Preview

George Washington's Leadership Qualities

Good Essays
Open Document
Open Document
1128 Words
Grammar
Grammar
Plagiarism
Plagiarism
Writing
Writing
Score
Score
George Washington's Leadership Qualities
Leadership made all the difference in the revolutionary war, against heavy odds of soldiers, navy, training ext… During the American revolution George Washington possessed a combination of qualities that made him one of the most effective leaders of his time. After a number of horrendous defeats in battles, what kind of leader could inspire his troops to attack an enemy in the middle of a winter blizzard, on Christmas day, crossing a near frozen river in the middle of the night?
George Washington was a Virginian. Born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. One might say his journey to his leadership position began at birth as a North American. Washington served as a leader at his state militia. The continental congress asked George washington to serve as a commander-in-chief of the continental army. His well thought-out and clever tactics, as well as his superior knowledge of the land, and courage under fire, helped him
…show more content…
George Washington's father died when he was 11 and he became the ward of his half-brother, Lawrence, who gave him a good upbringing.” (George Washington: early life)
George Washington was a very “self-taught” and “hard working” man whose great characteristics, knowledge, and figure helped him become such a powerful and inspirational leader.
“His contemporaries and subsequent commentators have enumerated many factors that entered into the selection by his peers for these three strategically important positions: physical size and presence, charisma, energy, multi-faceted experiences, charm, courage, character, temperament, being a Virginian, wealth, ambition, his reputation as a stalwart patriot and, especially after the Revolution, the regard, admiration and affection of the populace at all levels of society.” (George Washington, Genius in

You May Also Find These Documents Helpful

  • Good Essays

    The Congress is reliant of Washington is because he is determined to follow through orders. Washington possessing this determination assisted him turning a lost cost into success by him wanting to achieve the orders and his goals. Some qualities that were vital of him being a successful leader are his endurance and him being bold. However, those two qualities weren’t present during the battle of New York, they were key to the victory of battle Trenton. These qualities proved to be essential to lead his men because his endurance allowed him to act nimbly, and was also intelligent to make the crucial moves during the battle of Trenton. Also, his endurance permitted him to handle tough situations, such as freezing temperatures. Washington’s boldness allowed him to not fear for the worse, and gave his fellow troops the courage and belief needed. Lastly, George Washington’s confidence, which grew throughout the book, helped him achieve the belief he needs in his troops. Having the faith from his army meant that they would go through with the orders. Thus showing how these qualities: endurance, confidence, bold, and his determination helped him succeed in being a…

    • 970 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    As the first president of the United States, George Washington was greatly influential in shaping the government to be the one we have today. Prior to his political career, Washington began as a soldier in the French and Indian War, where he was rewarded with the rank of colonel for leading a poorly trained army of 150 men to defeat a French force and kill a French minister. However, Washington resented the Royal government’s lack of respect for colonial leaders and resigned. After his resignation, Washington displayed strong leadership skills as the justice of peace in Fairfax County, a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, and as a vestryman. During the Revolutionary War, Washington was appointed commander of all the colonial forces after the battles of Lexington and Concord. His victories maintained the patriotic morale of the…

    • 423 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    However it was John Adams who nominated George Washington as Commander in Chief. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes. John Adams was chairman of the committee that wrote the Declaration of Independence, he was chosen to go to France to back up Franklin working in France. These were major assignments given to a leader, though he may have been direct and blunt to the point of rudeness.…

    • 1052 Words
    • 5 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    “First in war, First in Peace, and First in the hearts of his countrymen.” These were the famous words stated by Henry Lee about George Washington at his eulogy, which demonstrated the significance of one of the greatest Americans. George Washington was extremely pivotal for the triumph of the American Revolution due to strategic battle plans, leadership skills, and his sense of patriotism. He was a master of military strategy; probably crafted during the French and Indian war. General Washington would constantly flank the British during battles and surprise the British, which led to capturing of troops or British retreat. Furthermore, he was an encouraging leader. The men trusted him because of his valor. During one of the major battles,…

    • 301 Words
    • 2 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    Each man was responsible for American Independance. While the roles of both Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were completely on the political end of the Revolution, George Washington took on the crucial roles of a military figure; roles far more useful during war than the ability to write graciously. Sun Tzu once said, “A leader leads by example, not force.”. Neither Jefferson nor Adams could have taken an unskilled army and turned it around in the way that George Washington did. Washington had the experience to guide the Colonial Army, the knowledge to lead them, and the strategy to find…

    • 820 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Washington was a natural born leader. There were social, economic, and cultural influences on George Washington that affected his lifetime achievements. If the different aspects of his life did not occur the way they did it could have impacted this country greatly. His terms as President set the precedence for all of the following presidents. Without George Washington the United States would not be the country it is today. This country will forever be indebted to the first president of the United States, George…

    • 995 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Better Essays

    George Washington Dbq

    • 1513 Words
    • 7 Pages

    George was a well respected man and he was a good leader because of it.George gave respect to his troops which the troops liked and gave him the respect he deserved. He had gained respect from his troops allowing for a better outlook toward the war. He was a natural leader and his presence gave the patriot forces hope despite the losses they had to endure. “He learned on the job; and although his army reeled from one misfortune to another, he had the courage, determination, and mental agility to keep the American cause one step ahead of complete disintegration until he figured out how to win the unprecedented revolutionary struggle he was leading.” George Washington had courage, determination and mental agility to keep up the troops morale despite the struggle he was facing. That struggle being fighting the best army in the world for the freedom that they wanted. “Later (1775-1783), Washington would lead the Patriots to a surprising victory over Great Britain, "…the best-trained, best-equipped fighting force in the Western world. … Although he lost most of his battles with the British, year after year he held his ragtag, hungry army together” George Washington led a untrained group of soldiers to win against the British and still won. It proves that George kept his spirit up despite the low chance of success and he gave his troops a figure to rally…

    • 1513 Words
    • 7 Pages
    Better Essays
  • Good Essays

    He was recruited to be the leader of the Continental Army in June 1775. Although he did face challenges he never gave up, “He learned on the job; and although his army reeled from one misfortune to another, he had the courage, determination, and mental agility to keep the American cause one step ahead of complete disintegration until he figured out how to win the unprecedented revolutionary struggle he was leading.”Basically this quote is saying that George Washington faced many misfortunes and was facing the best military in the world and he still had courage and determination. Even after his army was defeated at Long Island he crossed the Delaware river, surprised the Hessians at Trenton and went on to win at Yorktown and win the war. As a result of his determination and courage, as well as good leadership he won the United State’s…

    • 730 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    George Washington, a man of few yet insightful words, stepped into his presidency and defined the precedents for future presidents. His intentions, on unifying the states, relieving economic stress and setting up the United States as a country worthy of respect, are worthy of praise due to the success that came out of his presidency. The way he handled each aspect of his presidency set the precedent for the future. George Washington had a very intimidating but charismatic personality, that caused people to fear and respect him. This trait, whether acquired or just naturally a part of him, helped him lead with out question.…

    • 806 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    George Washington proved that he was indeed capable and resilient leader of theAmerican military forces during the war. Washington was a person of the highestmoral character, he did not posses a first rate intelligence, he also had littleexperience with leading and managing the conventional army. George Washingtonwas elected “to command all the continental forces, raised, or to be raised for thedefense of American liberty.” His commission, dated June 19, 1775, designated him“General and Commander in Chief of the United Colonies”. He received it on thetwentieth and he started for Boston on the twenty-first.…

    • 550 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    The battle that followed would give rise to many of Washington’s greatest military leadership…

    • 705 Words
    • 3 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    George Washington once said, "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations..." Great leaders show confidence, respect, they also show lots of passion. George Washington was that kind of leader. George Washington was born February 22, 1732 and grew up in Fredericksburg Virginia. Washington became the Commander in Chief of the Continental army in the Revolutionary War. ("Washington"). Later in life he served as the first U.S. president ("Washington"). George Washington showed many important traits of great leadership. George Washington showed great confidence when he trained and lead his army against Britian for the first and second time. He showed his soldiers and others that he would not surrender against his army.…

    • 796 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    George Washington Leaders

    • 763 Words
    • 4 Pages

    Where would the United States of America be without George Washington? This question shows the impact that one amazing leader can have not just to those they lead, but to society as a whole. Without George Washington, the colonial militia would not have had a leader. The First or Second Continental Congress would not have had their President. The first president of the United States of America would be someone else. The effect of one person on history can completely change the history of one nation, but also the world. However, to change the world or a community for the better should possess certain qualities. A great leader should have perseverance, integrity, and should make a change in their area of leadership.…

    • 763 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Good Essays

    George Washington had the difficult task of cultivating the uncharted territory of the Presidency. It had never been done before, and he had the power to influence future presidents based on his actions. He had all this power at his finger tips and could have easily used that to his advantage. As Stephen Knott,…

    • 903 Words
    • 4 Pages
    Good Essays
  • Better Essays

    Washington was a man who did it all in his life, and at a young age. He served for America, through the French and Indian war till the end of his second reign, not once giving up on them when times are bad, that is why he is the greatest president of all time, he shaped modern day America, and that is what it is today, under great leadership because of simple words that he stated through his…

    • 1261 Words
    • 6 Pages
    Better Essays