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George Washington was described as the “father of his country,” yet he had no children of his own. Instead he raised a nation. He led the Continental Army to victory, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and served as the first president of the United States. Less appreciated is how, throughout his career, Washington also mentored a new generation of leaders. Men such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, Nathanael Greene, the Marquis de Lafayette, Henry Laurens, John Marshall, James Monroe, Bushrod Washington and others experienced Washington’s tutelage. What characterized Washington’s relationships with his protégés? To what extent did he act as a role model for the men who, as both military and civilian leaders, served under or after him? Was he a stern parent or a nurturing father for those who entered his circle?
The Sons of the American Revolution, in support of its Congressional mandate to encourage historical research, invites paper proposals from graduate students and established scholars on Washington’s relationship with specific individuals, be they military or civilian, male or female, famous or not widely known. Papers will be delivered at the first Sons of the American Revolution Annual Conference on the American Revolution, to be held June 18-20, 2010 at West Point, New York. Publication of accepted papers in an edited volume is anticipated. The SAR will cover presenters’ travel and lodging expenses and provide a $500 honorarium. Paper proposals should include a 250-word abstract and c.v., and must be submitted by June 15, 2009 to Professor Robert McDonald (Robert.McDonald@usma.edu), Department of History, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York 10996.
The conference and resulting volume will be dedicated to the memory of Don Higginbotham (1931-2008), a leading scholar of Washington, who was Dowd Professor of History and Peace, War, and Defense at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
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