George Washington
Leadership Paper
Abstract
George Washington was the first leader of the United States; he was a leader in the military for the French and Indian War, and the American Revolution. While a lot is known about his accomplishments it seems more like destiny and/or fate for his place in history. His upbringing and military battles all are more associated with luck than skill. Discussed in the following is a history and story of an unlikely leader.
George Washington
Washington left behind a undeniable record of military and political achievement. He was not a great field commander, but he learned from his mistakes. Politically, he proved remarkably intelligent at understanding the will of Congress. As a human being,
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Again Washington avoided death, by his account there were four bullet holes through his coat and two horses shot out from under him (2). Washington stature gained in popularity, he also acquired a new reputation. He emerged from the battle a hero, and Virginia governor Robert Dinwiddie rewarded him with promotion to full colonel. Washington was known for harsh punishments like giving 500 lashes for laziness. He even boasted of a building a gallows 40 feet high to hang deserters. Later that year Dinwiddie gave him command of all Virginia forces.
Tried to Settle Down
Washington resigned at war's end and retired to Mount Vernon. Now at the conclusion of the French and Indian war the retired Colonel Washington not yet 30 years old got married (2). His wife Martha was a widow of one of Virginia's wealthiest men; this marriage gave Washington the property, slaves, and wealth had dreamed of. By 1759 George and Martha Washington were among the most celebrated families in Virginia. They enjoyed a comfortable life during these times, hosting countless parties. He also found time for the hobbies of a Virginia gentleman, fox hunting, plays, billiards, cards, dancing, and fishing. For 15 years he devoted himself to his legislative work and his farm.
He was defeated in elections for the House of Burgesses in 1755 and 1757, but won in 1758. In 1760, Washington took on the additional duties of a Fairfax County justice of the peace.
The revered and respected first president, George Washington, gave the US hope during one of its most difficult times. Using the events and circumstances of his life to learn and advance his position, he grew from humble beginnings into a legend. George Washington had a valuable, well-rounded education from ages seven to fifteen, studying all the subjects (Nevins and Graff). Due to his father’s death, George grew up under the supervision of his half-brother Lawrence at Mount Vernon, learning many lessons and developing thoughts, actions, and manners he used later in life (Nevins and Graff). He worked as a surveyor for his first career and learned the benefits of hard work, endurance, and resourcefulness (Nevins and Graff). After Lawrence died, George took over running the family plantation and found farming an honorable, delectable, amusing, and profitable occupation (Nevins and Graff). Standing six feet tall with broad shoulders, Washington cultivated a lavish lifestyle of dancing, cards, billiards, and hunting as a prominent and active member in his community and church (Nevins and Graff). George Washington started his military career in November of 1752, and in 1755 he took the position as commander of all the Virginian troops at the young age of 23 years (Nevins and Graff). Washington desired more honor and respect than he received, so he resigned from the military in the fall of 1758 full of frustration (Nevins and Graff). War moved slowly, troops did not receive enough
He contributed many key parts to the success of the American independence and led the American army into some of their most important battles to give them independence. In most cases, “the situation was worse than they realized, and no one perceived this as clearly as Washington. Seeing things as they were, and not as he would wish them to be,
Regarded as one of the most beloved figures in American history, George Washington maintains an almost godlike image in the minds of many. Despite his reputation as a leader, Washington was not always flawless in his military exploits. His time in the French and Indian War granted him the experiences and skills needed to be effective as commander of the Continental Army, and not all of these experiences included victories. It was the knowledge Washington gained in the French and Indian War, and the war itself, that helped the colonies to obtain their independence from Great Britain.
General Washington was respected not just by the rank and file, but also by people in all parts of the colonies. Although he did not inspire his men to fanatical loyalty as Napoleon or Nelson, the troops under his command knew they could count upon his valor, military judgment, and fair justice always. (Morison, p. 314-5) Everyone, from the highest gentleman in Congress to the lowest private in the Army, could depend on George Washington's character at all times.
Washington in his early fifties resumed life as a planter confident that his days of public service were over. A few years had past and the Congress has a large inability to solve national problems. This was partly due to the lack of authority under the Articles of Confederation. This worried Washington so much that he became a delegate on the Virginia legislature to
Through vivid descriptions of George Washington, I learned that he was not the best military leader. There were multiple times in the war where Washington was faced with difficult decisions, and proved to be very indecisive. Also, there were times where action needed to be taken, but he couldn’t decide what to do. Even though I learned Washington wasn’t as great as the history books explain him to be, it makes me respect him more to know that he, just like any other American, flawed.
George Washington was the leader of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, led the Continental Congress in the development of the United States Constitution and served as the first United States President. His enduring contributions were far reaching and greatly impacted the course of American and world history. While Washington is the epitome of a strategic leader, he was not without his weaknesses. As a military commander, Washington made serious mistakes, however, his most significant strength was his ability to survive his mistakes and learn from them. Setbacks early in life, coupled with disappointment at the start of his military career set the foundation for Washington to emerge as America’s most iconic strategic and
George Washington was our country’s very first president. He lead America to countless victories. He was a strong leader, even during difficult times. He was a very key part of the start of our nation. He was humble about his services, and had many strong values. George Washington’s life, political views, and modern day influences are important.
We all know that George Washington, the first President of the United States, is on the one dollar bill. But did you know that he was the commander-in-chief of the US Continental Army during the Revolutionary War? George Washington sure had a very impressive resume, from his rise in the Virginia militia, to fighting in the French and Indian War, serving in the US Continental Army and pursuing a political future. George Washington has a major impact on US history but most people don't know about his own very exciting life.
George Washington born on February 22nd, 1732 was a man of honor and patriotism, He was a disciplined but fair general and a humble president who set the standards for his successors this is why he should be remembered. As a man he was a simple farmer who when duty called he fought for his former country britain. As a general he led soldiers with discipline and honor then returned to his home. As a president he was humble and refused to be anything like king.
George Washington had enormous amounts of failures, but he had achieved great things as well. From being a young boy living in Pope’s Creek, Virginia to becoming the president of the United States. He has faced a lot of hardships and failures. But through all of his hardships throughout his life he has become the greatest president of the United States, George Washington.
George Washington has major difference from the other big leaders of the time because he didn’t have a formal education. It was a very rare thing at the time because many of the powerful people were rich with a quality education whereas Washington didn't come from a very wealth family and had a low quality education. Nonetheless he still grew his power and became the first president of the United States.
He served as a volunteer aide in 1755 to Major General Edward Braddock when the British sent a large force of regulars to capture Fort Duquesne, the French stronghold recently erected at the Forks of the Ohio. Although the Braddock expedition met defeat on the banks of the Monongahela, Washington's display of courage and tactical skills in battle caused his personal reputation to soar. A grateful Dinwiddie subsequently placed him in charge of Virginia's frontier defenses. He commanded the colony's regiments and separate ranger companies (both perpetuated in today's 116th Infantry, Virginia Army National Guard), as well as its mobilized militiamen. In 1758 Washington became a brigade commander, the only American to achieve that rank during the war.
He was the eldest of six children and was homeschooled. They lived in Westmoreland County, Virginia and his family was in the ranking of Virginia’s middle class. When he was eleven years old, his father died. When George was 16, he journeyed with a surveying group mapping land in the western territory of Virginia for two whole years in 1748. He married Martha Washington in 1759. Later on, his brother Lawrence died leaving George with his estate, Mount Vernon. Washington became very involved and successful with farming on his estate. As time passes by, Washington becomes a colonel to a Major General and Commander-in-Chief. George Washington exemplifies being revolutionary by how he was brave, heroic and smart enough to stay one step in front of the enemy. Although he lost most of his battles, he was one of the most victorious generals in modern history. He died on December 14,
George Washington was born February 22, 1732. He was elected as the first president by the Electoral College unanimously in 1789. Washington is commonly called the "Father of his country" since he played a major role in fighting for independence and helped form the government we now have. Many of his leadership practices became the template for the way politics have proceeded following his terms. For example his use of a group of counselors known as a "cabinet" is still in practice today. He only served for two terms and then stepped down which became, for the most part, the accepted norm for future presidents. George Washington is associated with some folklore tales such as being widely known for admitting to his father that he chopped