George Washington and the Seven Years’ War

Explore how George Washington’s early military experiences in the Seven Years’ War helped to shape his leadership traits and his view on the British. Through historical analysis and a focus on Washington’s leadership traits, students examine Washington’s early command and military rise in the Ohio River Valley before he ultimately returned to Mount Vernon in Virginia. Students assess the challenges Washington faced as a 22 year-old leader in the North American conflict. By analyzing a primary source letter, students also gain insight into Washington’s thought process and advocacy for his troops. Through discussion questions and primary source analysis, students identify the early qualities of leadership that Washington developed due to his difficulties in the Seven Years War.

About the Author:

Bonnie A. Belshe has taught U.S. history and AP U.S. history for more than twenty years at Monta Vista High School in Cupertino, California, and currently serves as department chair. In 2014, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History named Belshe the California History Teacher of the Year. In 2017-2018, Belshe was awarded the Life Guard Teacher Fellowship from Mount Vernon and has served as a teacher facilitator for the George Washington Teacher Institute since 2020.