The early republic

Hour 1 begins with a look at two of the many crises faced by George Washington during his term as America's first president. At a time when any conflict had the potential to dissolve the fragile union, Washington surrounded himself with brilliant men who were bound by their undying devotion to America, but who were often bitterly divided about how best to serve their common cause. Hour 2 explores the ideological conflict that existed between Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton and highlights Washington's farewell address.