Washington: A Life (Abridged) by Ron Chernow

(New York: Penguin, 2010), 904

  • Real estate was key to his wealth building, though some acquired by questionable means
  • American revolution somewhat different in that it was instigated by wealthy landowners unhappy with economic circumstances (rather than revolting peasants)
  • Part 3: Washington recognized that “no loyally surpasses that of a man forgiven for his faults who vowed never to make them again”
  • Part 5: Washington kept his position secret and had his cabinet members debate amongst themselves so as to obtain the best arguments for and against a position
  • Washington was one of the only founding fathers who freed his slaves upon his death (or rather upon the death of Martha so as to not separate families)