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George Washington and the Revolutionary War
How was george washington important to the american revolution
How was george washington important to the american revolution
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In May 1775 the second Continental Congress is meeting and the American Revolutionary War has already begun. The congress needed to get organized and fast. The militia’s that were fighting the war were very unorganized even though they were holding their own so early on in the war. John Adams proposed that the army that was outside of Boston be named the Continental Army and just five days later they had their general to lead that army. There was really only one choice as who to choose for the position and he was already there at the congressional meeting and his name was George Washington. Washington had experience in military leadership, he was among the top social elite in the colonies and he was a patriot. Those were the main things that made him a great fit for General. Another very important reason that he was chosen was because he was from the South and the delegates from the North knew they need the South to win the war. Making George Washington Commander in Chief was not only the best option to lead the Continental Army, but he was their only hope.
Washington was one of the only people at the Continental Congress who actually had experience in military leadership. It was just 21 years before that he was fighting alongside the British in the French and Indian War. He so badly wanted to be an officer within the British Royal Army but the Royal Army did not let people that were not English become an officer. This really dug into Washington because he, along with most of the people in the colonies thought that they were British and they were proud to be British. They were not treated as so and the French and Indian War was an instance where you can look to that the British did not think of the colonists as British. Alan Tay...
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...war although he had no intentions to lead the army. John Adams nominated Washington for the job of General and Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army. He was the most qualified delegate there to assume this role and there was no competition for the job and because of that the nomination by Adams was passed. Two weeks later on 3 July 1775, General Washington met his new army that gathered in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Washington was the consensus number one pick for Commander in chief and General because of his prior military experience, his prominence as a one of the wealthiest men in Virginia and his love for liberty. He faced so much adversity during the French and Indian War that helped him learn how to lead an army. He made the decision to marry Martha that gave him the resources to build up his so called “brand” and when it was time for action he was ready.
He took over outside of Boston, before this his experience was limited to wilderness travel and soldiering. His soldiering experiences were mainly for his home state of Virginia. The first battle that was of significance in this book was the Battle of Long Island. At this battle, Washington and the rebel army are soundly defeated by General Sir William Howe and the British army. After this battle was fought, Howe did not follow-up the victory with quick action as the Americans retreated.
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
During the War for American Independence, 78 men were commissioned as general officers into the Continental Army by the Continental Congress. Many of these generals commanded troops with differing levels of competence and success. George Washington is typically seen as most important general, however throughout the war a number of his subordinates were able to distinguish themselves amongst their peers. One such general was Nathanael Greene. At the end of the Revolutionary War, Greene would become Washington’s most important subordinate, as demonstrated by Edward Lengel’s assessment of Greene as “the youngest and most capable of Washington’s generals.” Washington and Greene developed a strong, positive and close relationship between themselves. Greene began his life in the military after having been raised a Quaker. With limited access to literature and knowledge in his younger years, Greene became an avid reader which equipped him with the knowledge necessary to excel as a general during the war. Through his devoted study of military operations, firsthand experience and natural abilities as a soldier, Greene became an excellent military commander. He would become known for his successful southern campaign, during which, he loosened British control of the South and helped lead the war to its climax at Yorktown. Throughout the war, he was involved in a number high profile battles where he built a reputation of being an elite strategist who also understood unconventional warfare, logistics, and the importance of military-civil affairs and had a natural political/social acumen. The thesis of this paper is that Greene’s proven reputation of being a soldier, strategist and statesman would cause him to become the second greates...
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.
The author David McCullough wanted to write about George Washington and his men through losses and miserable retreats, as well as his big successes. Not forgetting McCullough uses his opening chapters to summarize the state of the opposing armies and to introduce some of his major characters: Washington, Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox, and William Howe. 1776 gives a very detailed and informative account of the battles and military life from the Battle of Boston to the Battle of Trenton. Finally the author, David McCullough, of the book as many other works and experiences that tell the reader why and how 1776 is such a credible source as well as expertly written. Many histories that spend a great deal of time narrating the Continental Congress’ development of the idea of “freedom” and “liberty” as it applied to the colonies, this book takes the reader right in the drains following
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.
Most people today think of George Washington as the first President of the United States. Perhaps they may remember that he was also the commanding general of the Continental Army. However, George Washington had much experience in the military before the Revolutionary War. Because of his experience, he was ideal for the responsibility of leading the new nation to victory over the British.
As an American observes the life around him, noting the many advancements made in merely the last century, he must wonder how America climbed to such a level. The 21st century technology, the military and political power, education and ethics, all came from such meager beginnings, solidified by the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War proved to be a significant turning point in the history of our country, but what caused America to win? What were some of the most significant factors in the victory of these American patriots? By examining these three particular factors, America’s military assets, it’s aid from other countries, and its own spirit of independence, one’s understanding of the Revolutionary War, an essential root of this nation, is truly increased.
George Washington served as Commander in the Chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution and served as President for two terms from 1789-1797. Many argue he was a more exceptional President than a military leader. Many of his greatest military decisions were politically based. Because of him, Congress supported the Revolutionary War. When George resigned as commander and chief, it was said that was his greatest military decision. While President, he angered many Americans and lost many important allies he could have used.
Washington was previously a land surveyor, given a large grant of land from the King that he needed to conquer for himself. This led to him being a military general. Leading a hundred men with him under the title of “colonel,” Washington led his men to a French fort in present-day Pittsburg. On his trip, one of his men killed a French officer and he had to surrender. However, rather than simply handing himself to the French, he sought proper military conduct and built Fort Necessity, were he took guilt for his men’s actions. Later, he would fight with General Braddock at Fort Duquesne. Through his early experiences in the French and Indian War, Washington would develop the skills he would need to fight in the American
He was a veteran of the French and Indian War so many soldiers joining the army looked to him as a source of inspiration. Militarily, he was not the most competent leader. For example, in the Battle of Long Island, Washington’s desires to be revered by future progeny led to him risking the whole Continental Army against the superior forces of the British (Henretta, et al. 184). In all fairness, after the disaster at Long Island, Washington devoted himself to Fabian military tactics in which he and his army would coerce the British into mild skirmishes but would avoid decisive battles (Ellis 101). Excluding the final battle, the war can be summed up in two instances: Washington’s crossing of the Delaware and victory at Saratoga. In the former, around 1,000 Hessian troops were captured even though Washington was eventually forced to retreat (Henretta, et al. 184). In the latter, 5,000 or so British troops were captured by General Horatio Gates and his troops of militiamen, ensuring French’s involvement in the War of Independence on the side of the colonies and restoring faith in the revolutionary cause (Henretta, et al. 187). Then, Washington and the French navy trapped British troops in the decisive Battle of Yorktown. This led to Britain’s capitulation to American
Thesis Statement: George Washington is a hero because he stood up for his ideal that America should be free from England, and create a new form of government which would be fair and equitable. Even in the darkest of times, he never gave up and managed to maintain social and political order within the colonies.
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
"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.
He was a former president, who led the successful Battle of Valley Forge. While he was training his army an epidemic spread amongst them known as, smallpox. George Washington being an intelligent and proactive man helped aid in the inoculation of the deadly disease. “Washington eventually instituted a system where new recruits would be inoculated with smallpox immediately upon enlistment” (Thompson) This statement shows that he wanted the betterment of his people. With his efficient ways, he saved many lives, and gained the soldiers love and respect. Which further led to the victory in the Battle of Valley Forge, which resulted in the many rights we have today. Thus, by using his kindness and helpful attributes he led the army to great