ABSTRACT
By 1776, the Founders had the temerity to seek more than just independence from England. The thirteen colonies that had constituted the original States of America to pursue self-government rooted in ancient ideas about society and the purpose of man aimed higher still. They planned to establish a genuinely secure nation, capable of surviving into the distant future, shielded by ocean waters, preferably on all sides, against intrusion. Unable to afford college, the future first president had always worked exceptionally hard to improve himself, never too proud to learn from the mistakes of others and his own. Knowing when to defer to those who knew more about a particular topic than he did, Washington did not shy away from taking charge or from assuming responsibility when things went wrong. Along with his talented fellow Founders, who together secured America's independence and sovereignty, Washington was instrumental in forging the nation's vision of itself.
