The Making of a President: Presidential Leadership in Volatile Times, George Washington to Lyndon B. Johnson

LBJ Presidential Library
Austin, Texas

As the first president of a new nation, George Washington’s presidential administration was rife with instability and violence. Lyndon B. Johnson entered office after an assassination and led the country through the struggles of Civil Rights and the Vietnam War. This workshop analyzed the leadership skills and challenges of Washington and Johnson and explored the legacies they left to the nation.

We welcomed educators interested in joining us for this workshop, created by George Washington’s Mount Vernon and the LBJ Library.

Objectives of the workshop:

• Gained knowledge of George Washington and the world he shaped in revolutionary times
• Analyzed primary sources to investigate Washington’s leadership and legacies
• Addressed historical perspectives reflective of the 18th century
• Created and utilized classroom strategies that encouraged discussion and inquiry

Speakers included:

• Maddie Sisson, Mount Vernon
• Jeremi Suri, University of Texas
• Mark Updegrove, LBJ Foundation