...The Father of America: George Washington James Butler, a founding father of America, stated during the first Presidential elections, that “many of the members cast their eyes towards General Washington, as President, and shaped their ideas of the powers to be given a President, by their opinions of his virtue” (“George Washington” 127). In saying this, he meant that George Washington was a man that, in the eyes of all the chair-holders, fit all the characteristics that a President should have. For over 150 years before George Washington’s time, America was a colony of the British Empire that controlled the do’s and don’ts of the people living there. However, with the accumulation of laws and acts set forth by the distant British Empire, the...
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...John Adams, a devoted republican and staunch advocate for balanced government, played a pivotal role in shaping the Yankee Revolution. His commitment to the concept of a balance of strength within governments and amongst countries was foundational to maintaining liberty and American independence. Adams's diplomatic efforts, particularly in Europe, showcased his strategic use of American trade to preserve a delicate equilibrium between France and Britain, reflecting his republican outlook on worldwide members of the family. notwithstanding grappling with issues about American virtue, Adams's unwavering determination to ideas of liberty and his intellectual contributions, such as "A Defence of the Constitutions," solidified his legacy as a key...
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...George Washington and John Adams were the first two presidents of the United States. They played vital roles in creating the American Republic, and had it not been for them, our current American Republic would be very different or possibly even nonexistent. Yet, despite the hard work they put into our nation’s beginnings, they were also very different. Both men came from the same era, but could one be considered better than the other? George Washington, born on February 11, 1732, in Westmoreland Country, Virginia was our nation's first President. Washington and his ancestors were quite influential in Virginia “The patriarch of the family, John Washington, had come over from England in 1657 and established the Washingtons as respectable, if not...
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...The American War for Independence: Sea Power, Joint and Combined Operations: Question 7. Given the overwhelming British victories in New York and New Jersey in 1776, how was General Washington able to avoid catastrophic defeat and eventually win the war? By Julie Moss A paper submitted to the Faculty of the Naval War College in partial satisfaction of the requirements of the Department of Strategy and War. The contents of this paper reflect my own personal views and are not necessarily endorsed by the Naval War College or the Department of the Navy. Signature: /JKM/ BACKGROUND Following the French-Indian War, The American Revolution began between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the former British colonies in North America. The British power was trying to overwhelm the colonists of New America with many acts, such as the Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, and the Intolerable Acts, all of which were deemed illegitimate by the colonists and in violation of the rights as Englishmen. For the most part, colonists were trying to reject the oligarchies that were common in Europe and started to believe in Republicanism based on the Enlightenment. Many leaders took part in this Revolution; one of the most important of whom was General George Washington. His role was vital in the victory for Americans and their freedom from the power of Britain. As the war for independence approached, Washington was known throughout the American Colonies for his courage and military exploits...
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...massively influential female figure that is Martha Washington. Fondly attractive and loved by all who knew her, this female pursued her passions in a way all her own. She strove to establish new and helpful schemes for those she cared about. Without Martha the American Revolution as we know it may have been a complete loss to the justice seeking patriots. Born as Martha Dandridge on June 2, 1731 in New Kent County, Virginia, Martha was raised on the Chestnut Grove plantation. At a young age, her parents began instilling upon her the normal responsibilities that would be hers as a future bride. She was also educated at an early age, a rarity to women...
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...BC403: Leadership Jones International University November 21, 2013 The Global Leader On April 30, 1789 President George Washington became the first president of the United States of America. The entire world was watching to see how Washington did as he led the United States during a period of great uncertainty. Washington’s self-awareness and inquisitiveness were instrumental in his role as a global leader. “As conflicts ensued across the globe, Washington was very careful on the decisions he made in particular, what countries he sided with” (Rothstein, 2013). In terms of global leadership competencies, Washington did what he thought best for the country. Washington’s global leadership was put to the test early in his presidency. John Jay's treaty with England had negative ramifications for the Washington administration. France claimed that the treaty violated an agreement signed with the United States during the Revolution and that it meant the United States was siding with Britain. By 1796, the French were harassing American ships and threatening punitive sanctions against the United States. Diplomacy did little to solve the problem, and in later years, American and French warships exchanged gunfire on several occasions. Washington knew that the decision he made was the right one. He was confident in his decision making and had courage to make the decision and see the treaty...
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...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...
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...Topic: What are the strengths and weaknesses of John Adams and George Washington? Many people view our Founding Fathers as brave, intelligent men and I would not dare disagree with them. The men that started our nation were brave enough to stand up to the most powerful country in the world at that time with very little resources or people to back them up. They transformed the hardships of the original colony, Jamestown, into our fifty states we have today. Although I will give them credit in saying that what the Founding Fathers did is something that no one in history has ever dared to do or ever will again, these men were still human. Historians do not like to focus on the impurities of the originators of our nation but they, three hundred years...
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...Paines successful writing played a huge role in the American independance. "Common Sense helped usher in American independence, which in turn played a role in the French Revolution and the spread of democracy throughout the world(schoenburg). Paine's writing is a great impact causing a huge sensation throughout the colonies and helped turn american opinion against britain. He reinforced the colonial union and called on americans to unite to overthrow the british rule with common sense. The style of Paine's writing was percipient and had elucidate words for everyone to read. “Paine's arguments are dense and dated in a few places, but his vivid imagery ,clear logic and undiluted outrage remain fresh and compelling(schoenberg)”. He could have written the pamphlet in a very complex way for people to read but instead wrote it in a way where everyone could understand what he was trying to prove to...
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...How did women effect the American Revolution and what were the after affects for women’s roles in society? It is vital to look further into women’s roles in the American Revolution and also how they were affected after. We have researched the roles of Women in the French Revolution with the studies of Pauline Leon and the march on Versailles, but I believe it is important to see how the women of our country prompted the word live in today. There are many key men in the revolution, but for some reason the women who were crucial during the revolution are not as celebrated. I believe this topic shows relevance to the overall theme of the course because it is a key aspect of the American Revolution. Historians believe women during the American...
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...Fast Facts on George Washington * Born: February 22, 1732 Pope’s Creek, Virginia * Children: no natural children (Adopted the children of Martha Custis) *Grandfather by marriage of Confederate General Robert E. Lee * Military Service: Commander General, Revolutionary War * Profession: Surveyor/Planter * Political Party: Federalist * Home State: Virginia * Political Offices: Chairman of Constitutional Convention * Died: December 14, 1799 (Age- 670 Last Words: “I die hard, but I am not afraid to go. “Tis well.” Buried: Mount Vernon, Virginia * Term of Office: April 30, 1789 – March 3, 1797 * Number Of Terms Elected: 2 Terms * Nickname: “Father of Our country” * First Lady: Martha Dandridge Custis * George Washington quote: “I walk on untrodden ground. There is scarcely any part of me conduct which may not hereafter be drawn into precedent.” * Major Events While In Office: * Elected to first term with a unanimous electoral vote. (1789) * First United States census(1790) * District of Columbia Established(1791) * States Entering Union While in Office: * Vermont(1791) * Kentucky(1792) * Tennessee(1796) Childhood and Education Washington was born on February 22, 1732. He lost his father at age 11 and his half-brother, Lawrence, took over that role. Washington’s mother was protective and demanding, keeping him from joining the British Navy as Lawrence wanted. Lawrence owned Mount Vernon...
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...Though he never attained the highest office of his adopted country, few of America’s founders influenced its political system more than Alexander Hamilton. He was a member of the Continental Congress, an author of the Federalist Papers, a champion of the Constitution and the first secretary of the Treasury. Hamilton raised up and made a difference in the American Revolution War. He became allies with some of the top men that we know today without a second thought. But there’s so much more to Hamilton’s legacy then we give him credit for. Born on an island in the Caribbean to a poor family and eventually orphaned, Hamilton led a rough childhood. Hamilton's birth date is disputed, but it is often listed as January 11, 1755. Due to his family being poor, his education was only brief. His mother had previously been married to a Danish proprietor on St. Croix at a very young which ended in divorce — where the court then prohibited her remarriage. The marriage to James Hamilton was acceptable socially on Nevis, but nowhere else. The union resulted in the birth of two...
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...among the general public and are directly related to the significant legacy of Hispanics in this country. The Hispanic history of the U.S. was forged by courageous figures such as Soto, Ponce de León, Coronado, Menéndez de Avilés and many others. It is time to highlight the events and honor the people who contributed to our rich culture and to explain the importance of the Spanish, and by extension, Hispanic role in the history of the United States. George Washington himself recognized the Spanish contribution when he wrote to King Carlos III of Spain after the War of Independence to thank him for the aid he had received from Spain during the fight for freedom. Washington was well aware that the Spanish Crown held a vast amount of territory throughout the Americas, from Patagonia to Alaska, and that the Spanish had been present in the New World for centuries. Washington understood that not only had Spanish explorers and missionaries shed their blood and made great sacrifices during those years, but that Spain had also contributed money and manpower to the American Revolution. The revolt against the British Crown was possible thanks, in part, to the funds sent by Spain and the participation of the Spanish in the New World. There were Spanish settlements from Mexico to Alaska, including many in what are today the states of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, to name just a few. Spain clandestinely helped the colonists until war was formally declared on England in June, 1779...
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...the name of the American Revolution. It all started when congress passed the Stamp Act in 1765 which required that revenue stamps be affixed to all printed matter such as documents, newspapers and even playing cards. Members of American colonial society argued “No taxation without representation” rejecting the rules and authority of the British Parliament to tax them because they lacked representation in the parliament. This event lead to the Boston Tea Party in December 6,1773 where Boston colonists dressed as Indians threw chests of taxed tea into the harbor to protest British taxes on tea. During the American Revolution, there were also some battles involved...
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...Chapter Seven Essay--Trace the development of political parties during Washington's administration and describe their basic philosophies. George Washington was the very first President of the United States. This was such a huge role to take on, not only because of his duties as President, but because it was also setting a precedent for future U.S. Presidents and the federal government as a whole. During Washington’s presidency, many political parties and departments were set up, each with a certain role in the federal government, and many with different ideological views. Washington’s first order of business was to establish his Cabinet. The Department of State, under the first secretary Thomas Jefferson, was responsible for U.S. diplomatic problems. The Department of Justice, under General Edmund Randolph, was responsible for enforcing the laws and an administration of justice. There was also the Department of the Treasury, which was overseen by Secretary Alexander Hamilton, and was responsible for managing government revenue. Lastly, the Supreme Court was established which was the governing force of the federal government; this is where federal cases were disputed. With the initial set up of the federal government system, came the first political parties of the U.S. government. Each political party had its common interests and views which was there main focus in their way of governing. The first two political parties were called the Federalists and the Republicans. ...
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