5. The Two Georges

About this Lecture

Lecture

In this module, we explore the contrasts between George Washington and George III. In particular, we will explore: (i) the transition from monarchy to republic; (ii) the shift in place naming; (iii) the shift to a Greco-Roman architectural style in this period; (iv) the tearing down of the statue of George III in Lower Manhattan; (v) the development of depictions of George Washington and how this contrasted with depictions of George III; (vi) The George Washington Belt; and (vii) the significance of Edward Savage's 'The Washington Family'.

Course

In this course, Professor Zara Anishanslin (University of Delaware) examines American culture from 1754 to 1800. In the first module, we answer the question "What is an American?". After this, we focus in on the development of American exceptionalism in this period, whilst also looking at American desires to expand westward. From there we focus in on some of the political developments of the period by looking at the "Join or Die" political cartoon. In the penultimate module, we have a look at American history in this period through what people were wearing. In the final module, we explore the contrasts between George Washington and George III.

Lecturer

Professor Zara Anishanslin is an associate professor of History and Art History and director of the American Civilization Program at the University of Delaware. She specialises in early American and Atlantic World History, with a focus on eighteenth-century material culture. She has written widely within this topic area, including her book - Portrait of a Woman in Silk: Hidden Histories of the British Atlantic World.