Influential Figures of the American Revolution and War This essay identifies and examines four leading figures from the American Revolution and the Revolutionary War. These key leaders individually made lasting contributions and influences, both for and against, the development of the American Revolution and War. The leaders are as follows: George Grenville, Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and George Washington. Grenville, Paine, and Jefferson contributions were made through written word: acts, pamphlets, and declarations. Washington impacted the revolution and war by becoming perhaps the greatest leader in American history.
George Grenville George Grenville was born on October 14, 1712 in Buckinghamshire, England. Lord Grenville political life began in 1741 as a member of the British Parliament. He infamously enacted the Stamp Act prior to the Revolutionary War. The Stamp Act was to provide revenue to the British government for the debt incurred during the seven
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Washington’s military experience came from his time served in the colonial militia fighting with British in the French-Indian War. Upon conclusion of the war, Major Washington applied to become an officer in the British Army. Much to his chagrain, Washington was rejected and possibly carried disdain throughout the war of independence. Washington was elected commander in chief because he was a large Virginia landowner and held the swing vote to include the southern colonies in the war. According to Harvey (2008), “The choice of Washington was dictacted by the need to secure the support of the southern plantation states and to deny the job to the wealthy John Hancock--- who lacked any military qualifications” (p. 41). He served as a linchpin incorporating all 13 colonies in the war against the highly regarded British
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.
The American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), the American War of Independence, or simply the Revolutionary War in the United States, was the prosperous military revolt against Great Britain of Thirteen American Colonies which joined together as the United States of America in July 1776. Originally constrained to fighting in those colonies, after 1778 it additionally became a world war between Britain and France, Netherlands, Spain, and Mysore.
He has first gained public notice when he went to persuade the French the leave the Ohio Valley as they threatened to drive out the English (“George Washington”). This began to what is known as the Seven Year’s French and Indian War. After this war, many taxes were created to pay for the debt of Britain Protection. New Englanders felt the taxes were an abuse of power and began an American Revolution at Lexington and Concord in which Washington joined the Continental Congress and was named the Commander in Chief of the Continental forces. He led the forces to a moral boosting victory at Valley Forge against the British. After the war, he became the most important man in the country (“George Washington”). Washington retired from the army and became elected the first president of the United States after the new government was formed. When he retired from office he had given his ‘Farewell Address’ speech that included two main priorities for the success of America: no political parties and no foreign affairs (Williams). Although tensions between the French and British were inevitable, Washington was vital in the victory of the later Revolutionary War from the military knowledge he gained from the Seven Year’s War. Washington was extremely influential; thus, without him the ratification of the Constitution would not have been possible. The checks and balances system would not have been created resulting
During the Revolutionary War, there were many battles that were fought, but there were a few that changed the result of the war. The battles of Trenton and Princeton were fought strategically. During both of the battles, Washington made bold moves that later impacted the army’s success. Another battle that was fought was the Battle of Saratoga, and before this battle, the Continental Army did not have a strong chance of winning because they were facing the powerful and well equipped British army. The Battle of Saratoga was the battle that completely changed the tide of the war. The Battle of Yorktown was the last land battle fought of the Revolutionary War. It was also the battle where the British surrendered to the Americans and won
The American Revolution was a great time of change for America as a nation. With this change new heroes and ideals of life, liberty, and freedom were formed. Spearheading these new ideals was General George Washington and his continental army, but the road ahead of Washington and his men was not an unproblematic one. The winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania proved this to Washington and his men. Yet the true American ideal of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were never forgotten in their battle.
June 1755, George Washington Became Commander in Chief but to many patriots he was much more than the Commander in Chief. He became the calm voice to those who needed it, George Washington was known to be strongly determined and held a heavy load of the patriotic duty to country. George Washington was the real backbone into the Revolution war and kept it from going under during the hardships and unexpected trials and tribulations that occurred during the long years of war. Without General Washington as the commander and chief, it’s believed that the unthinkable and imaginable could never have succeeded. His faith in the cause and his devotion to the ideals it embodied made him the symbol of America — the spirit of the Revolution. http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/washington/george2.html
George Washington, a man of many military achievements, brought ragtag farmers to military men, and destroyed the most powerful army in the world. Washington was appointed the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. Washington, who had military experience before serving in the Continental Army, had never commanded an army of this size. He was appointed leader of the Continental Army because John Hancock, president of the Second Continental Congress, thought of him as a man of great character who would help unite the colonies. Brilliant character and leadership help George Washington win battles over the British, and make farmers into true military men.
When the war started to get really bad they made George Washington Commander-in-chief of the continental army, now they have a better chance of winning the war. They put him in this position because he was a noble, courageous, honest, and loving man so they knew he would be perfect for this position. He was also a delegate to the first continental congress from Virginia. They are group that had some of the first
Washington was a military commander for England. Washington also led the then rebel forces against England fighting for Americans independence. Washington also served as the first
The gun shot that was heard around the world, in 1775 marks the day of the beginning of the of the American Revolution .During the American Revolution the Seneca people had a critical role. The 3 three Seneca Chief’s , Big Tree, Corn Planter, and Half Town wrote a letter to them asking George Washington to stop killing their people. Some of the Seneca people joined the British, an interesting fact. Who were considering a revolution despite the fact that Native American’s didn’t do anything ? After the research that been done, it can be proven that the American Revolution was actually a Revolution. In the American Revolution the government changed and the people wanted to leave British rule resulting in and there was violence. Of
When he did join he quickly rose ranks as he was elected commander-in-chief but this was largely the fact that he was popular in Virginia. Although George Washington had no formal large battle training and lost more battles than he had won The battles he did win were major and played a key role in the outcome of the war. As an example I will use the battle of Yorktown, this battle took place on september 28th 1781 George Washington ordered the aiding french fleet to attack Yorktown by sea while the continental army attacked via land. This battle was also the deciding battle in the revolutionary war and the future country known as the U.S.A. was victorious. Compared to the many other candidates the decision made by congress to elect George Washington as Commander-In-Chief for the Revolutionary was an amazing because if they did not than America as we know now may be
At the age of 23 years old Washington would become commander of the Virginia Regiment, ( Ellis, Joseph J, His Excellency, 24) although his men both more experienced and senior sought after him as their leader. His character and patriotism led directly to his selection as Commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Army. As commander-in-chief George led his army to a number of very important victories to include the capture of Boston with few defeats such as the trouncing of New York City. George lost many battles, with only one surrender, he continuously and persistently fought the British with unrelenting tactics he conspired the general strategy of the war. He oversaw the training and the organization of the army. Being unanimously elected upon Washington began his first term as President in 1789. He went on to serve for a second term ending his presidency in 1796. All that being said George Washington sounds like a stand up guy and that is why many Americans consider him to be a hero, but there are limits to the stories that are told.
The American Revolution By Lorelei Treloar Paragraph 1: Thesis statement, contents of essay, summary Paragraph 2: Intro, George’s leadership skills, geography, closing Paragraph 3: Intro, Foreign assistance, colonists spirits and attitudes, closing Paragraph 4: Summarize, restate the main point, profit
Because of these experiences and his successes later on he was appointed as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army to fight the British in the American Revolution. Washington fought in a few wars and many battles throughout his military career to include the American Revolutionary War and the French-Indian war (or seven years war). Some of his Revolutionary war battles include the siege at Boston, Valley Forge, the Battle of Brandywine, the Surrender at Yorktown, and the Battle of Long Island among others.