Love liberty? Want to keep it? Let two history experiments show you what works and what doesn't. Here's a captivating book about contending political strategies in the form of an exciting tale of two revolutions, the men who made them, and the key (now a national treasure) that connected them. Follow the fight for freedom - an idea whose time had come - taking two different paths, with two dramatically different outcomes: one a "shining city upon a hill" as a "beacon of hope," the other a mountain of severed heads in a vengeful "Reign of Terror. " In what is definitely the Key Book about George Washington, this is the amazing story of how he came by his Key "of" Liberty...and his wise counsel on the Key "to" Liberty that has made America great. The book links Mount Vernon's Bastille Key (and its tortuous travels through bloody, revolutionary France) to George Washington's character and his advice on the three key, essential elements for freedom to flourish: "Character, Culture, Constitution." Specifically, the book shines a bright light on the most interesting key ever made - America's premier symbol of liberty's victory over tyranny - which now hangs in the central passageway of George Washington's Mount Vernon mansion, helping to greet over a million visitors a year. The main key to the Bastille prison in Paris, it was given in 1790 to Washington, the patriarch of liberty, by his missionary, the Marquis de Lafayette, who took the "sacred fire of liberty" he discovered in America and tried to fan its flames in France. Become a history detective and uncover how this unique key was made, how the man who made it helped kill a king, and how it made its way to Mount Vernon. Along the way, experience the fascinating twists and turns made in unlocking the doors hiding the truth about the key, which some (incorrectly) argue is a counterfeit. Then distill what Washington and Lafayette each believed was the "key" to establishing and maintaining liberty, and what went right and wrong in their respective revolutions. Finally, learn how the key continues to inspire a worldwide devotion to lasting freedom - with Washington's personal challenge to you. ***** Author Bill Bahr brings to life FerrousTM the key and his improbable journey from the iron foundries of 18th century France to a Bastille prison gate and finally to the entrance hall of George Washington's home, Mount Vernon. FerrousTM once represented tyranny and oppression - synonymous with the fate of a prisoner condemned without trial or hope. Now FerrousTM stands for the idea of liberty, so cherished by George Washington - in his own words - "a token of victory gained by Liberty over Despotism." What a remarkable transformation!***** Version 1.14 Mar 2020. A "best seller" at George Washington's Mount Vernon. "Character is Key for Liberty!" 5 out of 5 stars ― A Truly UNIQUE Book! "A review of this book can be summed up in a single word ― UNIQUE! As told by Mount Vernon's Bastille key itself (yes, by the key), it provides an absorbing look at the character of key leaders in the American and French Revolutions, notably Washington and Lafayette. While the novel narrative traces the key's historic travels from the perspective of the pun-slinging anthropomorphic iron key, the research is serious and the content dense with illuminating facts. Half a valuable reference source, half a fascinating story, fully recommended!" ―LTG Dave R. Palmer , premier military historian and US Army Lieutenant General (ret), former Superintendent of the United States Military Academy at West Point M asterfully Written, Educating and Entertaining! " I salute my West Point classmate for providing us a diligently researched history of our historic 18th century connection with the French. Bill's adaptation of using the Bastille Key as the first person main character presenter is simply brilliant. The reader is drawn into the story with bewilderment, anticipation and excitement, while always being educated and introduced to fascinating little known facts. I highly recommend this book to everyone of all ages. A GREAT READ!" ― Gary Dolan , author, speaker, businessman, decorated combat veteran, Hall-of-Fame Ranger, and inspirational leader Bill Bahr is a retired telecommunications executive. A graduate of West Point, he served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, working in Germany, Cambodia (the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh), and Korea before moving into commercial telecommunications. Along with earning three masters degrees and two patents, Bill held marketing/sales directorships at major corporations. His work helped spark the revolution in facsimile machines and the build-out in cellular systems and the internet, with both Bill and his products receiving many public accolades. For example, the prestigious magazine "Electronic Business" headlined one of his product developments as a "Secret Success Story." The American Management Association heralded this same effort as d