Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Perhaps it was the war that drove him mad, or perhaps it was that his enemy, George
Washington (portrait nearby), had the same hairdo. Washington was born in British-ruled
Virginia and fought for Britain in the French and Indian War, but sided with the colonies
in what the British called the “American War.” This famous portrait of Washington is one
of several versions of a 1796 portrait by Gilbert Stuart.
(See “National Portrait Gallery—Second Floor” map,
here
.)
Britain defeated France (Napoleon) and emerged as the world's top power. With natural re-
sources from overseas colonies (Australia, Canada, India, West Indies, China), good com-
munications, and a growing population of seven million, Britain became the first industrial
powerhouse, dotted with smoke-belching factories and laced with railroads.
• Exit Room 14 into Room 8 and turn right, ending up in the bright aqua Room 17, featur-
ing a red-jacketed man flanked by portraits of brave Brits who battled Napoleon.
