Copyrighted in 1931 by Eastman Teaching Films, Inc of Rochester, NY in honor of the 200th anniversary of George Washington’s birth, this silent film is one film from a larger series that chronicles the life and times of the great general and president. In this film “George Washington: His Life and Times – Building the Nation,” the viewer learns of Washington’s career and how he moved from leader of the Continental Army to first President of the USA, and the accomplishments and struggles he faced along the way. Through scripted reenactment footage, this film specifically highlights the period of instability and disorder in the United States after independence, the creation of the United States Constitution, and the ongoing struggles of U.S.-British relations at the time.

Opening credits (0:08). Period of disorder in America after gaining independence from the British – armed brigades ousting court officials (0:23-0:47). People refusing to pay taxes: tax collector knocks on hunters door, is threatened by hunter with gun (0:57) Unpaid soldiers threaten Congress: stand outside in uniform waving guns (1:23). Virginia customs make trouble for Maryland shippers (1:40). Virginia Customs House: interior office scene of the customs house, disgruntled shippers come to refute claims (1:45). Maryland customs make trouble for Virginia shippers (2:21). Maryland Customs House: employee stands on customs house stoop warding away disgruntled shippers (2:27). Washington urged to use his influence to curb disorder (2:52). Washington in his office reading a letter (2:58). Washington takes feathered quill and writes a response (3:34). Conference – need for strong central government: George Washington and other dignitaries wear powdered wigs, breeches, and top coats typical of late 18th century American fashion (3:50). George Washington stands, addresses room about new constitution (4:44). Ben Franklin is in attendance and says the famous quote “Now I know the sun back of the chair is a rising sun not a setting sun” (5:15) Close-up of chair detail (5:35). Washington becomes the first president – inauguration ceremony, Washington takes the oath of office by putting hand on bible at Federal hall in New York City, crowd cheers outside (6:05). Washington selection of representative cabinet including Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Henry Knox, and Edmund Randolph (6:48). Washington travels around the states to learn conditions (7:22). Map marking two of Washington’s Journeys (7:35). Washington arrives on official visit in horse-drawn carriage (7:47). Lumberers chop down trees with axes (8:27). Agricultural work: farmer plows land with ox, spreading seeds by hand (8:40). Women stand in field and gather hay into bundles (8:59). Donkeys pull barge down canal (9:06). Map illustrating division of opinion on payment of war debts (9:19). Establish nation’s credit – Washington meets with cabinet around small wooden table (9:33). Map illustrates movement of Federal Capital to the Potomac River, establishment of the District of Columbia or Washington D.C. (10:25). The Citizen Genêt Affair: French ambassador greets excited crowd from his carriage (10:41). Map highlighting sites of British-incited raids in Michilimackinac, Detroit, Fort Erie, Niagara, Oswego (11:10). Signing of Jay’s Treaty: Public resentment leads to men around bonfire burning dummy of Washington (11:56). Summary of Washington’s lauded qualities and how they allowed for his greatest accomplishments (12:15). Washington on horseback at edge of forest (12:17). Washington addresses military while on his horse (13:06). Illustrated map depicts expansion of the United States territories (13:40). United States Capitol Building (13:58). Washington’s retirement: George and Martha Washington walk around grounds of Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia – greet slave children, their slaves wave at them as they walk the estate (14:09). Portrait of Washington overlaid shot of Mount Vernon Estate (15:06).

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com