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George Washington contributions to America
George Washington contributions to America
George washington importance
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During the formative years of the United States, the nation needed someone who could act as a forefather to our nation and oversee political conflicts; someone who would be a selfless leader and put the nation’s needs before his own. American businessman Ray Kroc once said, “The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves.” The nation needed a strong leader to set them on a path for success and George Washington did just that. George Washington was the most important figure during the formative years of the United States due to the precedents he set, his confidence and humility during challenging times, and non-oppr\essive ideals.
George Washington embodied the confidence and humility that other leaders could only imagine. During the Revolutionary War, Washington’s troops were poorly trained and lacked ammunition and food among other supplies (History.com). When the Continental Army crossed the Delaware river in the early morning on December 26, 1776,
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Rather than take advantage of this and make himself a tyrant, Washington used the opportunity to set an example of prudence, integrity, and fairness that presidents would follow for centuries. He signed a bill establishing a national bank and created his own presidential cabinet with the likes of Alexander Hamilton as his treasurer, and Thomas Jefferson as the Secretary of State (History.com). He supported cordial relationships with foreign countries which was not a common view in the 18th century. Washington also believed that different political views were instrumental to the health of a new government, but when he noticed a developing partisanship, his opinion changed (History.com). To guide the nation after declining a third term as president, Washington wrote a farewell address advising the nation maintain high domestic standards and keep foreign relations to a minimum
...didn’t over step his authority or attempt to subvert the army for his own purposes. Instead, George Washington sets the example of the military commander who was subservient to civilian political leadership. He also showed patience and coolness in the face of adversity. On many occasions in the book, the author cites Washington’s expressions of doubt and fears of failure, yet Washington never showed fear or doubt in action in front of his troops.
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
Although unknown to the Congress when they appointed Washington to lead the colonies, he would prove to be a great military genius. Washington was simply selected because he was a rich Virginian with everything to lose. In 1776 at the Battle of Long Island, Washington proved that he was a great military leader. Washington narrowly escaped to Manhattan Island, crossed the Hudson and finally reached the Delaware Rive with the British on his tale. Washington was known as a " sly fox" because of his tricky maneuvers to get his troops out of dangerous situations. A few weeks later Washington showed his sly ways once again when he captured a thousand Hessians the day after Christmas. Without Washington's amazing military mind, and his sly maneuvers the Americans never would have defeated the British.
Washington's selection to be the leader of the Continental Army was the wisest choice that the newly formed Continental Congress could have made. Washington's selection as Commander of the Continental Army did more to win the Revolutionary war than any other decision made during the conflict. His personal character epitomizes perfectly the five traits required in a successful general: wisdom, sincerity, humanity, courage, and strictness. (Sun Tzu p. 65) These five crucial traits will become apparent and Washington's strategy to win the War of Independence is elaborated on further
George Washington was selected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army because of his courage and bravery, his ability to motivate and command respect from his followers, and his strategic ability in battle. His reputation as a daring and successful leader inspired confidence and loyalty in his followers. If it weren't for George Washington, it would be a different America today. Washington's military experience started when he was selected by Governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia, to travel to the Ohio Valley to tell the French to leave. He was only twenty-two years old, inexperienced, and naive.
It was a good year for a revolution, 1776. But it didn't start off quite as well as the colonists would have liked. When George Washington agreed to take command of the American forces in 1775, he probably didn't realize what he was truly getting himself into. Washington took command of an army made up of old men and young boys that had either come from their farms or the street. The army was short on weapons and gunpowder, lacked uniforms, and was racked by disease and drunkenness. Washington understood that what lies ahead would be difficult, considering he would be facing the most powerful country in world. But he probably didn't expect his worst problems to come from his own army, which was an undisciplined and untrained group that would eventually tamper with his great patience. Through it all he would stay determined and always try to stay one step ahead of the enemy.
Washington's position as the first president of the United States allowed him to set many precedents that are still followed by executives today. Washington believed his power came from Article II of the U.S. Constitution. He was very protective of executive powers and did not involve the executive branch in legislative matters. He established the initial implied powers of the president by creating the national bank, excise tax, and assumption of state debts from the Revolutionary War. The creation of those bureaucracies set the precedent that allowed presidents after him to establish and empower new bureaucratic agencies to execute the duties of the executive office.
George Washington had character and was extraordinary. Ellis described Washington as an "incalculable asset." His leadership skills were unique. His actions were performed for his country, not for political gain. He was also directly associated with every major event of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress, and the building of the new republic. Even the country 's new capitol had his name. These were some of the things that made him so special. Washington was not prideful and not easily led. He offered suggestions and warnings to his replacements and told the government to expand in a way that would keep the country standing; he was well aware of how dainty the country was. The United States would never have survived without him.
George Washington set a legacy that we are still following and are inspired by today. His legacy that has been handed down for generations and for many generations to come, is one that provides our country with leadership and is the foundation of our country’s strength. George Washington is also known as the father of our country. After the American Revolution George Washington actually wanted to retire to his home in Mount Vernon. He refused to accept payment for his service in the Army. However, his country needed a good humble man like himself, and he could not say no to helping the country get started. Washington helped with the making of the Constitution, and he was elected president of the Second Continental Congress. The Constitution is still the law of the land 226 years later. He was elected as our first president in 1789. George Washington had to face some major problems as the first president of the United States. One was he had to build the foundation of our government. Right now our current presidents have to deal with world issues and debt. George Washington had to build the government from the ground up. Also, you have to realize that this is a baby country. This country that he is leading just got its independence from Great Britain, where they had a monarchy g...
The electoral college unanimously elected Washington as the first president of the united states. Washington was offered a big salary as the president but he declined it because he was about the good of the people. Washington did not join a party even though he was republican so they came up with two factions the first party system and the federalist party. Washington retired presidency in march 1797 and returned to Mount Vernon with a profound sense of relief. he focused on his plantations and other business interests. Washington became a senior officer of the united states army after becoming broke from his farm and served in it until his death. Washington was checking his plantations on horseback during rain, hail, and snow and went to bed in his wet clothes the next morning when he woke up he had a severe sore throat and became increasingly hoarse as the day went on. Washington went out the next day and worked in the rain and hair then in the middle of the night woke up and could barley breath he called three doctors in as they were trying to figure out what was wrong with him and save him he died in his bed. George Washington was a great president and even after he retired he still served our country in the military until his
A war veteran, leader, and first president of the United States of America, George Washington was one of our greatest leaders of all time. As one of the founding fathers, George Washington lived during the era of struggle and colonization. As the first President of our country, Washington learned valuable skills as a young boy, became a war hero, and set the standard for the future leaders of the United States of America.
Despite the low expectations for the American colonies, they amazed the world as they rose to the occasion by taking advantage of their military assets, even those they did not know they had. For instance, George Washington proved to be a valuable asset for the American colonies. Washington was already held in high esteem prior to the Revolution for his few, but impactful, military accomplishments prior to the Revolution and for his praise-worthy character. (Schweikart and Allen 74) Because of his lack of experience commanding, he learned to excel in familiarizing himself with new tactics and responsibilities very quickly. (Mount Vernon) He used strategy to make up for what he lacked in supplies or force. In 1776, he valiantly crossed the Delaware river for a successful surprise attack on Trenton and days later successfully took Princeton, two undertakings which contributed significantly to the American victory along with Washington defeating Cornwallis at Yorktown in 1...
George Washington grew a huge reputation from his leadership in the war, he was the head of General of the Continental Army that fought in states like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. He was the commander of his army, who so confidently trusted him, put an end to the fighting of the war after defeating and making General Charles Cornwallis’ army surrender in the Siege of of
The following six years Washington led the 13 colonies together. It was hard as he had to build up an army from untrained and unpaid men and was also appointed unskilled officers. He never had a big enough army to directly attack in battle and sometimes he was close to being defeated. He used skills that would drain the British and then attack and then force them out of the area. Washington had help from the French also that made winning the Revolutionary War possible. In 1781 the fighting was over.
"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.