Premium Essay

What Is George Washington's Military Life

Submitted By
Words 1466
Pages 6
The Military Life of George Washington George Washington was born in a British colony in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 17, 1732 and died in Mount Vernon, Virginia, on December 14, 1799. During the time between Washington’s occupation as a land surveyor in his youth and becoming the first president of these great United States he fought in the French and Indian War for the British then the Revolutionary War against the British. All of Washington’s battles were fought with the upmost courage and character. George Washington’s military life began when Lieutenant Governor Robert Dinwiddie appointed him as military adjutant, with the rank of major in the Virginia militia. The job of a military adjutant was to teach soldiers …show more content…
“Most historians agree that Washington's real genius was in fighting a defensive rather than an offensive war. That is, Washington did not wage a fierce campaign to wipe out the British army [which he knew he could not do with his smaller, ill-equipped army]. Instead, he kept the British generals from cornering, capturing, and defeating his army.”(American Revolution) Washington’s Revolutionary battles began with the Battle of Long Island in August 1776 in which the Continentals incurred great causalities as they were driven across New Jersey into Pennsylvania. Washington reported, “Great numbers of them have gone off, in some instances, almost by whole regiments.” After fighting the battles of Harlem Heights, White Plains and Fort Washington, the brave Commander-in-Chief fought the Battle of Trenton in which he is famous for Crossing of the Delaware. “Washington’s plan was to cross the river at night, march to the nearby town of Trenton, New Jersey, and attack the Hessian garrison right before dawn.… It was there that he secured the Continental Army's first major military victory of the war. Without the determination, resiliency, and leadership exhibited by Washington while crossing the Delaware River the victory at Trenton would not have been possible.”(Digital

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Gordon S. Wood's The Greatness Of George Washington

...In his piece titled “The Greatness of George Washington”, Gordon S. Wood is trying to show the reader that George Washington was great not because of his intellect or his military genius, but because of his virtuous character. When you look closely at George Washington’s life, it is evident that he was not a prominent scholar, especially when compared to some other Founding Fathers. Although he was brilliant at running his plantation, Washington never went to college, and, as Jefferson said, his “‘colloquial talents were not above mediocrity” (Oates 135). For these reasons, it is hard to imagine Washington “expressing his views on Plato in the Jefferson and John Adams did” (Oates 135). Also, even though his role as general during the Revolutionary...

Words: 974 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

George Washington's Legacy

...General, Captain, Leader, president, brave, admirable, courageous,  Can you guess who i'm describing? In case you were unsure, I am talking about George Washington the first president of the United states of America. You may think you know a lot about the first President of the country you live in, but I know for a fact that by the time you are done reading this essay you will know every little detail about George washington's life. Some questions I am going to answer is the question, What kind of effect did he or she have on American history?  I will also answer the question What made this him such a great leader?  And last but not least In what ways was their life remarkable and admirable?  Dont worry!  All of these questions will be answered soon, so read along to find out what kind of affect he had on this great country....

Words: 564 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

How Did George Washington Shaped America

...George Washington Shaped America into Greatness Amanda Villeso American History Mr. David 4-24-17 “Give me liberty or give me death”(“Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” Speech.”). George Washington definitely applied this saying when fighting in the Revolutionary War. Washington being called the Father of His Country has done many wonderful things for everyone. Being the leader of the Patriots, he had lived a successful and long life. Thomas Jefferson said “On the whole, his character was, in its mass, perfect, in nothing bad, in a few points indifferent; and it may truly be said that never did a nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great…” (“Revolutionary-War.net.” “Greatest Stories Ever Told”) To think it all started here and in the end people like Jefferson would be saying things like this about him. George Washington’s family, education, and military career has helped America become a better country for all....

Words: 1853 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Hercules Mulligan's Impact During The Revolutionary War

...this country as an undercover spy for George Washington.. In the course of this time, he left an everlasting impression for the country. He was a representative for the Sons of Liberty, which was an organization of a secret society that worked on getting information about the British and stood up for the independence for america. He also used his undercover job to get more information which led to him saving George Washington's life twice. He made a big impact in the Revolutionary War. He sabotaged the British by taking information and messaging it to General Washington. This helped Washington plan his army with the insight of what the British were planning on doing, to defeat them, which eventually lead to victory. Originally born in ireland but moved to North America, Hercules Mulligan lived his life as a undercover spy during the American Revolutionary...

Words: 1142 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Hist 101

...HIST101 American History to 1877 A Man of Honor George Washington was the first president of the United States and is known as “the Father of Our Country. He was a man with much conviction, humility, and integrity. George Washington trusted in God, was willing to sacrifice much, and he was selfless. All of these qualities were important to his success as a military leader and as the leader of the nation. It is apparent by how revered Washington is today that he was a man of honor. George Washington begin life in Virginia in 1732. He was the son of Augustine and Mary Ball Washington. The tale of him cutting down the cherry tree, is just a tale created by author Mason Locke Weems. Weems wanted Washington's life to appear more interesting in the biography he wrote. The biography, A History of the Life and Death, Virtues and Exploits, of General George Washington, “supplied the American people with flattering (and often rhyming) renditions of the events that shaped their hero”. Lawrence Washington was George's older brother. Lawrence was a great influence on George's life. After the death of their father, George spent a lot of time with Lawrence at his home, Mount Vernon. Washington learned the gentlemanly ways and manners of the time from Lawrence. One of the things George enjoyed most was fox-hunting. When Lawrence died, Mount Vernon was left to George. Washington received little formal education. This was due to his father dying when he was a boy...

Words: 2311 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

French and Indian War

...French Indian War and George Washington: Shaping Our Countries Independence HIST 101 American History to 1877 Nicholas R. Arrivey American Military University Professor Sine The French and Indian War: Shaping Our Countries Independence The French and Indian War lasted from 1756 – 1763, lasting seven long years. Compared to other significant events in our great countries history (like the Revolutionary War), how could these mere seven years play such a huge role in shaping our countries independence? Could it be because of the outcome of the war? Or could it be because of the personnel who took part during the French and Indian War? One key person who was involved in this war and is a founding father of the country is President George Washington. His role in this war helped him gain leadership traits and abilities that guided him to shape the great country. The French and the British were involved in a conflict over the Ohio Valley during the early 1750s. The main conflict was due to the French and the British expanding their territories over the land while crossing paths in Ohio. The French had already set up trading posts in Ohio. Once the British entered into Ohio they also set up trading posts, which the French viewed as the British impeding on their commerce they gained from the Indians. Mount Vernon Non-Profit states, “In 1744 the Iroquois signed the Treaty of Lancaster with the British, which ceded Iroquois claims in Maryland and Virginia.  While the Iroquois...

Words: 1087 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

George Washington Dbq

...George Washington “The basis of our political system is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government (www.brainyquote.com).” This quote is about how our government had made the political system and the system was not set up in the right way. George Washington was born February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He had passed away on December 14, 1799 because of a throat infection. When he was younger he was taught at home by tutors or in local private schools and he had finished formal school about the age of 15 went to college at William and Mary and got his Surveyor’s License.His parents are Augustine Washington and Mary Ball and he had nine siblings.He had helped his family out on the plantation...

Words: 434 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Alexander Hamilton: Machiavellian Leadership

...People were itching for a reason to hate Hamilton’s genius, and he couldn’t sneak his way out of this one. He no longer held office and spent his time feuding with former friend Aaron Burr, who he had kept from becoming president in 1800. With peacemaker George Washington’s passing two years prior, there was no one to calm his temper. In 1804, they agreed to duel at Weehawken, NY. Ominously, this was the same site Hamilton’s son Philip had been shot in a duel seven years before - another challenge he was forced to overcome. When the time came to draw guns, Hamilton shot at the sky allowing Burr to hit him right beneath his heart. He died mere hours later, setting off a smear campaign by Jefferson and the Republicans that ruined his reputation forever. Until recently, many Americans had either never heard of him or they despised him. So why would I let him sit on my table of...

Words: 927 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

George Washington

...GEORGE WASHINGTON “THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY” BORN: February 22, 1732 in Westmorland, Virginia, British America DIED: December 17, 1799 in Mount Vernon, Virginia, United States SPOUSE: Martha Dandridge Custis Washington RELIGION: Anglican/Episcopal GEOGRE WASHINGTON “THE FATHER OF HIS COUNTRY” Introduction: George Washington was born on February 22 “February 11, Old Style,” 1732 in Westmoreland county, Virginia and died on December 14, 1799, in Mount Vernon, Virginia. Washington was an American General and Commander in Chief of the Colonial Armies in the American Revolution War “1775–1783” and subsequently became the first president of the United States within the years “1789–1797.” Augustine Washington, Washington’s father, attended school in England, tasted seafaring life, and then settled down to manage his growing Virginia estates. George’s mother was Mary Ball Washington, whom Augustine, a widower, had married early the previous year. Washington’s paternal lineage had some distinction; an early forebear was described as a “gentleman,” Henry VIII later gave the family lands, and its members held various offices. But family fortunes fell with the Puritan revolution in England, and John Washington, grandfather of Augustine, migrated in 1657 to Virginia. The ancestral home at Sulgrave, Northamptonshire, is maintained as a Washington memorial. Little definite information exists on any of the line until Augustine. He was an energetic, ambitious man who acquired much...

Words: 3391 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Who Is George Washington A Hero

...Aside from being the face of the dollar bill and our first president, what do you actually know about George Washington? Bet you didn't know about his fascination towards architecture and his love for Theater. In the United States, American’s all over the nation get a day off to celebrate Presidents day, which is held on Washington’s birthday, but in reality, no one honestly cares. Although George Washington had many failures at the beginning of his career, he managed to learn from his falls. As one of our Founding Fathers, his achievements and courage have helped shape America, making Washington a notable American hero. The date of February 11th, 1732, marked the birth of Washington in Tidewater Virginia. At a young age, president Washington “...had had little education- only seven or eight years of schooling by private tutor, no training in Latin or Greek or Law… and those close to him knew, he was self-conscious about this.” (43). Although Washington lacked a proper education, at the age of 16 he was able to go on his first voyage as a surveyor's apprentice. On this voyage, George went on an expedition into the wilderness of Western Virginia over the Blue Mountains (43). During this journey, he learned a lot of different things through experience, proving his perseverance and attention to detail helped him learn along the...

Words: 956 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

George Washington's Influence On Society

...Who was George Washington, some same he was one of the best presidents we had in this country? What was his up bringing that made him so an influential man? What started he’s political career what made him choose to run as the first president of the 13 colonies? The final question would be what significant influence did George Washington have on American at the time he was the president. He was the first person to be elected by the people to become the first president. Some have said he is also the first spy or the grandfather of the FBI, CIA and some of the government’s first agency’s to protect us from those who wanted to see this great country fail and get the secrets. Was he part of a secret society known as the Freemasons there are photos of...

Words: 595 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

George Washington: Father Of His Country

...George Washington is known as the “Father of His Country” and for good reason. His strong leadership and excellent strategies significantly helped America win the Revolutionary War. As a result, he is still honoured and praised today. Washington was born on February 22nd, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. His father, Augustine Washington was a plantation owner. He grew tobacco using many African- American slaves. He died when George Washington was only 11 years old. Washington’s mother, Mary Ball, gave birth to six children, Washington being the oldest. Although he had no prior military experience, he still became the commander of the Virginia militia. Consequently, he served in the French and Indian War. However, in 1759, Washington...

Words: 395 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Ba 101

...Except from Washington’s Crossing by David Hackett Fischer CONCLUSION ~ The War and the American Revolution We have a very difficult card to play. We often have to act by the moon or twilight and leave the World to judge it in the clear sunshine. -General William Maxwell to Adam Stephen, April 10, 17771 On New Year’s Day in 1777, Robert Morris sent George Washington a letter that rings strangely in a modern ear. “The year 1776 is over,” Morris wrote. “I am heartily glad of it and hope you nor America will ever be plagued with such another.” Washington shared that feeling, which was very far from our own. We celebrate 1776 as the most glorious year in American history. They remembered it as an agony, especially the “dark days” of autumn.2 Americans have known many dark days, from the starving times in early settlements to the attack on the World Trade Center. These were the testing times and the pivotal moments of our history. It was that way in 1776, after the decision for independence and the military disasters in New York. In early December, British commanders believed that they were very close to ending the rebellion, and American leaders feared that they might be right. Then came a reversal of fortune, and three months later the mood had changed on both sides. By the spring of 1777, many British officers had concluded that they could never win the war. At the same time, Americans recovered from their despair and were confident that they would...

Words: 7167 - Pages: 29

Premium Essay

George Washignton

...| GEORGE WASHINGTON George Washington was a man of great principle and honor, who deeply believed in God, individual rights and freedom. He is consider to be one of the greatest leaders of all times, he had a strange combination of charisma, integrity, determination, flexibility, resourcefulness, creativity, self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, the ability to communicate, and consistency. Analyzing three of the most admirable qualities that George Washington possessed it is very hard due to the fact that he had so many great qualities that distinguished him as a leader. I would say that number one would be his charismatic leadership style often executed through diplomacy, flamboyant and eccentricity (Harvey, 2008). George Washington had a great charisma and was very aware of his image; he would never do anything that could damage his reputation or the views of others towards himself. Without this charisma that he possessed I don’t think he would of have as many followers as his did and that is a great trait of a great leader, to lead you have to have followers willing to follow instructions. The ability of stay cool and rationally during the battlefield (Harvey, 2008), George Washington possessed the ability to the stay calm under the pressure and make decisions with great command. Leaders have a responsibility to their followers and they are entrust with the life of others in many cases, leaders need to make solid decisions and should not get rattle easily cause that...

Words: 514 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

George Washington's Role In The American Revolution

...George Washington is well known as the general who helped the colonies gain their freedom from the British. As the first president of a young country, he helped form the government and laws that still exist today. How he acted as president would affect the office from that time on. Washington was born February 11, 1731 in Virginia, which at the time was a British colony. According to the New World Encyclopedia, “Washington was the oldest child from his father’s second marriage. Washington had two older half-brothers: Lawrence and Augustine, Jr and four younger siblings: Betty, Samuel, John Augustine and Charles.” (2) Washington’s parents were of British descent and his father was a plantation owner, which included slaves....

Words: 1817 - Pages: 8