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Primary
University of Groningen

American History: Documents: The Jay Treaty, 1794 (Full Text)

For Students 9th - 10th
The full text of the Jay Treaty of 1794. A great resource at looking at the specific problems between the new United States and Great Britain.
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Website
George Washington University

Birth of a Nation: The First Federal Congress 1789 1791

For Students 9th - 10th
An exhaustive look at the first Congress during George Washington's presidency. Find out about the precedents that were set and the interpretations that had to be made about the new Constitution. A fabulous site from George Washington...
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Primary
Other

The Federalist Papers: John Jay

For Students 9th - 10th
A good biography of John Jay's extensive political efforts for U.S. throughout his life.
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PPT
Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Gilder Lehrman Institute: Alexander Hamilton: The Man Who Made Modern America

For Students 9th - 10th
[Free Registration/Login Required] A marvelous look at the life of Alexander Hamilton shown through primary documents in this interactive site.
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: Religion and the Founding of American Rep.: Religion and the Federal Gov

For Students 9th - 10th
This site from the Library of Congress presents selections of articles, writings, and pictures that summarize the beliefs of the early American politicians that morality and personal independence were essential for the country. Links to...
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Handout
US National Archives

Nara: Prologue Magazine: Women and Naturalization

For Students 9th - 10th
A lengthy essay on George Washington proposing that his real accomplishments as first President of the U.S. and winner of the Revolutionary War have been overshadowed by the myths and stories of the Cherry Tree, teeth, and no lies....
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Unit Plan
Other

George Washington: Elected First President

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides a description of the election of 1788. A brief editorial about the election is given. A narrative on the early life of Washington is also included.
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: American Memory: George Washington Papers: Series 2 Letterbooks

For Students 9th - 10th
The list in Washington's own hand of his nominations for various offices in his administration including Attorney General.
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Handout
US Department of State

U.s. Department of State: Thomas Jefferson: First Secretary of State, 1790 1793

For Students 9th - 10th
This site by the Bureau of Public Affairs, U.S. Department of State offers information about Thomas Jefferson's role as the first Secretary of State to George Washington.
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Primary
Varsity Tutors

Varsity Tutors: Archiving Early America: Life of George Washington: Reflections

For Students 9th - 10th
This is the last chapter of a biography of Washington which was written only eight years after his death by David Ramsay, a man who had known Washington personally, and who had been "an active player in the momentous events of America's...
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Activity
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum

Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Why Does the President Need a Cabinet?

For Students 9th - 10th
Find out why a president needs a cabinet and scroll down to find out about President Washington's first Cabinet.
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Interactive
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation

Colonial Williamsburg: Edmund Randolph Fact Sheet

For Students 9th - 10th
This site provides some insight into Randolph's family as well as political life.
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Handout
US Senate

U.s. Senate: The Senate Moves to Philadelphia, 1790

For Students 9th - 10th
One provision of the Residence Act of 1790 was that the federal government would reside in Philadelphia until 1800. This article discusses that first meeting there.
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Primary
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Founding Fathers: Edmund Randolph

For Students 9th - 10th
The major focus of this site is Randolph's role in the creation of the Constitution and his views on the structure of the executive branch of government.
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Handout
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Historic Valley Forge: Major General Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of Alexander Hamilton containing information on his military service during the American Revolution as well as his later life in politics.
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Handout
Other

Hall of the Secretaries of State: Thomas Jefferson

For Students 9th - 10th
This resource provides a brief profile account of Jefferson's career as a Secretary of State. It includes a list of notable events during his office.
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: John Jay

For Students 9th - 10th
A brief biography of John Jay's life and political career. Discusses his role in the First Continental Congress and authoring of three articles that are now collectively known as "The Federalist."
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Primary
This Nation

This Nation: Proclamation of Neutrality (1793)

For Students 9th - 10th
Read the text of the Proclamation of Neutrality issued by George Washington in April, 1793, showing his effort to keep his new nation safe from unhealthy alliances.
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Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Henry Knox: Secretary of War

For Students 9th - 10th
Read about Henry Knox, George Washington's first Secretary of War. Particularly interesting is his intent to honor the treaties made with the Native Americans.
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eBook
US Army Center

U.s. Army Center of Military History: James Mc Henry, With Portrait

For Students 9th - 10th
This page provides a paragraph which lists McHenry's accomplishments, and a portrait.
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Website
Independence Hall Association

U.s. History: Edmund Randolph

For Students 9th - 10th
Ushistory.org provides this biography of Edmund Randolph includes highlights of his political career and his role during the Constitutional Convention. Randolph went on to serve as Secretary of State.
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Article
Thomson Reuters

Find Law: Founding Fathers: New York: Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
A short biography of one of America's founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
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Primary
Library of Congress

Loc: James Mc Henry to Alexander Hamilton

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a transcript of a letter of Delegates to Congress written by James McHenry to Alexander Hamilton: Volume 21 October 1, 1783 - October 31, 1784.