George Washington's Qualities

“I, George Washington, do solemnly swear to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, so help me God.” (Washington Documents) These are the words that George Washington almost whispered at his presidential inauguration. Washington was not a person to bloat. His humbleness was just one of the qualities that made him an effective leader. Though an effective leader, it took a lot to become someone to earn that title. When the French and the British fought for control of the land now known as America, Washington wasn’t the man who he was when he became president. He was a young soldier who fought with the British. During
this time, he did many things. One of which was signing a document that said he did commit the murder of Jumonville. During the American Revolution however, Washington proved himself to be quite the leader. From crossing the Delaware River in the Battle of Trenton to ending the war in the Battle of Yorktown, a change was clear in the once young surveyor. He gained many qualities that changed him as a person and a potent head. Therefore, the three qualities that made George Washington an effective leader were humble, energetic, and wise.

The definition of wise is having or showing experience, knowledge, and good judgment. George Washington exceeded this definition as he showed this quality in multiple occasions. Washington served for only two terms, as shown in this quote, “...and his willingness to serve for two terms bridged strong regional differences...” (Establishment of Presidential Power by George Washington) He knew what type of government the country wanted and he knew what they especially didn’t want, a tyranny. Washington tried to stray away from this as much as he could, this included serving for only two terms. However, Washington wasn’t always the wisest person. “Anticipating French retaliation, the young Virginian withdrew a few miles to a large meadow,where he hastily built a small, crude stockade and named it Fort Necessity. Here, Washington suffered his first and most humiliating defeat by French reinforcements on July 3, 1754. Washington signed the surrender document, which was written in French, and unknowingly accepted responsibility for the ambassador's death. The French published the document in major European capitals.” (Clash Of Empires) This quote shows that George Washington didn’t make what is exactly a ‘wise’ move. He made a rushed and poor decision. However, he did learn from this. “On Christmas night, in a blizzard, he leads his men across the ice‐flecked Delaware River to Trenton, NJ, surprises a drunken Hessian garrison, and seizes Trenton for a time. Washington slips away to Princeton, where he strikes the British rear. Leading the attack on his horse, he shouted: “Parade with me, my brave fellows!” And when the British lines break, he leads the charge with another shout: “It is a fine fox chase, my boys!” (Timeline of George Washington in the American Revolution) This quote is telling of the battle of Trenton. Whereas the signing of the Jumonville document was very rushed and not planned at all, this was very organized and a great victory.

Yes, George Washington was very wise.
However, a lot of people can be. It takes a man to be humble. “In his First Inaugural Address, Washington noted that, “I was summoned by my Country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love.” As such, the first President reflected a Statesman more than reflecting a Politician. Perhaps the most significant difference between a “statesman” and a politician is that the former wished to serve his country; the latter is more interested in serving himself at the expense of the country. Indeed, even when the opportunity presented itself, Washington was quick to decline from accepting “any share in the personal emoluments” or monetary gains for himself.” (westernjournalism.com) Washington didn’t care about being powerful at all. What he did was for his country, never for himself. Not only in this situation he showed how humble he was, but also when he was appointed commander-in-chief of the continental army. “The Second Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia, appointed Washington commander‐in‐chief of the Continental Army. He accepts, saying, “I beg it may be remembered by every gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with.” He asks for reimbursement of expenses, but he will not take any pay.” (Timeline of George Washington in the American Revolution) Being the commander-in-chief is a very high and honourable post that is also
highly paid. Washington, however, declares that he is not deserving of the “command he is honoured with” and doesn’t take pay for this. He takes his being the commander-in-chief very well throughout the revolutionary war and this is shown in many instances.

When Washington was commander-in chief, he took this position very seriously and applied himself as much as he could. Washington stayed energetic during his presidency as well. “Within the bounds of the Constitution, Washington's strong policies established the president as an energetic leader, not a ceremonial figurehead. He required his assistants to seek his approval for their actions, and accepted personal responsibility for their conduct. While he worked with the Senate on appointments, he insisted that the president alone had the authority to fire an appointee, guaranteeing the president's control of every member of the executive branch.” (Establishment of Presidential Power by George Washington) George Washington always made sure that he had a say in everything that happens and that he had a part in every affair. A good president would do as much as he could for the country. Washington also made the best decisions for the country April 22, 1793: President Washington issues a proclamation of neutrality, warning Americans to avoid aiding either side in the emerging conflict between Britain and revolutionary France.” Washington knew his job and he knew the country because he was such an energetic leader. Though influenced by Hamilton to make this decision, it was a better than going into the chaos of the French Revolution, regardless of them helping us during the Revolutionary war.

Three qualities that made George Washington an effective leader were wise, humble, and energetic.
Washington was wise when he stayed in office for only two terms and when he learned from his mistake in Jumonville which was shown during the Battle of Trenton. He was humble because he took the position of president not for power, but to serve his country. Also, when granted the position of commander-in-chief he didn’t take any pay as he felt undeserving of the post. However, he was a great commander who was actually completely deserving. Washington was energetic as a leader because he applied himself to proper extent and knew what was right for the country. George Washington may be long deceased, but his memory as the first and one of our best presidents lives
on.