This superb documentary offers a concise overview of the singular contributions of George Washington to American history.

While the primary focus of the program is on Washington's administrative and military leadership during the Revolutionary War, there is also good background on the early years of Washington serving in the British army, as well as Washington's terms in office as president.

The program makes the convincing point that Washington was America's "indispensable man," due to the selfless nature of his public service. A successful planter in Virginia, Washington always placed his country ahead of his personal goals and material gains.

Early in the war, Washington capitalizes the letter "c" in the word "cause" when writing letters. Even after the disaster at Kip's Bay, wherein Washington lost control of his forces in the lowest point of his life in the Battle of New York, he persevered.

With only 2,500 ragtag, shoeless soldiers, Washington turned the war around with his surprise attacks on Trenton and Princeton. The watch words of the moment were "Victory or Death" for the revolutionaries. The "Crossing" (December 25, 1776),which lasted nine hours in bitter winter weather, was the brainchild of Washington to move across the Delaware and into New Jersey for a surprise attack on the Hessians. The performance of Joseph Addison's "Cato" galvanized the soldiers.

Another turning point for Washington personally was to let go of his pride and the military fixation on New York to recognize the main chance for attacking Cornwallis at Yorktown. Cornwallis was duped, and the final battle of the war ended in victory for the Americans in 1781.

Washington also demonstrated his mettle in Newburgh, New York in t1783, when he delivered a moving speech that led his troops to decide not to mutiny against Congress. The speech may have saved the Republic. When he bade his farewell to his loyal recruits at Fraunces Tavern in New York, grown men were weeping. December 4, 1783 in the Long Room will remain etched in time as a moment for the ages.

Washington was front and center at the two most crucial moments in the founding of the American Republic: (1) the Declaration of Independence and (2) America's nationhood with the finalizing the Constitution. The program suggests that Washington was in a league of his own when compared to Hannibal, Napoleon, and other generals who would eventually be defeated. By contrast, Washington always had a vision of the bigger picture, and he knew the meaning of the word restraint. It was perhaps because of this that King George III recognized that "the greatest man in world" was George Washington.

Newt Gingrich's name is attached to this documentary, but I watched it anyway.

This documentary paints a glowing portrait of George Washington. This is a good thing. There is a need for documentaries like this, especially for young Americans. America desperately needs heroes and there are few finer than George Washington.

George Washington had flaws. He was a human being. George Washington owned slaves. This is also an important story that Americans should know. It's not told here and that's okay. Students should be taught about Washington and the other founders and slavery, but in high school.

America needs heroes.

A very well put together documentary that highlights some of the most important moments of George Washington's life as well as the key periods of time that gave birth to our nation. I was very impressed with all the information provided & only held back from giving it 10 out of 10 stars because there were a few things I wish had been addressed that weren't.