Title: George Washington and political fatherhood : the endurance of a national myth /
Authors: Tschachler, Heinz
Year: 2020
Subjects: Washington, George, Public opinion.; Washington, George, Portraits.; Washington, George,; Public opinion United States History; Presidents United States Public opinion.; Symbolism Political aspects United States.; Fatherhood Political aspects United States.; Collective memory United States History.; Social values United States History.; Leadership Moral and ethical aspects United States.; Political culture United States History; Collective memory; Leadership Moral and ethical aspects; Political culture; Portraits; Presidents Public opinion; Public opinion; Social values; Symbolism Political aspects; United States
Abstract: "Over two hundred years after his death, George Washington is still often considered the metaphorical father of the United States. Washington was first known as the "Father of His Country" during his lifetime, when the American people bestowed the title upon him as a symbolic act of resistance and rebirth. Since then, presidents have stood as paternal figureheads for America, often serving as moral beacons. This book tracks political fatherhood throughout world history, from the idea of the pater patriae in Roman antiquity to Martin Luther's Bible translations and beyond. Often using George Washington as a paradigm, this book explores presidential iconography in the U.S., propaganda and the role of paternal rhetoric in shaping American sociopolitical history-including the results of the 2016 presidential election."--