The difference between HIS STORY and HISTORY; the truth behind the cherry tree.

Everyone knows the story about George Washington and the cherry tree, but is it true? Why was the tale written, and is there some truth behind it?

In 1806 Parsons Weems wrote a book titled "Life of Washington." Parsons Weems was known for writing several biographies of historical figures and for adding fictional stories to them. In the book "Life of Washington," there are a few fictional tales about George Washington. The most commonly known tale about Washington is the story of Washington chopping down a cherry tree. In the story, Weems claimed Washington said, "Father, I cannot tell a lie. I chopped down your cherry tree." It was to teach children the importance of honesty and trust, and it has successfully done that, or to a degree. To this day, even though it is proven untrue, it is taught in school to teach children not to be dishonest. Also, to make one of our founding fathers look "good," so to say.

Why did Weems choose a cherry tree, and what is the truth behind this story?

In 1776, before there was the United States of America, the European Colonizers or Rebels had to petition all existing world empires to recognize them as sovereign nations. Unfortunately, no empire would grant them permission to call or govern themselves as a nation. Finally, ten years later, in 1786, the Empire of Morocco formally recognized the United States, and they signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship. It is the longest standing treaty in US history. Because of this treaty, the US was now formally recognized as an independent nation. If it wasn't for Morocco, who knows how much longer it would have taken or where America would be today. Because of the signing of the treaty Peace and Friendship a year later, in 1787, the Constitution was signed. The Treaty of Peace and Friendship should be taught in school as much as the signing of the Constitution. If it were not for one, we would not have the other.

What does this have to do with a cherry tree?

The Moorish flag looked like a big cherry tree amongst a sea of blue flags. It stood out and was captivating; therefore, it was deemed "The Cherry Tree." Unfortunately, when the treaty was signed, both parties agreed not to enslave each other's citizens. That's when George Washington decided to strip Moorish citizens in the US of their nationality. He chopped down and took all of the Moorish flags, in essence, chopping down a cherry tree. He took their flags and locked them in a vault. The motivation in this was strictly for slavery. He even called them strong men he needed in the fields.

With the flags locked away, any and every dark-skinned Moor was, thereby, declared enslaved. If they couldn't prove their nationality, then they were enslaved. Back then, a flag was one of the ways you did that.

The people of Morocco, the nation that helped them, were now enslaved by the United States. Right after signing, not months or years, right away, Washington enslaved the people who helped him; he doesn't seem too honest or loyal to me. This is why the fictional story was written, to make him seem like the man he wasn't.

What does "the difference between his story and history" really mean?

His story is the history we are taught to make our founding fathers and other historical events seem more appropriate or for our country's greater good. History is the truth and facts around our historical events. We are taught that Washington chopped down a cherry tree and could never tell a lie. We are taught to think Washington was an honest man, not looking more into who he really was or questioning anything he did. Wherein actuality, Washington did, in fact, lie, go back on a treaty still standing to this day, and enslave people for free labor just because they were stronger.