Introduction : Thirteen colonies ; Britain has the final say ; American victory -- The early years : Washington's ancestors arrive in America ; Early childhood ; Getting hired ; Disease and death ; Married to Martha -- Leadership and the Revolutionary War : Opposing independence? ; The Intolerable Acts ; Supporting the war ; Boston to New York ; Retreat from New York ; France steps in ; Resigning from the army -- Mr. President : Unstable government ; President of the United States ; Debts and taxes ; Bill of rights ; Neutral in foreign affairs ; Federalists and Republicans ; Only the best -- Final days : Farewell ; The simple life ; Death of a president ; Forever first.