George Washington- The Father Of
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Tollefson
Angela Tollefson Hist. 1301 Dr. Chase Machen March 13, 2011 “Father of our Country” The dominant military and political leader of the United States of America was indeed George Washington. Washington not only had a strong military career but also served as a strong representative, and served two- terms as president. He made an undisputed choice to serve as the first president and he started the outline, structure and formal procedures that are still used today. In ones opinion without Washington our country would have undoubtedly failed. Washington was commander in chief of the Continental Army and presided over the writing of the Constitution. Though he had many more achievements and these addressed are only a few of his major contributions; they indeed aided in his known title as the “Father of our Country.” From the very beginning, George Washington was born (at his father’s plantation on Pope’s Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732) into a wealthy and wellconnected family. His father was a leading planter in the area and also served as a justice of the county court. Washington spent most of his youth at a Ferry Farm. It was a plantation on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Washington’s had several influencing factors that seemed to contribute to his character; the tough, heroic, fervent, and natural leader he is known and remembered as today. Some of the influencing factors were thought to be things such as the tragedy of his father dying when he was
Tollefson
only eleven. This tragically placed Washington in an adult based role very quickly, as he was needed to start helping his mother manage the plantation. However because of this Washington learned the significance of hard work and efficiency at a young age. He also recognized the importance of survival. Before his father’s death, his father and brother home schooled him; this allowed them to aid in the molding of Washington’s character as they were basically his mentors and primary influence in his life. Since Washington was home schooled, after his father died school pretty much ceased to exist. Amazingly Washington still overcame and seemed to even excel in math. Other than this, he did not have much of an education. Though Washington’s formal education ended around the age of fifteen and he was a minority because many of the other wealthy youth learned different languages and had the opportunity to become educated he still strived forth; becoming who we know today as “the father of our country”. Although Washington regarded his education as depleted; he was driven and practiced in educating himself by studying and reading on his own. He ended up with a large diverse library and subscribed to many newspapers. Ultimately Washington became a skilled and prolific writer (Colbert 97). For the reason that he himself was deprived of having a good education growing up Washington left money in his will for establishing a school. He definitely believed in the value of a good education, despite his. Washington was also a gentleman farmer for several years. He constantly worked to improve and expand his plantation. He made himself an innovative farmer. He experimented with new crops, fertilizers, crop rotation, tools and livestock breeding to improve his farming operation. Surprisingly, Washington expanded his plantation from two thousand acres to eight thousand acres. Washington dedicated most of his time to his family, but also left time to lead a
Tollefson
social/ public life. He was chosen as one of seven Virginia representatives to the Continental Congress. Washington not only projected a commanding presence, but was very much so documented as a man of patriotic views and sound decision. Despite Washington’s successful and profitable career he became highly interested in military. Washington persuaded information in regard to his new found interest in talking to many people; this only fueled his interest. Washington’s Brother Lawrence, anticipated that he join the British Navy. Washington was more than ecstatic in regard to this anticipation. Although he was ecstatic about having a military career his mother refused the idea and denied him her blessing. So instead, Washington had to let go of the opportunity to travel the world and took on the task of a life of discipline at sea. The life at sea for Washington became one of the greatest adventure stories of American History. Nevertheless Lawrence, Washington’s brother ended up dying. Washington inherited Mount Vernon as well as Lawrence’s place in the Virginia militia, and soon after received a major’s commission. That was the first step in his military career and the life he had always hoped for. Washington’s military career was very extensive: placing him in many battles and numerous areas of testing. When Washington was only twenty two years of age he had made an excellent name for himself. Washington’s endurance was tested and first seen when he had to hike for days; he fell from a raft, and was forced to spend a freezing night on an island with no shelter. Astonishingly he suffered no ill effects. This nine hundred mile journey is what gave start to his prevailing reputation. By the time Washington was twenty seven, he was deemed the most experienced native military officer in Virginia. Many historians give him high credit for his supervision, encouragement, and coordination.
Tollefson
Washington’s strong and well established reputation continued to escalate as his heroic leadership role during the American Revolution was recognized. The American colonies fought the Revolutionary War against Britain from 1775 to 1783 to become an independent nation. Washington commanded the American army. He successfully led colonists in the rise against the British after an unbearably cold and gloomy winter (1777-78) at Valley Forge. His dedication and determination used in keeping his army together; with his support of morale was more than notable. Although over the years he was did suffer defeats he was always known and accredited for acting with bravery and making a concise effort to lead his men to safety. Washington set his mind early in to learn from his mistakes. He did not have a lot of experience in many of his trials but always seemed to surpass and come out more knowledgeable. Perhaps because of this Washington was more flexible than his opponents. He taught himself that it was more important to keep his army intact and to win an occasional victory and in result the victory would rally public support that his troops needed. Later Congress commissioned Washington to be Commander in Chief. His great and extensive military background did not prepare him for this job. However, Washington was still greater than any of the other candidates (Davis 15). Washington ended up resigning his commission. Washington had reached the mind set to never again serve in public life. He was transformed into an international hero because of his many contributions and achievements. He went back to the farm life and devoted most of his time to rebuilding what had suffered in his absence. Washington longed for a peaceful life, but the affairs of the nation continued to demand his attention. He watched as the nation suffered debts and military impotence; which made him
Tollefson
conclude that reform was essential. He felt that a Constitution was required. Washington then decided to end his retirement so he could participate in assembly that would recommend changes to the Articles of Confederation. He desperately hoped to retire again to his private life once the constitution was approved. However, when the first presidential election was held, Washington received a vote from every elector. He felt obligated to pursue this for his country. After going from a major commission, to a farmer, and a commander, George Washington became the first American president, 1789- 1797. He was very aware his actions and direction would greatly affect the entire nation. Therefore he served diligently and cautiously throughout two terms in office. His first term was occupied primarily with organization. He had to set up the executive branch of the new government and establish administrative procedures that would make it possible for the government to operate. He believed that energy and efficiency was needed for the republics future. Washington’s second term was dominated by foreign affairs and marred by a deepening partisanship in his own administration. Some of Washington's most important accomplishments were keeping the United States out of the war, giving the new nation an opportunity to grow and strengthen while establishing the principle of neutrality that shaped American foreign policy for more than a century. Despite Washington's disappointment with the rise of partisanship, the last years of his Presidency were distinguished by important achievements. The drawn out Indian war on the northwest frontier was won, Britain surrendered its forts in the northwest, and Spain opened the Mississippi to American commerce. These achievements opened the West to settlement.
Tollefson
After all the hard work and dedication Washington had invested, he was more than ready for retirement. It was obvious he was in no way going to serve a third term as president. In his farewell address, he made it a point to urge the American people to avoid partisanship, hold fast to their faith, and be cautious of all foreign involvement. He then turned the government over to John Adams. He was ready to spend his last years at his beloved estate in Mount Vernon. Washington died a short two years later in 1799 from a suffered throat inflammation caused from being caught out in sleet and snow while riding over his farms. Washington had respectfully built a well-financed strong national government. With this, his amazing leadership skills, and the positive impact of Washington’s beliefs, he won acceptance, respect, and love among many different types of Americans. Washington wrote, “It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.” This call to his fellow citizens was meant for each of us as well (Fisher 35). Moreover, George Washington will always be known as the “Father of our Country”.
Tollefson
Work Cited
Colbert, David. George Washington: Eyewitness to America: 500 years of America in the words of those that saw it happen. New York: Pantheon Books, http:// www.randomhouse.com. 3/97 Printed in the U.S.A., 1997 Random House ,Inc.
Davis, Kenneth C. George Washington: Don’t know much about History. New York: HarperCollins Books, 2003. Pg 15.
Fisher, David Hackett. Washington’s Crossing. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc. 2004, Pg. 35.
Angela Tollefson Hist. 1301 Dr. Chase Machen March 13, 2011 “Father of our Country” The dominant military and political leader of the United States of America was indeed George Washington. Washington not only had a strong military career but also served as a strong representative, and served two- terms as president. He made an undisputed choice to serve as the first president and he started the outline, structure and formal procedures that are still used today. In ones opinion without Washington our country would have undoubtedly failed. Washington was commander in chief of the Continental Army and presided over the writing of the Constitution. Though he had many more achievements and these addressed are only a few of his major contributions; they indeed aided in his known title as the “Father of our Country.” From the very beginning, George Washington was born (at his father’s plantation on Pope’s Creek in Westmoreland County, Virginia, on February 22, 1732) into a wealthy and wellconnected family. His father was a leading planter in the area and also served as a justice of the county court. Washington spent most of his youth at a Ferry Farm. It was a plantation on the Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Washington’s had several influencing factors that seemed to contribute to his character; the tough, heroic, fervent, and natural leader he is known and remembered as today. Some of the influencing factors were thought to be things such as the tragedy of his father dying when he was
Tollefson
only eleven. This tragically placed Washington in an adult based role very quickly, as he was needed to start helping his mother manage the plantation. However because of this Washington learned the significance of hard work and efficiency at a young age. He also recognized the importance of survival. Before his father’s death, his father and brother home schooled him; this allowed them to aid in the molding of Washington’s character as they were basically his mentors and primary influence in his life. Since Washington was home schooled, after his father died school pretty much ceased to exist. Amazingly Washington still overcame and seemed to even excel in math. Other than this, he did not have much of an education. Though Washington’s formal education ended around the age of fifteen and he was a minority because many of the other wealthy youth learned different languages and had the opportunity to become educated he still strived forth; becoming who we know today as “the father of our country”. Although Washington regarded his education as depleted; he was driven and practiced in educating himself by studying and reading on his own. He ended up with a large diverse library and subscribed to many newspapers. Ultimately Washington became a skilled and prolific writer (Colbert 97). For the reason that he himself was deprived of having a good education growing up Washington left money in his will for establishing a school. He definitely believed in the value of a good education, despite his. Washington was also a gentleman farmer for several years. He constantly worked to improve and expand his plantation. He made himself an innovative farmer. He experimented with new crops, fertilizers, crop rotation, tools and livestock breeding to improve his farming operation. Surprisingly, Washington expanded his plantation from two thousand acres to eight thousand acres. Washington dedicated most of his time to his family, but also left time to lead a
Tollefson
social/ public life. He was chosen as one of seven Virginia representatives to the Continental Congress. Washington not only projected a commanding presence, but was very much so documented as a man of patriotic views and sound decision. Despite Washington’s successful and profitable career he became highly interested in military. Washington persuaded information in regard to his new found interest in talking to many people; this only fueled his interest. Washington’s Brother Lawrence, anticipated that he join the British Navy. Washington was more than ecstatic in regard to this anticipation. Although he was ecstatic about having a military career his mother refused the idea and denied him her blessing. So instead, Washington had to let go of the opportunity to travel the world and took on the task of a life of discipline at sea. The life at sea for Washington became one of the greatest adventure stories of American History. Nevertheless Lawrence, Washington’s brother ended up dying. Washington inherited Mount Vernon as well as Lawrence’s place in the Virginia militia, and soon after received a major’s commission. That was the first step in his military career and the life he had always hoped for. Washington’s military career was very extensive: placing him in many battles and numerous areas of testing. When Washington was only twenty two years of age he had made an excellent name for himself. Washington’s endurance was tested and first seen when he had to hike for days; he fell from a raft, and was forced to spend a freezing night on an island with no shelter. Astonishingly he suffered no ill effects. This nine hundred mile journey is what gave start to his prevailing reputation. By the time Washington was twenty seven, he was deemed the most experienced native military officer in Virginia. Many historians give him high credit for his supervision, encouragement, and coordination.
Tollefson
Washington’s strong and well established reputation continued to escalate as his heroic leadership role during the American Revolution was recognized. The American colonies fought the Revolutionary War against Britain from 1775 to 1783 to become an independent nation. Washington commanded the American army. He successfully led colonists in the rise against the British after an unbearably cold and gloomy winter (1777-78) at Valley Forge. His dedication and determination used in keeping his army together; with his support of morale was more than notable. Although over the years he was did suffer defeats he was always known and accredited for acting with bravery and making a concise effort to lead his men to safety. Washington set his mind early in to learn from his mistakes. He did not have a lot of experience in many of his trials but always seemed to surpass and come out more knowledgeable. Perhaps because of this Washington was more flexible than his opponents. He taught himself that it was more important to keep his army intact and to win an occasional victory and in result the victory would rally public support that his troops needed. Later Congress commissioned Washington to be Commander in Chief. His great and extensive military background did not prepare him for this job. However, Washington was still greater than any of the other candidates (Davis 15). Washington ended up resigning his commission. Washington had reached the mind set to never again serve in public life. He was transformed into an international hero because of his many contributions and achievements. He went back to the farm life and devoted most of his time to rebuilding what had suffered in his absence. Washington longed for a peaceful life, but the affairs of the nation continued to demand his attention. He watched as the nation suffered debts and military impotence; which made him
Tollefson
conclude that reform was essential. He felt that a Constitution was required. Washington then decided to end his retirement so he could participate in assembly that would recommend changes to the Articles of Confederation. He desperately hoped to retire again to his private life once the constitution was approved. However, when the first presidential election was held, Washington received a vote from every elector. He felt obligated to pursue this for his country. After going from a major commission, to a farmer, and a commander, George Washington became the first American president, 1789- 1797. He was very aware his actions and direction would greatly affect the entire nation. Therefore he served diligently and cautiously throughout two terms in office. His first term was occupied primarily with organization. He had to set up the executive branch of the new government and establish administrative procedures that would make it possible for the government to operate. He believed that energy and efficiency was needed for the republics future. Washington’s second term was dominated by foreign affairs and marred by a deepening partisanship in his own administration. Some of Washington's most important accomplishments were keeping the United States out of the war, giving the new nation an opportunity to grow and strengthen while establishing the principle of neutrality that shaped American foreign policy for more than a century. Despite Washington's disappointment with the rise of partisanship, the last years of his Presidency were distinguished by important achievements. The drawn out Indian war on the northwest frontier was won, Britain surrendered its forts in the northwest, and Spain opened the Mississippi to American commerce. These achievements opened the West to settlement.
Tollefson
After all the hard work and dedication Washington had invested, he was more than ready for retirement. It was obvious he was in no way going to serve a third term as president. In his farewell address, he made it a point to urge the American people to avoid partisanship, hold fast to their faith, and be cautious of all foreign involvement. He then turned the government over to John Adams. He was ready to spend his last years at his beloved estate in Mount Vernon. Washington died a short two years later in 1799 from a suffered throat inflammation caused from being caught out in sleet and snow while riding over his farms. Washington had respectfully built a well-financed strong national government. With this, his amazing leadership skills, and the positive impact of Washington’s beliefs, he won acceptance, respect, and love among many different types of Americans. Washington wrote, “It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn.” This call to his fellow citizens was meant for each of us as well (Fisher 35). Moreover, George Washington will always be known as the “Father of our Country”.
Tollefson
Work Cited
Colbert, David. George Washington: Eyewitness to America: 500 years of America in the words of those that saw it happen. New York: Pantheon Books, http:// www.randomhouse.com. 3/97 Printed in the U.S.A., 1997 Random House ,Inc.
Davis, Kenneth C. George Washington: Don’t know much about History. New York: HarperCollins Books, 2003. Pg 15.
Fisher, David Hackett. Washington’s Crossing. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc. 2004, Pg. 35.
