Washington strongly believed that the colonies’ citizens would be glad and also very successful if they got and developed a joint country that was independent and also that which functioned in a way that the citizens took part in the governance[1]. He therefore worked towards that objective and not towards his personal gain or achievement. George Washington’s ability to always set the general good ahead of own gain strengthened his leadership. He had opportunities which he could take advantage of and individually gain a lot, but he focused on being royal. The general good was the creation of a new united nation.
When Washington was 15 years old, he had a great chance to be secured a position in the Royal Navy[2]. At that time, his mother opposed the offer that could later mold Washington’s destiny and general value as a man. Despite that offer, George accompanied his brother Lawrence and went together to Barbados strongly believing that the change of climate would aid his brother who was suffering from tuberculosis to recover. During that time of the trip, he suffered from smallpox making his face to be scary. He chose to help his brother without minding of his own-self. This scenario is a clear indication that as a leader, he put the interest of others before his own.
At the age of 17, Washington became a land surveyor at Culpeper County[3]. This was his profession before he got into the Army. During this time of his career, he could have used that chance to illegally get huge pieces of land but he proved to be different and did not do that. In fact, he saved money for a while from his job and legally bought land located at Shenandoah Valley. It was through the hard work that he bought more pieces of land in Western Virginia.
After Washington joined the army, he did not have the desire to get power regardless of the many victories that he gave the continental forces. Immediately after the battles were over, Washington resigned his position instead of taking its advantage to get into authority[4]. Also, he retired from the presidency after serving only for two terms regardless his acceptance by the people of America. He did not use his influence to the people to remain in office till his death but instead established the tradition of two terms ruling which is still in use to date. During the years that followed, he sustained a non-partisan attitude on the political matters although he was in support of the policies by the Federalist Party.
Washington also sacrificed for America and this is clearly supported by facts that he worked as the Continental Army commander without being paid[5]. This nearly made him bankrupt by the time he went back home to Mount Vernon after working as the first president of the country. There was also another occasion when he was approached by some soldiers who wanted to overthrow the government of the wartime and suggested Washington lead the country. He met with the soldiers and opposed the plan. This shows that Washington was not greedy for power since if he had the desire to be in office, he could have accepted the idea given by the soldiers.
It was not his generalship which made George Washington a leader but how he showed up to his men and the way he always stuck by them. He respected and cared for his soldiers and he could always share their severe sufferings. For example, he sacrificed during the harsh cold winter of 1777-78 in Valley Forge where he took a lot of care and made sure that all his soldiers had a place to cover their heads[6]. He encouraged them to persevere and eventually they became victors. After the end of the independence war in 1783, George Washington resigned and left his commission. Unlike many individuals in the leadership positions, Washington was not motivated or hungry for power. This is evident since he mostly resigns from positions and got back to his normal quiet life where he continued his farming[7]. He had a chance to remain in leadership but he opted to step down.
During the war between India and French, George Washington was selected and named as a nominal officer in the British Army. After he experienced several defeats, Washington proved to be a leader of the military in that war which was known as French-Indian War. Many facts of George Washington, are grounded on revising his letters from the significant moments of America’s independence. Even after Act of 1865 stamp, George Washington did not take a vibrant role in uprisings by the British colonies, Washington’s own biography[8]. Although he had the chance and opportunity to actively take part in the roles of the uprising in the British colonies, George Washington found that the British actions were being disrespectful to the crucial citizens’ rights. He minded about the peoples’ rights. Though he could take this chance to directly claim ancestry on British soil, he became so oral to his opposition towards the British. Washington engaged and heavily tried the sanctions of the economy and suggested to Virginia to boycott every British good until the acts impacted by the British are revisited and repealed. He proved to be concerned about the peoples’ welfare and not primarily his individual gain.
Washington did not actively look or seek the role of the commander-in-chief. This happened after he attacked a French fort and murdered the fort’s commander and also some men. There were some other reasons for selecting Washington since the British rule resistance had been focused originally in the colonies of the New England, George Washington was selected because he came from the southern colony and it was very significant to bring together the colonial labors towards the British. After a successful victory over the British, there was very high resistance towards the new United States’ constitution since there were no Washington’s political labors[9]. It was unlikely that the constitution could have gone through. The measure was very near that it was just one vote that permitted the ration in the state of Virginia which was Washington’s home. George Washington wanted to retire but he really needed to make sure that the new constitution was passed.
George Washington was that kind of person who did not seek for power although when he was needed, he could avail himself and perform his duty. He was very ready for his duty clearly showing that he was a royal man and his morals were very upright. Washington became a skillful leader throughout the wartime for Independence in America. He had acquired the strategies of the military and even the significance of political approach in the battle[10]. George Washington was helped by Ben Franklin to get help from their former enemies. After the tough war, Washington had the desire to get back to the Mount Vernon and continue working on his plantation estate which had really and seriously suffered during the war times meant for Independence. The bringing back of the estate to its former prosperity was successful since he got help from the United States Congress which a new forum. Washington hesitated to get back to the services of the public but he later found out that the delicate test of democracy was not properly coming together the way it should do. Actually, he had the chance to be away from the public services as he wished but he opted to help the development of this new and young nation. This clearly shows that this man was not driven by personal interest but he desired and felt that he should put more efforts and see the development of the young nation.
George Washington also shocked everyone when he refused the offer of a salary. After bringing back the prosperity of Mount Vernon, Washington was not ready and even refused to receive the salary that was paid by the Congress for becoming the president of the United States. However. It was very significant that office belonging to the president could be held or occupied by any individual. It doesn’t matter whether they are poor or even rich, and it was for that reason he accepted the salary since there was need of a salary[11]. He clearly showed that his dedication was so much into the duty other than the financial reward.
During the course of the American revolution, Washington was highly given respect as a soldier. He was an accomplished expert in military and in addition to this, Washington was the best selection to be the commander of the Continental Army, according to Washington’s writings[12]. His incorruptible conduct is clearly evident as he imparted discipline to his team of soldiers and the entire army units.[13]
This was during the training times when the continental Army was really expected to battle with the empire which was the strongest in the entire world. The main issue that required the intervention of George Washington was that most of the men in the team felt that there was no reason to go fight outside their residence or even listen to a commander who was from another state[14]. Washington’s attention to feature concerning the training, logistics and also supplies aided him to avoid more defeats since the British seemed to be more powerful due to their huge numbers.[15]
Washington is termed as a royal man since, despite the influence he had as the commander in chief of the continent forces, he did not have the desire to seize power using that influence he had. But instead, he got involved in a very significant role in creating the centralized form of government for states to be united which was during the constitutional convention which led.
In conclusion, it is clear that George Washington was that type of person possessing flawless qualities even though not without a stain totally. This great man was always seeking protection to the lives of the other citizens not minding the danger involved when in a battlefield and when he is given the chance to be the king he rejects the offer. This shows that George Washington focused on the duties he got and not personal profits.
Works cited
Ferling, John E. The first of men: A life of George Washington. Oxford University Press, 2010.
Flexner, James Thomas. Washington: The indispensable man. Open Road Media, 2017.
Repak, Terry. Waiting on Washington: Central American workers in the nation's capital. Temple University Press, 2010.
Rutland, Robert A. "George Washington: A Biography in His Own Words." (1973): 372-373.
Washington, George. The Writings of George Washington. Vol. 4. GP Putnam'Sons, 1889.
Washington, George. Washington's Political Legacies: With a Biographical Outline of His Life and Character. Cambridge University Press, 2011.
[1]
Ferling, John E. The first of men: A life of George Washington. Oxford University Press, 2010, 33.
[2] Ibid, 34
[3] Repak, Terry. Waiting on Washington: Central American workers in the nation's capital. Temple University Press, 2010, p. 52.
[4]
Ibid, p. 54
[5] Ibid, 60
[6] Flexner, James Thomas. Washington: The indispensable man. Open Road Media, 2017, p. 98
[7] Ibid, p. 115
[8]
Rutland, Robert A. "George Washington: A Biography in His Own Words." (1973): 372-373.
[9] Flexner, James Thomas. Washington: The indispensable man. Open Road Media, 2017, p. 99
[10] Flexner, James Thomas. Washington: The indispensable man. Open Road Media, 2017, p. 90
[11] Washington, George. The Writings of George Washington. Vol. 4. GP Putnam'Sons, 1889.
[12]
Rutland, Robert A. "George Washington: A Biography in His Own Words." (1973): 372-373.
[13]
Washington, George. The Writings of George Washington. Vol. 4. GP Putnam'Sons, 1889.
[14] Rutland, Robert A. "George Washington: A Biography in His Own Words." (1973): 372-373.
