George Washington
analytical Essay
1498 words
George Washington
George Washington was commander in chief of the Continental army during the American Revolution and first president of the United States. He was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732. Washington was the oldest son of Augustine Washington and his second wife, Mary Ball Washington. His early education included the study of such subjects as mathematics, surveying, the classics, and "rules of civility." His father died in 1743, and soon thereafter George went to live with his half brother Lawrence. An early ambition to go to sea had been effectively discouraged by George's mother; instead, he turned to surveying, securing an appointment to survey Lord Fairfax's lands in the Shenandoah Valley. He helped lay out the Virginia town of Belhaven in 1749 and was appointed surveyor for Culpeper County. George accompanied his brother to Barbados in an effort to cure Lawrence of tuberculosis, but Lawrence died in 1752, soon after the brothers returned. George ultimately inherited the Mount Vernon estate. He first gained public notice when he was dispatched by Governor Robert Dinwiddie on a mission to warn the French commander at Fort Le Boeuf against further encroachment on territory claimed by Britain. Although only 22 years of age and lacking experience, he learned quickly, meeting the problems of recruitment, supply, and desertions with a combination of brashness and native ability that earned him the respect of his superiors.
In April 1754, on his way to establish a post at the Forks of the Ohio. Washington learned that the French had already erected a fort there. Warned that the French were advancing, he quickly threw up fortifications at Great Meadows aptly naming the entrenchment Fort Necessity, and marched to intercept advancing French troops. Commander Jumonville was killed and most of his men were captured. Washington pulled his small force back into Fort Necessity where he was overwhelmed by the French in an all-day battle fought in a drenching rain. Surrounded by enemy troops, with his food supply almost exhausted and his ammunition useless, Washington capitulated. Under the terms of the surrender signed that day, he was permitted to march his troops back to Williamsburg.
Washington's own military reputation was enhance...
... middle of paper ...
...s did his vigorous upholding of the excise law during the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania.
By March 1797, when Washington left office, the country's financial system was well established; the Indian threat east of the Mississippi had been largely eliminated; and Jay's Treaty and Pinckney's Treaty with Spain had enlarged U.S. territory and removed serious diplomatic difficulties. In spite of the animosities and conflicting opinions between Democratic-Republicans and members of the Hamiltonian Federalist party, the two groups were at least united in acceptance of the new federal government. Washington refused to run for a third term and, after a masterly Farewell Address in which he warned the United States against permanent alliances abroad, he went home to Mount Vernon. He was succeeded by his vice-president, Federalist John Adams. Although Washington reluctantly accepted command of the army in 1798 when war with France seemed imminent, he did not assume an active role. He preferred to spend his last years in happy retirement at Mount Vernon. In mid-December, Washington contracted acute laryngitis. He died at his estate on Dec. 14, 1799.
In this essay, the author
- Describes george washington as the commander in chief of the continental army during the american revolution.
- Narrates how washington threw up fortifications at great meadows and marched to intercept advancing french troops. he was overwhelmed by the french in an all-day battle.
- Analyzes how washington's military reputation was enhanced, and he was promoted to colonel and appointed commander in chief of the virginia militia, with responsibility for defending the frontier.
- Narrates how washington entered politics, serving in virginia's house of burgesses, and married martha dandridge custis. he was a delegate to the first and second continental congress.
- Explains how washington took command of the troops surrounding british-occupied boston on july 3, devoting the next few months to training the undisciplined 14,000-man army and trying to secure urgent supplies.
- Narrates how washington's plan to attack the british at monmouth failed due to lack of public support and his superiority to his rivals.
- Explains that washington was responsible for the overall direction of the war. he railed at congress for its failure to supply troops and for bungling fiscal measures that frustrated his efforts.
- Describes how washington headed the virginia delegation to the constitutional convention in philadelphia and was unanimously elected presiding officer.
- Analyzes how washington's policy of neutrality angered the pro-french jeffersonians, and he agreed with the hamiltonians on the need for peace with great britain.
- Explains how washington left office in march 1797, when the country's financial system was well established, the indian threat east of the mississippi had been largely eliminated, and the two groups were at least united in accepting the new federal government.
Related
- analytical
- explanatory
- argumentative
- opinion
- "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.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that george washington is one of the most recognized and famous leaders in all history of america. he contributed greatly to the establishment of this prosperous country, from leading the revolutionary armies to running the country as the first president.
- Analyzes how george washington's speech evokes a sense of unity between himself and the men in the room.
- Analyzes how washington's choice and usage of diction was one of his strengths as far as speaking skills are concerned. he was a powerful speaker who employed influential and authoritative words in his cause to validate his argument.
- Describes the reasons why they value their country.
- Describes their own sacred honor, respecting humanity's rights, and regarding the rights of humanity.
- Analyzes how washington refers to a gathering of the army as an invitation, "let me conjure you," when the officers were attempting to summon them together in an equal, but opposite motivation.
- Analyzes how washington's harshness helped the men understand the dangerous nature of their rebellion at such a crucial moment in the establishment of the newly freed and vulnerable government.
- Analyzes how washington's speech, in which he took the fate of the united states of america into his hands, left his audience hesitant.
1955 wordsRead More - George Washingtons Lifeexplanatory essayAt the age of 17, Washington began traveling across rivers, mountains and Indian trails to remote parts of Virginia. He learned to survive in the wilderness. When Washington was 20, his brother Lawrence died and Washington became the owner of Mount Vernon. At the age of 21, he fought heroically in the French and Indian War which raged in Canada. He began his military career in late 1752 as an adjutant for the Virginia Military. After that he became a British officer in the French Indian War. In 1775, he was almost killed while serving as an aide to General Edward Braddock. Three years later, Washington was elected to the Virginia House of Burgeses. He then served as Justice of the Peace for Fairfay County. He resigned from the military with the rank of Colonel.
In this essay, the author
- Explains george washington was born on february 22, 1732 in westmoreland county, virginia. he belonged to an old colonial family that believed in hard work, public service, and worshipping god.
- Explains that many people think of george washington as a young boy who could throw coins across the rappahannock river, but his false teeth were made of whale bone and deer antlers.
- Explains that john hanson was elected president of the thirteen states in the confederation, followed by elias boudinot, thomas mifflin, richard henery and cyrus griffin.
- Narrates how washington began his military career in 1752 as an adjutant for the virginia military and fought heroically in the french and indian war. he resigned from the military with the rank of colonel.
- Describes how washington fell in love with martha curtis, a wealthy widow with two children, and was rejected twice before marrying her. the father of our country loved martha's children.
- Narrates how washington suffered from small pox and malaria before he was 30 and nearly died twice. he fell overboard from a small boat and almost drowned.
- Explains that george washington was elected to the first and second continental congresses in 1774 and 1775. he opposed british rule over the colonies and was asked to be commander in chief of the new continental army.
- Explains that george washington died in 1799 and was buried at mount vernon.
712 wordsRead More - How Did George Washington Influence His Governmentanalytical essayGeorge Washington (February 22, 1732 [O.S. February 11, 1731][b][c] – December 14, 1799) was the first President of the United States (1789–97), the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He presided over the convention that drafted the current United States Constitution and during his lifetime was called the "father of his country".[4]
In this essay, the author
- Explains george washington was the first president of the united states (1789–97), the commander-in-chief of continental army during the american revolutionary war, and one of founding fathers.
- Explains how washington's incumbency established precedents, such as the cabinet system, the inaugural address, and the title mr. president.
- Explains that washington was born into the provincial gentry of colonial virginia and owned tobacco plantations and slaves, but his views on slavery evolved. he was commissioned as commander-in-chief of the continental army in the american revolution.
- Analyzes how washington's strategy enabled continental forces to capture two major british armies at saratoga and yorktown in 1781.
- Explains that washington presided over the constitutional convention in 1787, which devised a new form of federal government for the united states, and worked to unify rival factions in the fledgling nation.
- Explains that washington's use of national authority pursued many ends, including the preservation of liberty, reduction of regional tensions, and promotion of a spirit of american nationalism.
616 wordsRead More - Washington and the Revolutonary Warargumentative essayWashington first got military experience when his brother Lawrence passed away. He became a district adjutant, or a military officer who is an assistant to a senior officer, and that also meant that he would train the soldiers of the local militia. When the French and Indian War began in 1754, Washington served under General Braddock. This was where his courage shone through, and he was named commander in chief of the Virginia militia. Washington had his work cut out for him, because the militia was made up of common folk who for the most part, barely even knew how to load a musket. Luckily, Washington was not training them how to line up like how the British did. Although he did not favor this tactic, he used a new type of approach to the war which was “ungentlemanly” in the eyes of the British. This method called guerilla warfare is similar to how wars are fought today. The British wanted the war to be fought like “gentlemen”, but what’s so polite about killing another human being?
In this essay, the author
- Explains that although george washington was the first president of the united states of america, he led a new continent striving for independence through its struggle.
- Explains how washington got military experience when his brother lawrence passed away. he was a district adjutant and trained local militia soldiers.
- Explains that washington was nominated for commander in chief by john adams, but the council of war strongly opposed his decision.
- Explains that washington's greatest accomplishment was the battle of trenton, which resulted in a victory that boosted the army’s morale.
- Explains that the battle of yorktown was the final battle of the revolutionary war. the french blockaded the chesapeake bay while washington and his troops led cornwallis into the ambush.
- Concludes that george washington was one of the most important figures in american history. he defended and fought for the country he loved, and led it into greatness.
- Cites bruce delson's book, "the turning point." william howe, revolutionary war leaders.
- Explains crompton, samuel willard, "leading the way to independence." john adams: american patriot, leaders of the american revolution.
- Explains that gilje, paul a., "british surrender at yorktown." encyclopedia of american history: revolution and new nation, 1761 to 1812.
- Analyzes how shogan, colleen, and michael a. genovese's encyclopedia of the american presidency revised edition.
782 wordsRead More - George Washington Influenceopinion essayLike fire, it is a dangerous servant, and a fearful master.” - (George Washington.) Washington commanded the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War (1775–1783), and was the first President of the United States, serving from 1789 to 1797. Washington played a leading military and political role in the American Revolution. He was very quick on his feet and had many tricks up his sleeve to lead the colonies to victory. On Christmas Eve, 1776, Washington had a great battle of Trenton, NJ, and days later on January 2nd, he tricked General Cornwallis's to think they were still at their camp, with all the fired burning. But instead, Washington's troops fled the camp and defeated Cornwallis.These battles were just 2 of many in the war that Washington was the leader of. George Washington also took advantage of fighting on lands that he is familiar with. In such battled that took place in a forest, Washington commanded his army to cut down trees and create roadblocks for the British, slowing them down tremendously. It was clear to all the electoral voters that George Washington was nothing less that a great leader. After America's great victory for independence, all 69 voted cast their votes for George Washington to become the first President of the United States. Washington was a very humble man, and at first didn't want the job. But he still had that fire to help his country succeed, so he gratefully accepted
In this essay, the author
- Opines that george washington was a very intelligent and clever man, leading the continental army, and founding father of the united states of america.
- Explains that george washington was born on february 22, 1739, and passed away december 19th, 1799, at the age of 67.
- Explains that george washington commanded the continental army in the american revolutionary war and was the first president of the united states.
- Explains that george washington stepped up to the plate when the americans were in dire need of a leader and influenced many people to go out and do good in the world.
- Concludes that george washington was a very intelligent and powerful man. growing up, he looked up to his brother in the military.
847 wordsRead More - George Washingtonexplanatory essayGeorge Washington and the Revolution George Washington was a part of God's plan for a new country. What he did influenced what America has become. He laid the foundation for presidents to come, and built this country on solid Christian principles. George Washington was born February 22, 1732. His family lived on a few farms on the Potomac River.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that george washington was part of god's plan for a new country. he laid the foundation for presidents to come, and built this country on solid christian principles.
- Narrates how george's brother, lawrence, came home from europe when he was ten. they had many good times together. when george was 11 his father died, then 9 years later lawrence died.
- Explains that after the british won the french and indian war, they made new laws for the colonists, which led to the revolutionary war.
- Narrates how the battle of lexington started when a british general found out that some colonists had guns. they wanted an organized army to fight against the british.
- Explains that washington was appointed general of the colonial army in 1775. his army was a strange one with few guns and little gunpowder for the soldiers to use.
- Narrates how general washington's first major battle, the battle of long island, was a bloody one.
- Narrates how washington and his men took all the boats across the delaware river so the germans could not cross. they devised a plan to capture them on christmas day.
- Explains that washington and his men won two major victories at trenton and princeton, which gave new hope to the colonies.
- Narrates how washington's army moved south to stop the british general howe from moving into philadelphia. they suffered a string of defeats and the americans had to retreat
- Explains that washington had to find a place for his army to stay during the winter. there were many difficulties at valley forge.
- Narrates how lafayette and baron von steuben helped washington while he wintered at valley forge. lafayette collected money, troops, ships, and supplies for washington.
- Describes how the french joined the americans against the british in 1778, which gave much needed support to the colonial army.
- Narrates how washington moved his troops to white plains, which was near new york city, during the battles in the south, and the british general cornwallis retreated to yorktown for further orders.
1180 wordsRead More - Analysis Of George Washington's Victory At Yorktownexplanatory essayGeorge Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia. He received his primary education at a nearby churchyard school, and then was sent to boarding school. In his early teens his education came to an end. When he was 16 he got his first job surveying the lands of Shenandoah Valley. He was able to earn money to buy his own land. By the age of 21, he owned more than 1500 acres of land. In 1752 Washington’s older brother Lawrence died, passing down his Mount Vernon estate to George. In 1754, he served as a colonist in the French and Indian War. In 1775, Washington became military advisor for New York. By 1781, Washington forced Cornwallis to surrender at Yorktown. The war was won (Toward Fact: A Biography). George Washington’s s struggles and accomplishes gave him the military power to defeat Cornwallis at Yorktown by forcing him to surrender, blocking Cornwallis’ escape from Yorktown by land and having a strong army.
In this essay, the author
- Explains how george washington's struggles and accomplishments gave him the military power to defeat cornwallis at yorktown by forcing him to surrender.
- Explains that the battle of yorktown took place from september 28th until october 19th 1781 in virginia. the americans and french fought against the british.
- Describes how cornwallis didn't attend the surrender ceremony, and had general o'hara substitute for him. the american and french army were in two lines stretching more than a mile in length.
- Narrates how washington moved the army closer to yorktown. the americans and french began to establish their territory. on september 30, the french attacked the british fusiliers fort.
- Explains that the british kept a steady fire to disrupt the americans and french. general washington continued to make visits to the front, having concerns by his officers over the increasing enemy fire.
- Describes how the trench was to be shared equally by the americans and the french. by october 9th, all french and american guns were in place, and washington fired the first gun.
- Narrates how the americans destroyed a house in yorktown believing that cornwallis might be stationed there. washington ordered that all guns begin firing at the forts to weaken them for an assault.
- Describes how cornwallis ordered a storming party under the command of colonel robert to spike the american and french cannons. washington ordered that the french be given an equal share in every step of the surrender process.
849 wordsRead More - George Washington's Life: The Life Of George Washingtonexplanatory essayOn July 3rd, 1775, Washington took control of the Continental Army. He accepted the position without pay and left for Boston. The troops were under trained and supplies were limited. As a leader, Washington was fearless and never acted until he considered any and every outcome and would push through if conflicts did emerse. The army had won few battles but stood strong and endured the war. Finally, with the help of the French, Washington and his troops managed to capture the British during the Battle of Yorktown. Thus, the eight year Revolutionary war was at an end on October 17th,
In this essay, the author
- Describes the life of george washington, the father of our nation. he was born in westmore county, virginia, to augustine and mary ball washington.
- Describes how washington was appointed to be the official surveyor for culpeper county in virginia. after lawrence's death, he inherited mount vernon. the french sent their military forces to protect french settlers, land, and fur trappers.
- Narrates how washington was selected to deliver a message to the french that directed them to leave. he led 150 men to ohio river as an attempt to claim the land, but failed to drive away french troops from fort duquesne and had to surrender.
- Narrates how washington returned to assist general braddock and was promoted to command the entire military force of virginia. he married martha custis and worked as a gentleman farmer at mount vernon.
- Narrates how washington joined the continental congress as a delegate from virginia in 1774 and was offered to be the chief commander in the continental army. he had witnessed the aftermath of imposed taxes and thought it was best to receive independence.
- Describes how washington took control of the continental army without pay and left for boston. the army had won few battles but stood strong and endured the war.
- Narrates how washington resumed life at mount vernon after the war and was asked to attend the constitutional convention. he didn't participate in promoting ratification but was widely recognized for it.
- Explains that washington won the position with john adams, who became the vice president, and was inaugurated in new york.
- Explains that washington was determined to be a strong leader. he nominated john jay, the first chief justice of the u.s. supreme court, alexander hamilton, henry knox, and edmund randolph.
- Describes how washington spent his remaining years tending to his plantation. he caught a cold and died on december 14th.
1142 wordsRead More - Jeffersonian Presidentsexplanatory essayGeorge Washington was the first child born to his parents, who were slightly wealthy land owners in Virginia. (George Washington Biography) However, he was a brother to eight full and half brothers and sisters. (Revolutionary War) In his adolescent years, Washington became proficient in farm work and surveying, preferring these to schooling. While in his twenties and upon the death of his half-brother, George became the owner of his family’s lands, but was soon called to serve in the Virginia militia.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that george washington was the first child born to his parents, who were wealthy land owners in virginia. he became proficient in farm work and surveying, preferring these to schooling.
- Explains that george washington's first venture in politics was when he was elected to the house of burgesses in virginia. he fought in an impressive fourteen battles during the revolution.
- Explains that george washington was a reserved child, who obtained only an elementary schooling, but he made great strides throughout his life.
- Explains that john adams was born in braintree, massachusetts as the first of three brothers. he favored hunting and farming to attending school.
- Narrates how john adams was selected to be a member of the massachusetts assembly in 1770. he was elected to serve on the newly formed massachusetts constitutional convention and negotiated the treaty of paris.
- Explains that john adams was a respected lawyer who feared his law career would suffer if he participated in opposing the stamp act. while serving in the second continental congress, adams led the group to speak out for freedom.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was born in virginia as the third in line of six children. his father was an affluent plantation owner and surveyor.
- Explains that thomas wrote his political composition in 1774 that made him a well-known promoter for american freedom.
- Explains that thomas jefferson was an accomplished writer and a man of inspiration. he wrote great documents that helped influence and form our nation into what we have today.
1682 wordsRead More - The Battle of Yorktownanalytical essayThe plans for Yorktown actually started up in May of 1781 when General Washington joined up with French General Rochambeau. The American forces at this time were stationed in the area of New York City closely watching British General Clinton’s forces. Washington knew that General Cornwallis who had been dominating in the south would soon be moving northward to rendezvous with Clinton’s and General Nathaniel Green’s forces. He also knew that if this happened it would be near impossible of defeating the British. As Cornwallis continued his northern track he ran into trouble at the Battle of Cowpens. In fact he lost much of his light infantry and cavalry in the Carolinas. He did score a victory at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, but this would prove to not help him much as he took severe losses and consumed a lot of time.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how washington surrounded general lord charles cornwallis at the virginia port city of yorktown with 8,500 american soldiers and around 10,000 french soldiers.
- Explains that the plans for yorktown started in may of 1781 when general washington joined up with french general rochambeau. washington knew that general cornwallis would soon be moving northward to rendezvous with clinton’s and general nathaniel green.
- Narrates how cornwallis reached virginia and met general clinton’s reinforcements. he wanted to damage maquis de lafayette's army, but was unsuccessful at making any progress.
- Describes how admiral de grasse's arrival in the chesapeake bay led general washington to meet up with the french navy. general cornwallis had no idea that he had backed himself into a corner surrounded by french and american forces.
- Narrates how general washington reached yorktown at the end of september. general clinton realized that washington no longer occupied new york and had moved south.
- Explains that general washington set up a siege of yorktown on october 9, 1781, and had his men dig trenches around the city. cornwallis didn't know that washington was there until the next day.
- Narrates how cornwallis ordered a small attack of 350 men on allied guns, led by colonel abercromby, but was quickly driven back by french forces.
- Describes how the american forces brought over 100 guns to the battle at an attempt to end this conflict with the british. general cornwallis was given two hours to appear to washington with his terms of surrender.
- Explains that the british soldiers were ordered to march out of yorktown with colors cased and drums playing a british or german march.
- Analyzes how the americans defeated the world's greatest army and forced the surrender of the entire war. general clinton left the colonies in 1782 and became the first president.
- Opines that the battle of yorktown is the most important battle or operation in the history of our country.
1311 wordsRead More