Debate: Was Our Greatest President George Washington or Abe Lincoln?
There have been 46 presidents, No. 1 was either George Washington or Abe Lincoln. One started the country, the other kept it together. There's no right answer, but different ways to debate greatness.
Rick Snider
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(179)
What's included
1 live meeting
30 mins in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 3 - 6
Beginner Level
George Washington is often considered our greatest forefather. Nearly half of the world lives in a democracy based on Washington declining a monarchy and establishing our republic. Much of what the U.S. is today comes from Washington's vision. But, Abe Lincoln kept the country together through a Civil War despite losing 1 million Americans. He could have easily let the South split and North America become much like Europe as a collection of countries. Lincoln knew slavery must end and stayed the course to his own peril. Who was more important - Washington starting the country or Lincoln keeping it together? The class will debate both presidents. Students can pick a side if they like. Smaller classes of even one student can engage with the teacher. It's a chance to learn important roles of each president and develop debating skills. This is a free-flowing class that allows students to engage and educate themselves and others in a safe environment.
Learning Goals
Our learning goals:
* Strengths and weaknesses of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
* Ability to see both sides of a subject.
* Develop debating skills in a friendly environment.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Students are provided a safe environment to debate with no inappropriate language or materials.
Pre-Requisites
Learners should come with some knowledge of Washington and Lincoln and have a favorite to debate.
Supply List
Learners will not need any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Great Presidents: Biographies of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan. By Thomas Miller.
The Top 5 Greatest Presidents: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin D. Roosevelt. By Charles River editors.
100 Valuable Leadership Lessons from 10 U.S. Presidents: Learn the leadership lessons of: George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, ... F. Kennedy, Richard Nixon a nd Ronald Reagan. By George Ilian.
Meet George Washington. By Jane Heilnbroner.
The Story of Abraham Lincoln: A Biography Book for New Readers. By Carla Jablonski.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
179reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from University of Maryland-College Park
I'm a lifelong storyteller as a Washington journalist of 46 years and a licensed tour guide for 14 years. Presidents are my focus because they set our country’s agenda. This course comes from my rankings of the 46 leaders.
I teach history and civics classes that often center around our nation’s capital and its leaders. My other classes include the Lincoln assassination, George Washington's spy ring and visiting George Washington’s Mount Vernon.
Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$10
per classMeets once
30 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-13
1-6 learners per class
