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George Washington contributions to America
George Washington and his significance
George Washington contributions to America
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Washington’s moral code and personal behavior were a product of the lessons he had learned from the writings of the Enlightenment because he became more of down-to-earth individual. Unlike many of the Founding Fathers, he believed that having a formal education was not a necessary attribute for a man. Wood describes, “Washington’s Enlightenment was a much more down-to-earth affair, concerned with behavior and with living in the everyday-world of people” (121). Unlike Washington’s Enlightenment, many other individuals shaped their lives by following the guidelines of a military book whilst Washington lived by the book of sophistication. He was rather dedicated to morphing himself to become a perfect and proper w such as with the help of popular writings that included “etiquette books, didactic stories, Spectator papers, Hogarth prints, gentlemanly magazines, [and] classical histories” (121). These writings shaped Washington into the civilized and virtuous leader that he always wished to become. …show more content…
As a young individual, one of Washington’s key writings was his “Rules of Civility and Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation” which withheld an assortment of 110 proverbs that improved his etiquette in the public eye. Many of the Founding Fathers were aware of the means of being an Enlightened man, but no one was as serious as Washington when following those rules. The author describes Washington as being “...obsessed with having things in fashion and fastidious about his appearance to the world” (121). To some onlookers, it may seem like Washington was just a hard-working individual trying to live up to the Enlightenment’s standards, but to me, it seems as if he was just being
Washington was the embodiment of everything fine in the American character. He had no delusions of grandeur and was second only to Benjamin Franklin as a diplomat with the French. In caring fo...
After the Revolutionary War, Washington was sick of seeing bloodshed and wounded soldiers; he missed the philosophical retreat of his home in Mount Vernon. According to Wulf, “the commander-in-chief saw the future of America as a country peopled not by soldiers but by farmers - an agrarian society that would be industrious and happy” (Wulf, 16). As a soldier, Washington fulfilled his duty to his country but as this quote clearly conveys, Washington idealized an agrarian society for the future of America’s economy. Washington believed that an agricultural society was vital to a nation that sought to define a national identity and was much more than just a profitable endeavor at the time. According to Wulf, “ploughing, planting and vegetable gardening were more than profitable and enjoyable occupations: they were political acts, bringing freedom and independence” (Wulf, 10).
"His mind was great and powerful, without being of the very first order; his penetration strong . . . Perhaps the strongest feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every consideration, was maturely weighed; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once decided, going through with his purpose, whatever obstacles opposed." (Thomas Jefferson, as cited in "George Washington," 2006, para.19) George Washington is one of the most recognized and famous leaders in all history of the United States of America. He contributed greatly to the establishment of this prosperous country, from leading the Revolutionary armies into battle, to running the country as the first president, Washington has set precedence and example for all who have and are yet to follow. He was a noble man who demonstrated characteristics one would expect from a hero figure. He was not power-hungry, but did things and played his role for the good of the country, for patriotic purposes, to help America become the success it is today. In March of 1783, the soldiers of the American military were restless, bored and in a terrible state of doubt and distrust concerning the newly formed congress of the country. When these soldiers joined the army, they were promised a certain amount of money according to their service, but by the war's end, congress was nearly broke and not in a position to pay them all they had earned. The soldiers planned a rebellion against congress for their unjust treatment, and attempted to hold an unauthorized meeting of the officers on the matter. Washington forbade the meeting, but called for one a few days later, in which he gave his speech concerning the Newburgh Conspiracy ("The Rise and Fall," 2006, para.2). General Washington was a highly respected man among his peers, soldiers, and fellow men. His opinions, approval, and presence alone were enough to validate many plans, documents, and meetings throughout his life, so it is no wonder that even simple words or acts performed by General Washington were respected, and more often than not, taken to heart by his audience; perhaps this is why it may seem surprising that one of the most important speeches he ever gave fell on relatively deaf ears, leaving the audience hesitant, confused, seemingly unaffected by his powerful use of diction, and emotional appeal.
To all humans, the most important and influential thing is arguably your own morals. It decides the things you do, the things you say, and controls your overall desires and goals. Morals come from many places, such as nature versus nurture. Many of your morals come from your parents, be it because you learned what they taught, good or bad, or dislike what they taught so you chose the opposite, the rest is already consciously and basically instinctual. This is a very simple way to explain something very complex. In Appendix A, George Washington’s “Rules of Civility & Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” there is a list of basic morals and behaviors that he believes everyone should be aware of and it is a very interesting read, especially if some of them you may have never considered. While the list can be outdated at times because of the progression of society and culture, a lot of these rules are still very important. In appendix B, there are a list of ‘cognitive bias’ or things that happen subconsciously that effect the way we view things or act. These two sets of information offer a very interesting perspective, especially when applied to each other. From these lists, I have picked a total of 15 rules that I believe to be the most important in becoming a self-aware individual who is
Obedience may be a simple word, yet it has a powerful impact on the daily lives of millions. Obedience is simply when one follows the orders or directions of another figure, presumably in an authoritative position. This is something nearly everyone bows to everyday without even realizing it - and it can drastically change our lives as we know it. Obedience is, for example, how the holocaust happened. The Germans were ordinary people turned into murderers because they followed the orders of one man - their dictator, Adolf Hitler. Of course, obedience does not always result in horrid results such as the holocaust or result in such a large catastrophe. Obedience can have drastic effects on the lives of only a few men as well; this is showcased in the movie A Few Good Men.
George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were two important men who affected our nations independence and the beginning years of our country. They helped form this nation into a free and sovereign country. Yet, they were different in many aspects they shared a few common features. Both Washington and Jefferson grew up in the southern state of Virginia and like most owned land to grow and harvest crops. In growing up they came from two different class levels of living. The Jefferson family was more famous and richer than Washington’s giving him a greater advantage and opportunity to succeed, especially in higher education. After Jefferson finished regular schooling he was able to attend the College of William and Mary were he studied law. He did so under the teaching of George Wthe who was considered perhaps the greatest teachers of law in Virginia at the time. Washington however was taught by his mom mainly in mathematics and received no higher education. Washington was still knowledgeable and began to put it to use in the army to become as a young British soldier. He interred the army at the young age of nineteen were he began to learn leadership and military strategy which would prove useful in the Revolutionary War to come. Jefferson on the other hand was involved in the laws, courts, and small politics. At the young age of twenty-five Jefferson was elected to the House of Burgesses in Virginia were he served for five years. Washington was known for his great motivational speeches that would rally troops together to prepare for war and lead on to victory. Jefferson was more of a writer not a speaker and by using his skill he wrote and brought forth fresh ideas of independence and freedom.
He suffered from stage fright and often “blushed and faltered”, (18) even at his inauguration as President, “he trembled and several times could scarce make out to read his speech” (18) This weakness of his is often glossed over as it doesn’t seem to fit in with his image as the towering, imposing “founding father”. Yet today, it is essential for a President to be able to deliver impressive and clear speeches to the whole country. Finally there are some criticisms that he was not as effective General as is often believed. Thomas Paine claimed that he was a bad general whose strategy consisted of “doing nothing” (19). Although Paine had a personal agenda in condemning George Washington as he resented not being appointed Postmaster-General, and then later by not being rescued from French persecution by the government, it is true that George Washington did lose more battles than he won (20) and often did seem to do nothing for long periods of time. There is also the issue of his harsh treatment towards his own soldiers, any who were caught deserting or plundering were “flogged” (21) and he even a “Gallows near forty feet high erected” to terrify the rest into obedience.
Washington’s life story was told during the mid to late 1800’s into the early 1900’s, in the time when the Emancipation Proclamation had gone into effect. The Emancipation Proclamation was one major event in history that forever changed our country. All slaves were free and had to go find a new place to live and a new place to work. When the slaves were first freed there was alot ofhostile feelings from the whites towards the newly freed slaves. To blacks living within post- Reconstruction South, Washington offered industrial education as the means of escape from sharecropping and allowed blacks to become self-employed, while owning their own land, or small business.
Politically, the French and Indian War torn apart Britain and its American colonies. In Document C, George Washington is asking Robert Orme to let him become a higher rank in the military. He wanted more power. Washington wishes to serve under, "a Gentleman of General Braddock's abilities and experience." Although he was very sincere when he wrote this, Britain was not giving what he truly wanted. Upon this note, George Washington went against the British government. He started a revolution. Reverend Thomas Barnard also had some similar views and thoughts about Britain and its colonies. In his sermon of 1763, he says, "Safe from the Enemy of the Wilderness, safe from the gripping Hand of arbitrary Sway and cruel Superstition, here shall be the late founded Seat of Peace and Freedom." He believes that the American people have suffered and died on this land and they deserve more. They deserve freedom. Britain was losing control of their colonies. The people of the colonies wanted freedom. All of these political events led to the Revolutionary War.
Washington delivered his "Atlanta Address" at the Cotton States and International Exposition. Washington urged an audience comprised mostly of whites, full cooperation between the two races, noting that "in all things that are purely social we can be as separate as the fingers, yet one as the hand in all things essential to mutual progress.” Washington 's efforts at accommodating the needs of the African Americans into the white power structure and society were criticized. Washington helped socialize African Americans in orthodox ways. Washington most valuable lesson was the use and value of bathing. He lectured that some provision of bathing ought to be a part of each household. He recognized the change need for African Americans would be slow but, he worked his entire life to elevate the
Literary critic Lyman Abbott points out to readers in his literary analysis that ”He [Washington] made no demands upon the white race to respect the Negro; but he pointed out to the Negroes how they could earn that respect, and this he did not only by his words, but by his life of unselfish and devoted labour” (para 7). Nothing should just be handed over to you, whether it is material wealth or respect. Hard work and dedication is the one thing that will achieve greatness inside and out. When the Negro people were being prejudiced against, even ...
Viewed as a moral figure, George Washington is an honest and pious child, one who knows when to admit he is wrong despite the consequences. Yet as Washington coaxed his friends into mounting him onto the horse, he had no idea that he would be uttering the
Civility was a huge aspect of George’s life at age 15 he wrote the “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior in Company and Conversation” (Patten, 2009). These rules cle...
Unlike Obama, George Washington told the Congress it was too much for the president to change partisan polarization which is the cases in which an individual's stance on a given issue, policy, or person is more likely to be strictly defined by their identification with a particular political party. Washington's speech was for the citizens of the Congress. Additionally, his speech talked more about fairness and how there should be no no separate views or local prejejuices. The fourth paragraph states, “There are similar bonds between duty and advantage, and between an honest and generous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity and happiness.” This quote explains what honesty and fairness does in his eyes. George Washington goes on more about never giving up and controlling the country in a positive way. Washington talks about how proud he would be to lead this country and he will be president with no reward because he loved it so much. He states in his last paragraph, “I was first honored with a call into the Service of my Country, then on the eve of a difficult struggle for its liberties, the way in which I contemplated my duty required that I should refuse any financial payment. I have in no way changed my determination about this. And as I still have the same point of view which produced this
In the speech “I Have a Dream,” presented in the Lincoln Memorial, August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King Jr talks about his American Dream. This speech is recognized as one of the best speeches ever given at the Lincoln Memorial. As King gives his speech the reader would notice how the second half of the speech is what the world would see as the American dream. The first half consists of the actual reality, nightmare, of the world the constant state that seems never to change. Throughout the speech a person can hear one of the primary themes, dream, repeated constantly eleven times to be exact. Although King acknowledges the metaphor of reality, he explores the archetypical metaphor of a dream.