2nd.GRADE - Text 1

GEORGE WASHINGTON


We call George Washington the “Father of our Country.” He was the first president of the United States. He also served as the lead general in the Revolutionary War. Every Presidents’ Day, we remember him as America’s first great leader. Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia. He had little schooling, but taught himself many important skills. As a young man, he became a soldier and fought for the British in the French and Indian War.

Later, however, Washington and others became angry at the way England was ruling its American colonies. In 1776, the colonists declared their independence from the British. General Washington led his troops in the fight against the British. In 1783, America won the war and became free from England. Washington retired as general and returned to his farm in Virginia.

But the new country struggled. It needed a better structure for its government. In 1787, Washington helped head up the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. That is where the U.S. Constitution was written to create a brand new form of government.

As a popular war hero, Washington was the logical choice to become the first president in 1789. He was re-elected four years later. He said he would not serve a third term because that would give one man too much power. As the first president, Washington set an example for later presidents. Today, we honor him as a great leader for a brand new country.

Answer the following questions:
1. Where and when was George Washington born?
2. Which sentence about George Washington is true?
   a. Washington always loved to read books.
   b. Washington fought in the Civil War.
   c. Washington didn't like the way England was ruling the colonies.
   d. Washington was elected president three times.
3. What happened at the Constitutional Convention in 1787?
4. Which two wars did George Washington fight in?
5. Tell whether each sentence is a fact or opinion. Write F or O next to each sentence.
____ George Washington was the greatest leader in American history.
____ George Washington was a soldier.
____ George Washington is known as the “Father of our Country."