscriptions, 1297 01:05:45,028 --> 01:05:46,938 just to piss him off. 1298 01:05:47,073 --> 01:05:48,733 - But from Washington's perspective, 1299 01:05:48,857 --> 01:05:50,817 freedom of the press came with 1300 01:05:50,947 --> 01:05:53,427 what the American victory in the Revolutionary War 1301 01:05:53,558 --> 01:05:54,558 was all about. 1302 01:05:54,689 --> 01:05:56,259 He was not one 1303 01:05:56,387 --> 01:05:57,737 who was gonna abridge freedom of the press. 1304 01:05:57,866 --> 01:05:59,216 He wasn't gonna be the one who's gonna say, 1305 01:05:59,346 --> 01:06:00,736 "Okay, we're gonna make this illegal." 1306 01:06:00,869 --> 01:06:02,089 ♪♪♪ 1307 01:06:02,219 --> 01:06:04,179 [crowd shouting] 1308 01:06:04,308 --> 01:06:06,748 - But with protests against the government's taxes 1309 01:06:06,875 --> 01:06:09,175 growing more violent, 1310 01:06:09,313 --> 01:06:11,713 Washington's revolutionary ideals 1311 01:06:11,837 --> 01:06:15,097 are about to face the ultimate test. 1312 01:06:22,587 --> 01:06:24,457 - For three years, 1313 01:06:24,589 --> 01:06:26,369 the people of Pennsylvania have refused to pay 1314 01:06:26,504 --> 01:06:28,944 Alexander Hamilton's whiskey tax. 1315 01:06:29,072 --> 01:06:32,292 Now, when federal marshals arrived 1316 01:06:32,423 --> 01:06:34,163 to enforce the law, 1317 01:06:34,294 --> 01:06:36,604 a mob of 7,000 armed rebels 1318 01:06:36,731 --> 01:06:39,171 respond by marching on Pittsburgh 1319 01:06:39,299 --> 01:06:41,559 to run them out of town. 1320 01:06:41,693 --> 01:06:44,963 [cheering] 1321 01:06:45,088 --> 01:06:48,398 - A lot of the people who resented and opposed this 1322 01:06:48,526 --> 01:06:49,526 have been soldiers in the revolution. 1323 01:06:49,657 --> 01:06:51,567 They knew how to take up arms. 1324 01:06:51,703 --> 01:06:53,053 - It's not just a matter that there are people 1325 01:06:53,183 --> 01:06:54,583 in Western Pennsylvania 1326 01:06:54,706 --> 01:06:55,706 who don't want to pay a whiskey tax. 1327 01:06:55,837 --> 01:06:57,577 The power of the government 1328 01:06:57,709 --> 01:06:58,839 and the authority of the government is being tested. 1329 01:06:58,971 --> 01:07:00,761 - There weren't very many laws, 1330 01:07:00,886 --> 01:07:03,186 federal laws, that touched individual lives. 1331 01:07:03,323 --> 01:07:04,803 Most laws that people encountered 1332 01:07:04,933 --> 01:07:06,243 were state laws. 1333 01:07:06,370 --> 01:07:07,940 But this was one of those rare ones, 1334 01:07:08,067 --> 01:07:10,807 and so does the federal government 1335 01:07:10,939 --> 01:07:13,729 have the authority to enforce these laws? 1336 01:07:13,855 --> 01:07:16,025 Can it in effect defend itself? 1337 01:07:16,162 --> 01:07:18,252 - So Hamilton encourages 1338 01:07:18,382 --> 01:07:21,082 that there should be armed forces 1339 01:07:21,211 --> 01:07:22,561 sent to western Pennsylvania 1340 01:07:22,690 --> 01:07:24,430 to quash this rebellion 1341 01:07:24,562 --> 01:07:25,612 and really show that the government 1342 01:07:25,737 --> 01:07:27,827 can enforce its mandates. 1343 01:07:27,956 --> 01:07:30,956 - Many persons have been hardy enough 1344 01:07:31,090 --> 01:07:34,790 to perpetrate acts which amount to treason, 1345 01:07:34,920 --> 01:07:40,010 being overt acts of levying war against the United States. 1346 01:07:40,143 --> 01:07:43,103 - Washington issues a proclamation 1347 01:07:43,233 --> 01:07:45,283 ordering the rebels to disperse 1348 01:07:45,409 --> 01:07:47,369 or face the consequences. 1349 01:07:48,760 --> 01:07:51,330 - It is in my judgment 1350 01:07:51,458 --> 01:07:55,248 necessary to call forth the militia 1351 01:07:55,375 --> 01:07:59,855 to cause the laws to be duly executed. 1352 01:07:59,988 --> 01:08:04,038 The essential interest of the union demand it. 1353 01:08:05,820 --> 01:08:08,480 - By October 1794, 1354 01:08:08,606 --> 01:08:12,216 nearly 12,000 militia men from four states 1355 01:08:12,349 --> 01:08:15,049 are assembled on Washington's orders 1356 01:08:15,178 --> 01:08:17,618 to end the uprising. 1357 01:08:17,745 --> 01:08:20,485 Washington, now 62, 1358 01:08:20,618 --> 01:08:23,188 and Hamilton are back in uniform 1359 01:08:23,316 --> 01:08:26,536 to personally command the operation. 1360 01:08:26,667 --> 01:08:28,407 - Think about that. He's President 1361 01:08:28,539 --> 01:08:32,109 and leading an army potentially against other Americans. 1362 01:08:32,238 --> 01:08:33,888 That's a quirky moment, right? 1363 01:08:34,022 --> 01:08:36,372 We haven't, since then, had a President 1364 01:08:36,503 --> 01:08:39,333 in uniform leading an army in that way. 1365 01:08:39,463 --> 01:08:41,553 - Rules matter. Law matters. 1366 01:08:41,682 --> 01:08:44,082 You're bound together by a notion of law. 1367 01:08:44,207 --> 01:08:45,857 That was very important to him. 1368 01:08:45,991 --> 01:08:49,131 - But Washington wants to show 1369 01:08:49,255 --> 01:08:51,475 that the federal government is willing to use force. 1370 01:08:51,605 --> 01:08:53,085 He doesn't want to use force. 1371 01:08:53,216 --> 01:08:56,086 He wants to provide a way for the rebels 1372 01:08:56,219 --> 01:08:57,999 to sort of back out. 1373 01:09:05,315 --> 01:09:07,185 - Alarmed by the number of troops 1374 01:09:07,317 --> 01:09:08,877 mustering against them, 1375 01:09:09,014 --> 01:09:10,974 the rebels send their spokesman 1376 01:09:11,103 --> 01:09:13,413 to meet face to face with the President. 1377 01:09:13,540 --> 01:09:17,200 ♪♪♪ 1378 01:09:21,592 --> 01:09:24,512 - I believe the army camped outside this door 1379 01:09:24,638 --> 01:09:27,158 cannot be misunderstood. 1380 01:09:27,293 --> 01:09:29,383 But in case there is any confusion, 1381 01:09:29,513 --> 01:09:32,123 let me make this clear. 1382 01:09:32,255 --> 01:09:33,995 Rebellion... 1383 01:09:34,126 --> 01:09:37,036 will not be tolerated 1384 01:09:37,173 --> 01:09:41,313 by myself or this nation. 1385 01:09:41,438 --> 01:09:44,048 Now, I understand 1386 01:09:44,180 --> 01:09:48,180 and sympathize with your position. 1387 01:09:48,314 --> 01:09:51,714 These people are your family, 1388 01:09:51,839 --> 01:09:53,839 your friends, neighbors. 1389 01:09:53,972 --> 01:09:56,802 Your concerns are valid. 1390 01:09:56,931 --> 01:10:01,021 I believe, together, 1391 01:10:01,153 --> 01:10:04,553 we can work towards a solution that benefits us all... 1392 01:10:07,986 --> 01:10:15,516 after you offer your complete and unequivocal submission. 1393 01:10:23,523 --> 01:10:24,443 You may go now. 1394 01:10:42,629 --> 01:10:43,539 - What now? 1395 01:10:45,197 --> 01:10:47,367 - I will return to Philadelphia. 1396 01:10:47,504 --> 01:10:48,854 You remain in command here. 1397 01:10:48,983 --> 01:10:50,253 March the militia west 1398 01:10:50,376 --> 01:10:52,936 and end this uprising for good. 1399 01:10:53,074 --> 01:10:54,554 - It would be my pleasure. 1400 01:10:57,731 --> 01:11:00,601 - I do not want anyone killed. 1401 01:11:00,734 --> 01:11:02,914 If necessary, make arrests. 1402 01:11:03,041 --> 01:11:05,001 - Arrests? - This... 1403 01:11:05,130 --> 01:11:07,870 is a matter for the courts. 1404 01:11:10,048 --> 01:11:13,358 And we are not executioners. 1405 01:11:15,140 --> 01:11:17,230 - Of course, sir. 1406 01:11:22,669 --> 01:11:24,889 -It doesn't come to the kind of blows 1407 01:11:25,019 --> 01:11:28,239 that it might have come to. And in large part, 1408 01:11:28,371 --> 01:11:30,111 this was precisely 1409 01:11:30,242 --> 01:11:32,812 because Washington understood the moment. 1410 01:11:32,940 --> 01:11:35,600 He's not really treating them as enemies. 1411 01:11:35,726 --> 01:11:36,806 He didn't-- He doesn't chase them down. 1412 01:11:36,944 --> 01:11:37,954 He doesn't try to destroy them. 1413 01:11:38,076 --> 01:11:39,766 He simply disperses them. 1414 01:11:45,431 --> 01:11:47,691 - If Washington wasn't Washington, 1415 01:11:47,825 --> 01:11:49,905 I'm almost certain that some-- 1416 01:11:50,044 --> 01:11:52,054 that the republic would have fallen apart 1417 01:11:52,177 --> 01:11:54,267 in the 1790s, in its early years, 1418 01:11:54,397 --> 01:11:56,437 as almost all republics do. 1419 01:11:56,573 --> 01:11:58,883 - Washington's foresight 1420 01:11:59,010 --> 01:12:02,970 was to understand the power of a national government. 1421 01:12:03,101 --> 01:12:05,891 You have an allegiance to an idea 1422 01:12:06,017 --> 01:12:08,277 that's put forth under the federal constitution 1423 01:12:08,411 --> 01:12:09,851 which makes the country. 1424 01:12:09,977 --> 01:12:12,847 - Washington's whole point was that they had 1425 01:12:12,980 --> 01:12:15,290 a special responsibility to validate the idea 1426 01:12:15,418 --> 01:12:17,068 of self-government. 1427 01:12:17,202 --> 01:12:19,942 That it was our responsibility collectively. 1428 01:12:20,074 --> 01:12:22,694 It's one of the reasons Washington adopted the mantle 1429 01:12:22,816 --> 01:12:25,116 of presidency against his personal wishes. 1430 01:12:25,253 --> 01:12:26,783 It's why he stayed on for a second term 1431 01:12:26,907 --> 01:12:28,337 when he really wanted to go back to the farm. 1432 01:12:30,128 --> 01:12:33,038 - After nearly eight years in office, 1433 01:12:33,174 --> 01:12:36,534 and with the country's partisan divide deepening, 1434 01:12:36,656 --> 01:12:40,656 George Washington declines to stand for a third term. 1435 01:12:40,791 --> 01:12:42,491 - Many people who started with him in the Cabinet 1436 01:12:42,619 --> 01:12:44,359 are now in opposition. 1437 01:12:44,490 --> 01:12:48,580 He's seen his friends disappear and finds himself alone. 1438 01:12:48,712 --> 01:12:53,592 He wants to go home and get away from the vipers in politics. 1439 01:12:53,717 --> 01:12:56,627 - When he eventually retires, Thomas Paine writes, 1440 01:12:56,763 --> 01:12:58,503 "We're pleased to see you go," 1441 01:12:58,635 --> 01:13:00,155 and asked the question 1442 01:13:00,288 --> 01:13:01,898 "whether you have simply lost all your integrity 1443 01:13:02,029 --> 01:13:04,209 or whether you ever had any." 1444 01:13:04,336 --> 01:13:05,376 This is George Washington. 1445 01:13:07,774 --> 01:13:09,304 Think about that. That's what they're saying. 1446 01:13:10,734 --> 01:13:13,004 - But outside the political elite, 1447 01:13:13,127 --> 01:13:14,557 among the public, 1448 01:13:14,694 --> 01:13:16,614 Washington is revered 1449 01:13:16,740 --> 01:13:18,570 as the father of his country, 1450 01:13:18,698 --> 01:13:22,218 the man who delivered the nation its freedom. 1451 01:13:22,354 --> 01:13:24,664 - He could have served for three terms, four terms, 1452 01:13:24,791 --> 01:13:27,051 five terms. As long as he was alive, 1453 01:13:27,185 --> 01:13:29,095 he would have been President of the United States 1454 01:13:29,230 --> 01:13:30,450 because of his reputation 1455 01:13:30,580 --> 01:13:32,360 as a man who could be trusted, 1456 01:13:32,495 --> 01:13:35,275 as a man who put country ahead of himself. 1457 01:13:35,411 --> 01:13:36,671 People at the time understood 1458 01:13:36,803 --> 01:13:39,073 that the main threat to a republic 1459 01:13:39,197 --> 01:13:42,847 was a demagogue who would seek power for himself, 1460 01:13:42,983 --> 01:13:44,903 and Washington wasn't that person. 1461 01:13:45,029 --> 01:13:49,859 - Washington himself believed there cannot be a monarch. 1462 01:13:49,990 --> 01:13:53,210 There cannot be a person who lives on 1463 01:13:53,341 --> 01:13:54,821 and just dies in office. 1464 01:13:54,952 --> 01:13:57,082 - It's hard to overstate how that 1465 01:13:57,215 --> 01:13:59,515 and the peaceful transfer of power is revolutionary, 1466 01:13:59,652 --> 01:14:01,222 almost as revolutionary as the war itself. 1467 01:14:01,349 --> 01:14:04,609 - For nearly 150 years after that, 1468 01:14:04,744 --> 01:14:06,884 every subsequent President, even in the absence 1469 01:14:07,007 --> 01:14:08,357 of a constitutional amendment to that effect, 1470 01:14:08,487 --> 01:14:11,617 had to step down, because they all faced 1471 01:14:11,751 --> 01:14:13,361 the challenging question 1472 01:14:13,492 --> 01:14:15,282 "So you think you're better than Washington?" 1473 01:14:15,407 --> 01:14:18,107 And no one was willing to answer that in the affirmative. 1474 01:14:18,236 --> 01:14:22,016 - George Washington's presidency ends on the afternoon 1475 01:14:22,153 --> 01:14:26,463 of March 4th, 1797, when his successor 1476 01:14:26,592 --> 01:14:29,732 John Adams is sworn in. 1477 01:14:29,856 --> 01:14:32,766 ♪♪♪ 1478 01:14:35,253 --> 01:14:38,523 - In that retirement, which is his voluntary choice, 1479 01:14:38,648 --> 01:14:41,558 that he long lived to enjoy the delicious recollection 1480 01:14:41,694 --> 01:14:43,654 of his services. 1481 01:14:43,783 --> 01:14:45,483 - In his inaugural address, 1482 01:14:45,611 --> 01:14:48,791 John Adams, never Washington's biggest fan, 1483 01:14:48,919 --> 01:14:52,049 sends him off with a soaring tribute. 1484 01:14:52,183 --> 01:14:53,793 - His name may be still a rampart 1485 01:14:53,924 --> 01:14:56,234 and the knowledge that he leaves a bulwark 1486 01:14:56,361 --> 01:14:58,841 against all open and secret enemies 1487 01:14:58,972 --> 01:15:00,452 of his country's peace. 1488 01:15:00,583 --> 01:15:01,453 - Stop here. 1489 01:15:06,589 --> 01:15:07,809 I thought it would be nice 1490 01:15:07,938 --> 01:15:10,678 to walk the rest of the way. 1491 01:15:10,810 --> 01:15:13,290 - That sounds lovely. 1492 01:15:13,421 --> 01:15:15,121 - Washington was so excited to go home. 1493 01:15:15,249 --> 01:15:17,119 He was so excited to be on his plantation. 1494 01:15:17,251 --> 01:15:20,121 He was going to complete the renovations to his house. 1495 01:15:20,254 --> 01:15:22,874 Finally, he was gonna be able to do the experiments 1496 01:15:22,996 --> 01:15:24,426 he wanted to do in the garden. 1497 01:15:24,563 --> 01:15:27,523 ♪♪♪ 1498 01:15:37,794 --> 01:15:41,154 - Lovely, isn't it? 1499 01:15:41,275 --> 01:15:42,445 - Beautiful. 1500 01:15:42,581 --> 01:15:45,501 ♪♪♪ 1501 01:15:48,152 --> 01:15:51,592 - Washington has held many titles in his long life, 1502 01:15:51,721 --> 01:15:56,331 General, Commander, and President. 1503 01:15:56,464 --> 01:15:59,254 Now, in one history-making moment, 1504 01:15:59,380 --> 01:16:02,820 he becomes simply citizen. 1505 01:16:02,949 --> 01:16:04,519 ♪♪♪ 1506 01:16:13,830 --> 01:16:15,920 - [breathes heavily] 1507 01:16:16,049 --> 01:16:19,049 - After two decades of public service, 1508 01:16:19,183 --> 01:16:22,013 George Washington's long-awaited return 1509 01:16:22,142 --> 01:16:25,932 to private life is being cut short. 1510 01:16:26,059 --> 01:16:28,709 -He ends up getting two and a half years of retirement 1511 01:16:28,845 --> 01:16:30,975 in Mount Vernon. 1512 01:16:31,108 --> 01:16:33,758 He deserves more than that, and he wanted more than that. 1513 01:16:33,893 --> 01:16:35,723 - That is it. 1514 01:16:35,852 --> 01:16:37,242 I am sending for the doctor. 1515 01:16:37,375 --> 01:16:40,985 - [breathes heavily] 1516 01:16:41,118 --> 01:16:44,988 - Washington catches what is a throat disease. 1517 01:16:45,122 --> 01:16:46,652 Now he would be cured with antibiotics 1518 01:16:46,776 --> 01:16:48,296 in a matter of hours. 1519 01:16:48,429 --> 01:16:51,219 - [breathes heavily] - Stay with me, old man. 1520 01:16:53,130 --> 01:16:55,650 - Martha. [breathes heavily] 1521 01:16:55,785 --> 01:16:59,615 - Washington believes in bloodletting. 1522 01:16:59,745 --> 01:17:02,485 It's considered modern medicine at the time. 1523 01:17:02,618 --> 01:17:06,058 It's literally cutting someone and bleeding them. 1524 01:17:08,014 --> 01:17:12,324 What we would consider nowadays a release of toxins. 1525 01:17:12,453 --> 01:17:16,113 He's bled over and over again at his own request. 1526 01:17:16,240 --> 01:17:20,550 - More. [wheezing] 1527 01:17:20,679 --> 01:17:22,679 - I mean, it's prolonged torture, 1528 01:17:22,812 --> 01:17:24,602 and he's not improving. 1529 01:17:27,164 --> 01:17:30,994 - [breathes heavily] 1530 01:17:31,124 --> 01:17:34,264 My breath cannot last long. 1531 01:17:36,434 --> 01:17:38,874 - And eventually he says, 1532 01:17:39,002 --> 01:17:41,182 "Stop. I'm just going." 1533 01:17:41,308 --> 01:17:44,218 - [breathes heavily] 1534 01:17:50,143 --> 01:17:53,233 Wait...three days... 1535 01:17:55,148 --> 01:17:58,408 to put my body 1536 01:17:58,543 --> 01:17:59,983 in the vault. 1537 01:18:00,110 --> 01:18:02,940 [wheezing] 1538 01:18:05,463 --> 01:18:08,903 -He says, "Wait three days to bury me." 1539 01:18:10,555 --> 01:18:13,165 He wants them to be sure that he's actually dead. 1540 01:18:13,297 --> 01:18:17,077 It's such an interesting concern and worry. 1541 01:18:17,214 --> 01:18:19,134 - [breathes heavily] 1542 01:18:19,259 --> 01:18:22,699 - It maybe speaks to his need for control. 1543 01:18:22,828 --> 01:18:25,658 - [wheezing] 1544 01:18:45,111 --> 01:18:48,251 ♪♪♪ 1545 01:18:50,682 --> 01:18:53,122 - George Washington's epic life ends 1546 01:18:53,250 --> 01:18:55,690 sometime between 10:00 and 11:00 1547 01:18:55,818 --> 01:18:59,598 on the night of December 14th, 1799. 1548 01:18:59,735 --> 01:19:02,125 He was 67 years old. 1549 01:19:04,130 --> 01:19:06,000 - When he died, it was really clear 1550 01:19:06,132 --> 01:19:09,312 that an age of American history had ended. 1551 01:19:09,440 --> 01:19:13,490 - Given Washington's symbolic as well as political importance 1552 01:19:13,618 --> 01:19:15,048 in the founding of the nation, 1553 01:19:15,185 --> 01:19:17,745 his death had an enormous impact. 1554 01:19:17,883 --> 01:19:19,623 There was a huge response. 1555 01:19:19,755 --> 01:19:21,795 Enormous funeral processions and ceremonies 1556 01:19:21,931 --> 01:19:23,151 held throughout the nation. 1557 01:19:23,280 --> 01:19:24,590 People understood 1558 01:19:24,716 --> 01:19:28,366 that this was the passing of a moment. 1559 01:19:28,502 --> 01:19:32,032 -When Washington is buried, it's at home. 1560 01:19:32,158 --> 01:19:33,728 He wants to be at Mount Vernon, 1561 01:19:33,856 --> 01:19:35,986 as he always did. 1562 01:19:36,119 --> 01:19:37,469 There are many in attendance, 1563 01:19:37,598 --> 01:19:39,298 with one notable exception-- 1564 01:19:39,426 --> 01:19:40,556 Martha Washington. 1565 01:19:42,299 --> 01:19:43,739 She stays in the house. 1566 01:19:45,389 --> 01:19:47,479 Whatever existed between the two of them, 1567 01:19:47,608 --> 01:19:49,088 their relationship, 1568 01:19:49,219 --> 01:19:51,219 her sadness over his death, 1569 01:19:51,351 --> 01:19:52,221 we don't know... 1570 01:19:54,006 --> 01:19:55,746 because she didn't want us to. 1571 01:19:57,749 --> 01:20:00,709 - At some point after her husband's death, 1572 01:20:00,839 --> 01:20:03,889 Martha Washington destroys nearly all of the letters 1573 01:20:04,016 --> 01:20:05,756 they'd written to each other 1574 01:20:05,888 --> 01:20:07,888 over their 40 years of marriage. 1575 01:20:10,283 --> 01:20:12,983 -There's not very many letters that exist between them. 1576 01:20:13,112 --> 01:20:15,032 One of them in particular, 1577 01:20:15,158 --> 01:20:17,198 we know is the "My Dearest" letter. 1578 01:20:17,334 --> 01:20:19,214 It was discovered in a writing desk 1579 01:20:19,336 --> 01:20:21,286 that had been owned by Martha Washington, 1580 01:20:21,425 --> 01:20:23,725 kind of behind one of the drawers 1581 01:20:23,862 --> 01:20:26,782 by one of Martha's descendants in the 1840s. 1582 01:20:28,040 --> 01:20:30,000 - My dearest, 1583 01:20:30,129 --> 01:20:33,089 as I am within a few minutes of leaving this city, 1584 01:20:33,219 --> 01:20:35,399 I could not think of departing from it 1585 01:20:35,526 --> 01:20:37,826 without dropping you a line. 1586 01:20:37,963 --> 01:20:40,973 I retain an unalterable affection for you, 1587 01:20:41,097 --> 01:20:44,397 which neither time or distance can change. 1588 01:20:44,535 --> 01:20:47,795 With the utmost truth and sincerity, 1589 01:20:47,930 --> 01:20:51,930 your entire, George Washington. 1590 01:20:54,414 --> 01:20:56,854 -Martha lives out the rest of her days 1591 01:20:56,982 --> 01:20:58,982 quite quietly. 1592 01:20:59,115 --> 01:21:02,245 She passes from old age 1593 01:21:02,379 --> 01:21:04,159 quite peacefully at home 1594 01:21:04,294 --> 01:21:07,304 and is interned next to Washington. 1595 01:21:07,427 --> 01:21:10,427 ♪♪♪ 1596 01:21:12,824 --> 01:21:15,914 - In Washington's last will and testament, 1597 01:21:16,045 --> 01:21:18,345 he stipulates that the enslaved people 1598 01:21:18,482 --> 01:21:20,702 will be granted their freedom when Martha dies, 1599 01:21:20,832 --> 01:21:23,142 except for William Lee, who he gives-- 1600 01:21:23,269 --> 01:21:24,659 grants his freedom right away. 1601 01:21:26,272 --> 01:21:29,892 - Lee, who served by Washington's side in the war, 1602 01:21:30,015 --> 01:21:32,445 suffered injuries in two separate accidents 1603 01:21:32,583 --> 01:21:35,023 before Washington's presidency, 1604 01:21:35,151 --> 01:21:37,811 making him physically unable to continue 1605 01:21:37,936 --> 01:21:40,236 serving as Washington's valet. 1606 01:21:40,373 --> 01:21:44,423 He spends the rest of his life at Mount Vernon. 1607 01:21:44,551 --> 01:21:47,991 - Lee was given the option of immediate emancipation 1608 01:21:48,120 --> 01:21:50,470 and an annuity of $30 a year. 1609 01:21:50,601 --> 01:21:53,871 He was to be taken care of. 1610 01:21:53,996 --> 01:21:57,866 So it's a moment where we see Washington's thoughts, 1611 01:21:58,000 --> 01:22:01,130 his changing feelings and sentiments 1612 01:22:01,264 --> 01:22:04,094 about slavery revealed. 1613 01:22:06,356 --> 01:22:09,186 - Now, you can say he doesn't free him 1614 01:22:09,315 --> 01:22:11,875 in his own life, but he's the only member 1615 01:22:12,014 --> 01:22:13,584 of the Virginia dynasty to do this. 1616 01:22:13,711 --> 01:22:15,231 Jefferson doesn't do it. 1617 01:22:15,365 --> 01:22:17,105 Madison doesn't do it. Monroe doesn't do it. 1618 01:22:17,236 --> 01:22:18,366 Patrick Henry doesn't do it. 1619 01:22:20,196 --> 01:22:24,846 -And we have to recognize it as significant 1620 01:22:24,983 --> 01:22:26,853 as the first President of the United States, 1621 01:22:26,985 --> 01:22:28,065 as a founder, 1622 01:22:28,204 --> 01:22:29,904 that his decision 1623 01:22:30,032 --> 01:22:32,602 to emancipate his slaves meant something. 1624 01:22:32,730 --> 01:22:34,730 And it also signaled 1625 01:22:34,862 --> 01:22:38,652 that slavery eventually 1626 01:22:38,779 --> 01:22:40,429 would come to an end. 1627 01:22:40,564 --> 01:22:43,924 - He knew even at the time that his mark on history 1628 01:22:44,046 --> 01:22:45,996 would be a large footprint. 1629 01:22:46,135 --> 01:22:48,435 And I think he was thinking ahead 1630 01:22:48,572 --> 01:22:50,922 in ways that we don't necessarily think about today. 1631 01:22:53,055 --> 01:22:55,535 - George Washington had a remarkable sense 1632 01:22:55,666 --> 01:22:57,356 that he was performing 1633 01:22:57,494 --> 01:22:59,104 not only to lead people in his own time 1634 01:22:59,235 --> 01:23:00,845 but for all time. 1635 01:23:02,586 --> 01:23:06,846 - 15 miles north of Washington's final resting place 1636 01:23:06,982 --> 01:23:10,642 sits the capital city that now bears his name. 1637 01:23:10,768 --> 01:23:12,288 It's the beating heart 1638 01:23:12,422 --> 01:23:15,122 of George Washington's real legacy-- 1639 01:23:15,251 --> 01:23:17,301 the government he fought to create 1640 01:23:17,427 --> 01:23:19,687 and then pass to future generations 1641 01:23:19,820 --> 01:23:24,220 along with some advice on how to keep it alive. 1642 01:23:24,347 --> 01:23:26,387 - Friends and fellow citizens, 1643 01:23:26,523 --> 01:23:28,093 the unity of government 1644 01:23:28,220 --> 01:23:31,270 which constitutes you one people 1645 01:23:31,397 --> 01:23:35,577 is also a main pillar of your real independence. 1646 01:23:35,706 --> 01:23:37,576 - Washington's farewell address 1647 01:23:37,708 --> 01:23:40,188 is a political last will and testament. 1648 01:23:40,319 --> 01:23:42,709 This is the sum total of his hard-won wisdom 1649 01:23:42,843 --> 01:23:45,243 explicitly written for you. 1650 01:23:45,368 --> 01:23:48,808 - Let me warn you against the baneful effects 1651 01:23:48,936 --> 01:23:50,846 of the spirit of party. 1652 01:23:50,982 --> 01:23:52,422 - And if you keep these principles in mind, 1653 01:23:52,549 --> 01:23:54,419 you'll be fine. If you don't, 1654 01:23:54,551 --> 01:23:56,031 there can be real trouble ahead. 1655 01:23:56,161 --> 01:23:57,681 - It opens the door 1656 01:23:57,815 --> 01:23:59,375 to foreign influence and corruption. 1657 01:23:59,512 --> 01:24:01,382 - He laid out the warnings 1658 01:24:01,514 --> 01:24:04,264 about how we have to protect this system we have created. 1659 01:24:04,387 --> 01:24:07,387 - Cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men 1660 01:24:07,520 --> 01:24:11,130 will be unable to subvert the power of the people. 1661 01:24:11,263 --> 01:24:13,313 - He understood that this was still 1662 01:24:13,439 --> 01:24:15,749 a very fragile experiment, 1663 01:24:15,876 --> 01:24:19,096 and he had no idea this is gonna last 200 years. 1664 01:24:19,228 --> 01:24:22,318 - Citizens by birth or choice, 1665 01:24:22,448 --> 01:24:26,538 the name of American which belongs to you 1666 01:24:26,670 --> 01:24:32,070 must always exalt the just pride of patriotism. 1667 01:24:32,197 --> 01:24:35,287 - Ever since George Washington, people looking at us 1668 01:24:35,418 --> 01:24:37,458 and have been betting against America. 1669 01:24:37,594 --> 01:24:39,514 So far, they've all lost money. 1670 01:24:39,639 --> 01:24:43,249 - I shall carry it with me to my grave 1671 01:24:43,382 --> 01:24:45,692 that the free Constitution, 1672 01:24:45,819 --> 01:24:48,689 which is the work of your hands, 1673 01:24:48,822 --> 01:24:52,962 may be sacredly maintained. 1674 01:24:55,177 --> 01:24:57,267 - There are very few Washington-like figures 1675 01:24:57,396 --> 01:24:58,786 in American history-- 1676 01:24:58,919 --> 01:25:01,309 people who-- they weren't perfect, 1677 01:25:01,444 --> 01:25:04,494 but you had a sense that, when the crisis came, 1678 01:25:04,621 --> 01:25:06,621 when the winds were howling, 1679 01:25:06,753 --> 01:25:08,493 when the wolf was at the door, 1680 01:25:08,625 --> 01:25:10,445 you would want them in charge. 1681 01:25:10,583 --> 01:25:12,323 -Washington did a good job 1682 01:25:12,455 --> 01:25:14,105 in making our union more perfect. 1683 01:25:14,239 --> 01:25:15,979 And I think America has no idea 1684 01:25:16,111 --> 01:25:17,161 how indebted to him they are. 1685 01:25:17,286 --> 01:25:20,116 - Washington is the embodiment 1686 01:25:20,245 --> 01:25:22,725 of America's self-evident truth. 1687 01:25:22,856 --> 01:25:25,686 He is the foundingest father of them all. 1688 01:25:25,816 --> 01:25:27,726 Adams is his best read. 1689 01:25:27,861 --> 01:25:29,991 Jefferson is the most intellectually sophisticated. 1690 01:25:30,125 --> 01:25:32,945 Benjamin Franklin is, in some ways, the wisest. 1691 01:25:33,084 --> 01:25:35,134 Washington's the greatest. 1692 01:25:35,260 --> 01:25:37,000 No question about it. 1693 01:25:37,132 --> 01:25:38,962 Primus inter pares-- 1694 01:25:39,090 --> 01:25:40,570 first among equals. 1695 01:25:40,700 --> 01:25:45,400 ♪♪♪ 1696 01:25:45,450 --> 01:25:50,000 Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0