Thinking About History Thursdays

Why I Like George Washington

Students in my classes know I'm a big fan of George Washington. In some ways he may be the most misunderstood of the Founding Fathers, while also the most important. Why? You ask. Without Washington there would not have been a successful conclusion to the American Revolution. While revisionist historians and textbooks like to point out that he lost more battles than he won and never published anything of significance, Washington possessed two important characteristics: a clear grasp of the strategic situation and an amazing sense of leadership which will serve him well as general and President.

Washington was not a professionally trained military man. What he knew of war he learned from books. He was the commander of the local militia as a young man and fought with Braddock in the French and Indian War. This alone made him one of the most experienced colonial leaders in the ways of war. Only one man, Horatio Gates was a more experienced commander but Gates was not born in the colonies and he possessed certain character flaws. Washington recognized that the task before him, defeating what was arguably the most powerful country in the world, was huge. He knew two important things: one, the survival of the Continental Army depended on careful selection of which battles to fight and which to avoid, and two, the army would have to decisively defeat a large British force on the traditional field of battle (hit and run Minutemen tactics would not win the Revolution) to prove its worth. With the exception of the New York campaign he did an admirable job accomplishing goal number one, and with the victory at Yorktown he bested a large British force.

Washington had prepared himself from a young age to be a gentleman and leader. He followed a strict code of behavioral conduct and though hard on his men at times he was always fair. He led from the front so his men could see him exposing himself to the same dangers they faced. Every soldier had at one time or another observed Washington cruising the battlefield on his white charger, accompanied by his personal attendant, a slave named Will Lee who was reportedly the only person in the colonies that could keep up with the general when riding. Washington knew what to say and do at the right times to encourage and inspire his men. His demeanor calmed frazzled nerves during the nighttime Delaware crossing and defused a potential mutiny toward the end of the war.

Washington believed service to his country and fellow man was ultimately important. History has shown that most conquering generals ended up installing themselves as emperor, tyrant, or dictator, but not Washington. This is why he has often been compared to the Roman dictator Cincinnatus. Cincinnatus was called to lead Rome during a difficult time and was given power to do anything he chose. He successfully led a Roman Army in defense of the city and was received as the conquering hero and offered the position of dictator for life. He refused. Instead he resigned and returned to his farm and family. This was during the time of the republic and he believed in that form of government. As you might guess, the city of Cincinnati was named after this Roman leader. Washington desired and did the same thing. He marched the army to Philadelphia after the war. Some representatives of Congress thought he was marching to assume total control, so they fled the city. In fact, Washington showed up to offer his resignation and submit a ledger of the items he had paid for during the war (Washington received to salary for his service just reimbursement for personal costs). He left and went back to Martha and his farm.

Although Washington was not an author, published no significant treatises, and sometimes is referred to as simple-minded (by simple-minded historians), he was in fact well versed in the classics and the multitudes of paperwork and correspondence we have today paint a picture of a thinking man who clearly understood the vision of what America could be and would be. He set an example as President of staying above the political fray, encouraging compromise, adhering to the rule of law, respecting the Constitution, and taking responsibility for decisions. During an era of slave holding Washington was the only Founder to have freed his slaves (through various means) by the time of his death.

For this and many other reasons Washington is my hero, behind my Dad.

 

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