George Washington

George Washington George Washington was one of the greatest leaders in American history. He is recognized for his bravery and honorable acts. His life began in February 22, 1732. He was born near present-day Colonial Beach in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His parents were Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. During Washington’s time, Virginia was a slave society. His father was a slave-owning tobacco planter. During his youth, Washington’s family was ranked “middle” in society. When he was just eleven years old, his father died. Since Augustine died, this prevented George Washington from receiving the rest of his education at England’s Appleby School like his other brothers. Instead, Washington got most of his education at home. He got an elementary school level education from a variety of tutors and a school run by an Angelican clergyman in or near Fredericksburg. George Washington spent most of his childhood in Ferry Farm, which was located in Stafford County near Fredericksburg. He inherited Ferry Farm when his father passed away. Washington’s older brother, Lawrence, inherited Mount Vernon when Augustine died. Lawrence eventually died of tuberculosis in 1752. Washington then inherited Mount Vernon from Lawrence. At age seventeen, Washington was appointed official surveyor for Culpeper County. When Lawrence died, his position as Adjutant General (militia leader) of Virginia, was divided into four offices. Washington took one of those offices. He received the rank of major in the Virginia militia in February 1753. He became immediately involved in the French and Indian War because he had to deliver a letter asking the French to vacate the Ohio Valley. On May 28, 1754, Washington and Tanacharison (an Iroquois chief) ambushed a small detachment of French soldiers in what is known as Battle of Jumonville Glen. In response to this, the French attacked and captured Washington at Fort Necessity in July 1754. He and his troops were allowed to return to Virginia, though. These events show Washington’s inexperience, bravery, and initiative. George Washington achieved many grand things during his time. Along with changing the United States of America for the better, he also helped improve our relationship with Great Britain. If it weren’t for George Washington, America would still be under Great Britain’s rule. Washington helped in the Braddock disaster. This event happened during the French and Indian War in 1755. Braddock was ambushed by the French and their Indian allies. “…Washington rode back and forth across the battlefield, rallying the remnants of the British and Virginian forces to an organized retreat” (Chernow 68). This quote from Chernow’s book, Washington: A Life, tells you that he helped British and Virginian forces retreat. George Washington was against the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. He joined with fellow colonists in protests against them. It’s partially thanks to Washington that the Townshend Acts got repealed in 1770. “In May 1769, Washington introduced a proposal, drafted by his friend George Mason, calling for Virginia to boycott English goods until the Acts were repealed” (Chernow 77). He attended the First Virginia Convention. There, he was selected as a delegate for the First Continental Congress. The battles of Lexington and Concord took place near Boston in April 1775. After these battles, the colonies went to war. George Washington attended the Second Continental Congress. He was in his uniform, ready for battle. The Continental Army was created by Congress on June 14, 1775. George Washington was nominated by John Adams, and then chosen, as the General and Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. As Commander in Chief, Washington led his troops against the enemy British soldiers. He plotted the overall strategy of the war, along with Congress. He was also in charge of organizing and training the army. One of the most important roles Washington had was that he was the main figure of the resistance against the Crown. He was the representative man in the Revolution. George Washington took control of the Continental Army in July 1755. He assumed control at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He fought the British and made them flee Boston. Washington’s first battle as an actual Commander of the Continental Army was at the Battle of Long Island. It was the largest battle of the entire war. Washington was badly beaten in this battle. After this battle, though, he did one of the things he is most famous for. “He led his army across the Delaware River to capture nearly 1,000 Hessians in Trenton, New Jersey” (Levin). George Washington ambushed and attacked the British soldiers in the crossing of the Delaware River. Another main thing that George Washington is known for is his role as President of the United States of America. He was the first President of America. He was voted unanimously as President of the United States of America in 1789. He was also reelected in 1792. He is the only president to have received 100 percent of the electoral votes. Washington originally refused his salary of $25,000 a year since he was already wealthy. He wanted to keep his image as a “selfless public servant.” Eventually, he did accept the money from the urging of Congress. While Washington was President, he made sure that he wasn’t treated like a monarch. He encouraged the title “Mr. President” over the other more regal names. In conclusion, George Washington contributed many things during the time he lived. He prevented war with Great Britain with Jay’s Treaty. Also, with that treaty, America and Britain were able to trade peacefully. Washington even assisted in the drafting of the Constitution. It was thanks to him that the U.S became a sovereign, independent nation. George Washington is obviously a hero and a great leader. There are many opinions and perspectives on him. There are many positive ones on him. Such a famous hero like George Washington will not only have positive opinions. People have seen him as the opposite. They don’t view him as a hero. George Washington is said to have been a great leader by others for many reasons. People say that he was a great president. Washington was said to have handled the nation's domestic and foreign problems very well during his presidency. He took care of many issues in a good way. For example, he made a good decision when the war in Europe broke out. He chose to stay neutral during the war. The United States of America was a new nation by then, and it was very weak. It did not have a strong army compared to France and Great Britain. Another event that many people agree on that makes Washington a good leader is the Whiskey Rebellion. He sent 15,000 troops to Philadelphia, where the rebellion was taking place. The situation was resolved peacefully and with no violence. There were no deaths at all. On the other hand, some people believe that George Washington isn’t as great as others think. Some people dislike him because he owned slaves. Washington owned hundreds of slaves during his life. Another thing that people talk negatively about him is that he lost more battles than he won. Since George Washington had a big impact on America’s history, there are different opinions about him. As much as George Washington is seen as a wonderful leader, there are some negative things said about him along with the good. I have some opinions on George Washington. While doing my research on him, they have not really changed at all. I believed that Washington was a hero, and I still do. I viewed him with respect, and I still do now. He was a clever man. I think George Washington was a good leader. It is impressive how he went from a young home schooled boy to an official surveyor for Culpeper Country. Then, he went from the official surveyor to a militia leader of Virginia. After that, he received the rank of major in the Virginia militia. Finally, Washington made it to the rank of Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. I find it very impressive how he climbed up the ranks. I found it surprising that George Washington lost more battles than he won. I always thought he was this undefeated man in battle. I also didn’t know that Washington was one of the people who protested against the Stamp Act and Townshend Acts. I didn’t know that he actively protested with the colonists. George Washington impacted us in a big way. He helped fight for America’s independence against Great Britain. If that is not a big contribution, then I don’t know what is. If it weren’t for Washington, the United States of America wouldn’t even exist. We would not be where we are now. I believe that George Washington is a very important figure. He carries a bunch of history with him. Along with how America wouldn’t exist without him fighting for his country’s independence, he even led his country after the Revolutionary War. He became our first President to lead America. I see him with respect and as a clever individual.