The history of our nation has been defined by the population and the great leaders that in times of horrible circumstances were able to right our American ship of republicanism. There have been many great men since our revolution, but one of the single most important men that defined our nation for the next 242 years was George Washington. Through his ability to handle many men’s ideas, be strong in his ideologies and lack a tyrannical lust for power; Washington was able to plant the seeds of the revolution and help allow the U.S to reach their greatest bloom.
This essay will focus on this brilliant man who held many admirable characteristics, and would help lead our nation through our nation's infantile stages. The specific topics that will be discussed in this essay will focus on George Washington the man and how his unique personality was able to be fundamental in leading our nation out of the times of the confederation into a new nation. As John Rhodehamel, a biographer of George Washington, said, “Hese was gifted with that rare and inexplicable power to make other trust and obey him. Many discovered they loved him.” (Rhodehamel 88) He was able to instill these values into men and women, which in any circumstance could lead to him leading men through any plight that would arise. His character was undeniably strong, but possessed an “extraordinarily sensitive to criticism, and for some time his stature had largely protected him.” (Rhodehamel 226) Like every man there
George Washington became the first president of the United States soon after winning the war against Great Britain, America becoming the first independent 13 colonies. Since the beginning of his presidency people trusted him, being the one who led the country to victory as the General, contributed to people having faith in him. It states in the book that he chose the Country’s well-being before his own and often made decision following his gut, “he took pains to elevate the public good over private interest and projected honesty and honor over ambition.”(Johnson) Washington took great responsibility and honor of the New build Nation, he didn’t take matters lightly choosing what was best for his country. During his presidency, he was a visionary
One of the most obvious, and in my opinion, most important factors to Why George Washington is the greatest president of all time, is the fact that he was the very first president ever. With John Adams at his side, George Washington started the country on its way to become the great and wonderful country that we call home today. George Washington is perhaps the single president who can truly call himself a “founding father” of the United States of America. Many people would’ve have looked at the situation and thought that it wasn’t their place to correct a whole country, or much less to lead the country to greatness. It takes great courage to lead an entire country, without anyone to look back on for experience advice or mistakes that have been made. I, myself, couldn’t or wouldn’t have even thought about doing that, I would’ve let someone like George Washington step up to the plate.
George Washington, rewarded for his superior leadership skills, was granted the tremendous responsibility of the position of President of the United States. No ordinary man could bear this weight alone, with the exception of the strongest of the strong. George Washington, “Father of the Nation”, is a stronger president than Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson for multiple reasons such as, being a powerful military strategist and a stronger national leader.
In the duration of the Antebellum period,our sovereign Republic was governed by fifteen various presidents. Each individual head of state affected our present united nation, but one that was effortlessly discernable in comparison to the rest and this was George Washington. George Washington was very accomplished throughout his presidency, was cautious invoking the country in foreign affairs, and endured devastations with serenity.
Society turns to powerful leaders for guidance in times of uncertainty. Especially after the American Revolution, the people needed a leader to mollify the concerns entailing their newfound independence. They needed a president who could guide them like a king without creating a power vacuum, who could lead with respect without becoming corrupt, and who could put the future of the country beyond his own desires; America’s future was reliant on a leader who had these qualities. Luckily, the first president, George Washington, acted as the “good king” America heavily needed.
In 1789, George Washington was unanimously elected by all 69 members of congress, to be the very first president of the United States of America. This unanimous vote was the result of Washington’s background. He was very well known in the thirteen states for being the leader of the great Continental Army, one that defeated the British in several key battles that ensured freedom and independence to the United States. Washington was also one of the people that helped found the Constitution, and he was well known, loved, and greatly respected by all the citizens and leaders of the United States. His first term was a great success, but there were more actions to be taken in the future. Thus, George Washington’s re-election in 1792 revealed the
As the first president to guide, lead and protect what was very much a youthful, vulnerable, hopeful and energetic nation, George Washington will always hold a special and inalienable place in the minds and hearts of all Americans. However, other historians would assert that it was his achievements as an unflinching and courageous military leader was really equated to his most lasting and important contribution to American history: 'As the Commander in Chief of the Continental Army the services and achievements of George Washington are unique in the world's history. He was much more than the Commander in Chief. He was the one necessary person, whose calm, unswerving, determined sense of patriotic duty to country, and ability put real backbone into the Revolution and kept it from collapsing or merging into a civil conflict, under the hardships and unexpected privations encountered during the eight years of war" (ushistory.org, 2011). Some scholars go so far as to posit that the Revolutionary war would never have been successful had it not been for his brave leadership and devotion to the cause (ushistory.org, 2010). Regardless of the pivotal and singular contributions George Washington made to the corridors of history, when he decided to leave office after two terms, this decision no doubt marked a melancholy and somewhat uncertain moment for young America. Washington's Farewell Address often embodies the "warnings from a parting
Among the Founding Fathers, the man who presided over the Constitutional Convention most clearly embodies the classic concept of the soldier-statesman. Just as George Washington was the architect of victory in the Revolution, so too, as the first President, he was the key figure in establishing essential political precedents to ensure the success of the new republic. Even to his contemporaries, Washington seemed larger than life. Possessed of an extraordinary strength of character and a wealth of public virtues, he exhibited an integrity, self-discipline, and devotion to duty that made him the natural leader in the task of nation building.
Joseph Ellis has written a very readable and concise synopsis on the life of George Washington. Though more recognizable for his works "Founding Brothers" and "American Sphinx" (about Thomas Jefferson), Ellis successfully undertakes the task of illuminating probably the most important figure in American history.
“Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth” (Washington). This shows how George Washington was dedicated to show how everyone should have freedom and do what they want. Alone that is hard because he is just one person who is going to make a big impact. He always went out of his was to show others how they should fight for their freedom. George Washington even became a part of the “unwritten Constitution”, part of it was “The Cabinet”, when he choose people to appoint him on the decisions to make. Through his knowledge about leadership, George Washington has impacted others by teaching them about presidency.
As a Revolutionary War hero who would later become the first president of the United States, George Washington played an integral role in the formation and shaping of early American ideology. Being placed in a position of high respect and power, his actions both before, during, and after his presidency greatly influenced American ideas regarding government and particularly the executive office. Washington’s humble but brilliant actions in wartime and his dignity and self-control as president are ultimately his defining triumphs as a founding father and helped foster the success of our new nation.
George Washington; a fine leader, a loyal commander, and a man who was determined to make his mark on history. With an honorable life that even the noblest people today would envy, this man was a remarkable man. Without him, our country that stands today on this soil would not stand at all. His leadership led him to be well respected, and he most definitely deserved it. Despite a troubling childhood and other hardships, he still came out strong. The mark he made with his life spans not only in his era, but up till now. He was faithful in his leadership, and if he slipped even the tiniest bit, we would not be here. Now, to this day, his tale is told to the new generation, the tale of a legacy.
“‘The disorders and miseries which result gradually incline the minds of men to seek security… in the absolute power of an individual’, “ (George Washington, The American Journey, page 266). George Washington is well-known as America’s marvelous first president, but fewer know the struggles he faces during his two terms as the country’s leader. While in office, George Washington sets a multitude of precedents that help shape the country in its early stages but, his actions meet repercussions. Washington must deal with the nation’s crippling war debt; however, the people reject many of Washington’s choices. To keep the new country alive, George Washington has to overcome the challenges he encounters, and every decision he makes influences America forever.
George Washington is a towering historical figure who is considered the father of the United States. James Thomas Flexner captures the man, not the myth, behind this legendary icon in one concise single-volume biography, Washington: the Indispensable Man. This book is a condensed but altogether new version of Flexner’s previous four-volume biography of George Washington. This smaller scale book is well written, and explores Washington as “the human being behind the legendary icon” (New York Times Book Review) to bring the reader to a closer relation to a man removed by time and history.
At the age of 17, he became a surveyor of borders, towns, and cities. Then he joined the British army. George Washington was an excellent leader. He showed this trait since he joined the army. He quickly ranked to colonel in the British army. He lead Britain to victory against the french in the French and Indian war. When he came back from war, he got married and joined Virginia's government, the House of