George Washington: Our First Hero 

Introduction

“Every post is honorable in which a man can serve his country” (“Founders Online: Instructions to Colonel Benedict Arnold, 14 September 1775”). One man who truly served his country is George Washington. Washington was “born in Westmoreland County, Virginia, near the banks of the Potomac River, on February 22, 1732” (Ellis 6). During most of his adult life, he spent time at Mount Vernon and many military camps (63). The first President of our nation, commander of the Continental Army, and Founding Father, Washington is the perfect example of a leader using a transformational leadership style, to serve his country. A transformational leader, as mentioned in Leadership: Theory and Practice, is “attentive to the needs and motives of followers and tries to help followers reach their fullest potential” (Northouse). This essay focuses on the impact of Washington’s transformational leadership during times like The American Revolutionary war and the challenges that followed, displaying how his leadership led to the formation of the United States of America. 

Critical Life Events

Washington endured many critical life events that shaped his future. These events shaped the fundamental outlook of Washington’s view on the world. For example, the death of his half-brother, Lawrence, opened a spot in the military for Washington to join. “Lawrence’s death created an opening in the adjutancy corps, and William Fairfax used his influence to assure Dinwiddie that the young man was up to the task. As Washington himself put it: ‘I am sensible my best endeavors will not be wanting” (Ellis 8). Lawrence also contributed to Washington’s early life bringing him to Barbados in hope of finding a cure for TB but instead, little Washington contracted smallpox (7). This offset later helped Washington in the future when smallpox had become a common disease during the Revolutionary War. His immunity granted him better success then his comrades but not the British as they had immunity for years. Lawrence had a significant impact when it came to Washington’s early life and future military career. Another critical event in Washington’s life was the death of his father. His death left young Washington to live with mother in the ferry home, a 6-room farmhouse across Rappahannock from Fredericksburg (7). Washington’s education was also affected as he only “received the modern equivalent of a grade-school education but was never exposed to the classical curriculum or encouraged to attend college at William and Mary, a deficiency that haunted him throughout his subsequent career” (7). This affected his future in that he was more focused on learning the necessary skills for being in the military. While this did further enhance his abilities in the war, he lacked certain competencies compared to those around him who did receive higher education. The Fairfax family also contributed to Washington’s development with his first job opportunity as William Fairfax employed him to conduct surveys in the Shenandoah Valley. This allowed young Washington to first experience the rough conditions of the environment, and in the future, he would be more knowledgeable when leading through the terrain.  

Important Historical Events

During the mid 1700’s warfare was uncommon, whether it was the French and Indian War, The American Revolutionary War or even the Whiskey Rebellion. The French and Indian War played a significant role in Washington’s early military career. Washington was given the rank lieutenant colonel, or second in command during the initial stages of the war (Ellis 8). This allowed Washington to further advance his military knowledge which improved his future. During the battle of Fort Necessity, Washington claimed, “more than three hundred dead or wounded by the end of the day” and that the French commander called a truce with Washington saying, “the battle was not a defeat but rather a stalemate” (Ellis 10). Although his account was not as accurate as, Washington did not have remarkable success at first. At Fort Necessity, he placed his troops in a dangerous position which resulted in over 100 casualties and only five enemy deaths (10). Later the Articles of Capitulation; the formal agreement of both sides regarding the surrender, signed by Washington stated it was the British’s fault for the assassination of a French emissary (10). This meant that the British were accountable for starting the war. Shortly after, it was decided there would be no expedition against the French which in turn resulted in Washington being demoted to a lower rank. He viewed this as an insult to his capabilities, “as his military position was his primary indication of social standing in the Virginia hierarchy” (10), rather than accept the rank, he later resigned. One of the more significant historical events during this time was The American Revolutionary War. Mainly caused because of taxes without representation meaning the colonies had no say in the British Parliament. Also because of incidents like the Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party and the fact that self-governance was achievable fueled the colonies desire to be free from the British. The first battle that took place was the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Although Washington was not actively serving then, this key moment affected his mind surrounding the war. “Unhappy it is though to reflect, that a Brother’s Sword has been sheathed in a brother’s breast” (29). The text is mentioned after information from the battle is brought upon in Philadelphia, regarding Washington’s approach on the matter. Another important historical event is the Constitutional Convention which took place around 1787, where Washington was both the most important person but also the least active. The purpose of the document was to “revise the Articles of Confederation, not replace them” (73). During the convention, Washington met with prominent figures such as James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, and Alexander Hamilton. Another important historical event or events to note were battles such as Bunker Hill, Trenton, and Princeton. These battles highlighted the success of Washington’s leadership abilities and his competencies to utilize certain strategies that awarded the American troops victory.

Leadership

The Leadership of George Washington was a key factor in determining the outcome of the American Revolutionary War. Given the rank of Commander of the Continental Army, it was because of his skills and his ability to lead, that he was viable to win the war for the colonies. Leadership can be a vague subject, which is why the leadership style that fits George Washington the most is transformational. But what is transformational leadership? Transformational leadership can be defined as leaders and followers working together to achieve a goal while simultaneously growing upon themselves. Often, those who follow a transformational leadership style possess a charismatic personality type. Having charisma further advances the transformational leadership style because charisma is reflected in influence and influence is leadership. Although Washington may have been awkward, he carried himself with an inspiring presence that “Adams later claimed that this “gift of silence” was Washington’s greatest political asset, which Adams himself so envied” (79). Washington’s influence spread far whether it took place during battles or even among his peers. “Within the gallery of greats known as the Founding Fathers, Washington was recognized as the “primus inter pares,” meaning the first among equals” (4). For all these men to acknowledge Washington as their superior, given with their own talents and skills, reflects how great of a leader Washington was. Regarding battles such as Bunker Hill which took place on June 17^{th, 1775,} in Massachusetts. To many the battle may have been seen as a victory for the British, but they did suffer tremendous loss as they loss “more than a thousand casualties, nearly half of their attacking force” (32). This battle was Washington’s first as commander in chief and although it may have seemed like a loss, the Americans viewed it as a “great moral triumph” (32). The possibility of winning the war had become achievable as Washington understood his role and being able to better himself as a commander. Another way he used a transformational leadership style was by surrounding himself with those with a far more advanced education than his own. “Washington surrounded himself with the most intellectually sophisticated collection of statesmen in American presidential history” (80). This allowed Washington to keep those around him who could grow with him as his trusted personnel. Washington’s approach for leadership was shown in other scenarios like regular tasks. For example, Ellis mentions “Washington chose to delegate complete control to his “co-adjutors.” His reasons for maintaining a discreet distance differed in each case” (81). He understood the importance of dividing the tasks in a way where he could focus on his strategical plans and his followers could display their own competencies. These practices further solidified his transformational leadership approach. One essential battle that highlighted his leadership was the Battle of Trenton-Princeton. The battle consisted of many successful surprise attacks led and planned by Washington. His strategical knowledge allowed the Americans to conduct a plan of attack. “During that time Washington deployed the main elements of the Continental army in a giant arc that extended from northern New Jersey into the Hudson Highlands near West Point and then eastward into the hill country of western Connecticut” (49). This allowed the Americans to take control of exceedingly popular areas and establish military control. Looking at the image, it can be inferred that it represented Washington’s strategical competencies and his military commander skills (Leutze). It was a turning point in the war. This victory boosted the spirit of the Americans after defeating the British. During the Battle of Yorktown, Washington’s leadership extended far as his role was necessary in the surrender of the British army. According to Washington’s diary entries, he did not know that this battle would be the last. The battles were not the only source of Washington’s leadership as shortly after the war he was elected the first president of the now United States of America. When he first became president, he chose a restrained executive power over an absolute power like the control of Britain. In his vision, he wanted an equal distance of details, which is why he had those around him who were more educated (Ellis 80). His leadership set the path to the future of the government as he paved the way for a new, advanced government.

Conclusion

Without the necessary attributes and skills of George Washington, our nation would not be at its current development. Washington possesses skills relating to a transformational leadership style which further advanced his militia in becoming victorious in matters regarding circumstances such as The French and Indian War or the American Revolutionary War. Joseph J. Ellis writes the autobiography of George Washington in an admiring tone, whether they chose to or chose not to include examples that would defame Washington. The author portrays Washington’s leadership in many ways to develop a theme that Washington was able to use transformational leadership styles to shape the future and develop the United States of America.

Work Cited

Ellis, Joseph J. His Excellency : George Washington. Alfred A. Knopf, 2004. 

“Founders Online: Instructions to Colonel Benedict Arnold, 14 September 1775.” Founders.archives.gov, founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/03-01-02-0356. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023. 

Northouse, Peter. Leadership: Theory and Practice. 8th ed., Sage Publications, 2019. 

Schmidt, Ferdinand. “George Washington.” Https://Www.gutenberg.org/Files/60236/60236-h/60236-H.htm, 4 Sept. 2019, www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/60236/pg60236-images.html. Accessed 30 Nov. 2023. 

Leutze, Emanuel, Artist. Washington crossing the Delaware. Christmas …/ after the painting by Emanuel Leutze. Photograph. Retrieved from the Library of Congress, <www.loc.gov/item/93509845/>. Accessed 1 Dec. 2023 

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