Essay Example on George Washington: Hero, Commander in Chief, Father of Nation, Constitution Writer

George Washington, a young man of the tidewater plantation, would never have thought he would become the father of his nation. A man who would become a first in many things. George Washington became the commander in chief of the continental army (1775-1783) during the time of the American revolutionary war. He came home a hero after defeating the British monarchy, which was the mightiest in the world. in 1787, an election made him the convention president who wrote the constitution of the united states. Later George became the president of the United States and served two terms between (1789-1797) at 57 years. He resided in new york and Philadelphia because Washington DC, the future capital city, had not been constructed yet. He later signed a bill stating a future, where US capital would be along Potomac river-later named as Washington DC to honor him.

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As a commander in chief, George Washington achieved a lot that was admirable. He was the overall strategist of the war against the British. His main goal was independence. In the battle, he lost many of his soldiers, but he never surrendered to the enemy. George, together with his army, fought relentlessly until the end of the war. In his days as a commander, he took charge of training his army. He also provided supplies such a food, gunpowder, and tents to his troops. He was the one who trained regular Washington soldiers into a disciplined and effective force. Most troops were under the purview of Congress. However, Washington ensured that they provided essentials for the soldiers.

The book "the indispensable man" by James Flexner described him for who he indeed was. A man born not of wealth but succeeds through hard work and determination. He was indispensable because of his commitment to the country against its enemies. George was a cunning, fallible human being. He may have had a temper, but he did not let it get in the way of his commitments. In this book, George Washington is a victorious general. He not only used a tactic that worked to defeat the British but also used strategist vision. He had a goal he wanted to accomplish and fully understood how to win the war.

George Washington won the hearts of his country people. His greatest achievement was to give up his power twice without war. George's republican views made him despise kingship even when it would have benefited him. During the time the revolutionary war was ending, George resigned from his position as a military commissioner and returned home to Vernon. He also left in his second term as a president and refused to seek a third term. George had planned to resign after his first term. However, he remained in office because of the political strife in the country. He ruled with a great character of judgment. King George III termed him as the greatest man in the world for giving up the presidency to return to his farm.

George Washington had several accomplishments as us president. At the time of his swearing-in as the president, the United States of America was a small nation with only 11 states and some 4million people. Since there was no precedent on how to govern a country, he worked diligently to set a good example for other presidents who would come after him. He exercised fairness, integrity, and prudence. He was in support of matters concerning international relations with other nations. He was also neutral when it came to foreign conflicts. A series of firsts established George Washington's era of the presidency. While in the office, George nominated the first chief justice of the united states, john jay. Between (1745-1829), George signed a bill in the establishment of the first bank of the united states. Also, in this period, he nominated his presidential cabinet.

Thomas Jefferson, the secretary of state and Alexander Hamilton, the secretary of the treasury, were the most prominent nominees in his cabinet. Both at odds on the role of the federal government. While this would have confused the office, President George Washington believed their divergent views were critical for a healthy government. He related well with opposite views despite the knowledge that they could lead to political violence and undermine republicanism. However, he did not like the idea of forming rival parties that threatened peace in the country.

During his time as president, George Washington signed the first copywritten law, which protects the writers and authors' rights. In response to slavery petitions, George Washington came up with pro-slavery measures such as limiting American involvement in the Atlantic slave trade (slave act 1794). He also signed a proclamation making November 26 a national Thanksgiving Day to celebrate the end of the war for America and successful ratification of the constitution. The first federal revenue law was passed on distilled spirits after farmers in Pennsylvania rioted over "whiskey tax." The rectification of the bill of rights led to new states joining the union.

In April 1792, the French revolutionary war between Great Britain and France began. George took Hamilton's view and declared neutrality. It served as a way to avoid foreign conflicts. His firm belief was that the united states must and should maintain national identity, dignity, and strength to keep the country free and independent of all other influence. The Jay treaty was signed in August 1795 to mark a decade of peace with Britain. This treaty provoked bitter discussions, which lead to the house of representatives calling upon the president for an explanation upon the deal. However, Washington declined the offer and remained adamant in his position. In the same year, the signification of the Greenville treaty ended the war with the Indians. A friendship was sparked between Americans and Spain after an agreement called Pickney's deal was signed.

During his presidency, Washington did not shake hands, nor did he return any calls. His acknowledgment was a simple formal bow. He drove a coach drawn by four to six horses and attended receptions in black velvet suits with gold buckles, yellow gloves, a cocked hat with an ostrich feather, and powdered hair. Whenever he met with his guests, he would address them while standing on a raised platform. He also had a sword displayed on his hip. These actions proved that George Washington was determined to define his leadership style as the very first president of the country. Necessity led to these actions because the Americans were adjusting to a government without a king.

In his final days in the office, George decided to write his valedictory address or farewell address. He believed that his death in the office as a lifetime appointment. He, therefore, sent his manuscript to the secretary of the treasury, Alexander Hamilton. In September 1796, the American Daily Advertiser published the final version of the address.in his address, George emphasized national identity as a paramount point. He also warned the people of the three main dangers that faced the American people who were regionalism, partisanship, and foreign entanglements. George insisted that the Americans uphold patriotism more than any other value for the country. He called for people to move from partisanship to a greater common good. Washington termed political parties as a danger to the country's peace. He also warned against foreign affairs that could influence the domestic affairs of the country.

Conclusion

Washington's death came unexpectedly. In his last moments, he instructed his private secretary Tobias Lear to wait at least three days before he could make his burial arrangements. It was to ensure that he was completely dead. However, he died peacefully on December 14, 1799, at the age of 67 years. His cause of death remained a subject of debate since his death. However, Washington's legacy continues to be the most influential in American history. His many achievements remain in the memories of the American people with some biographers such as James Thomas Flexner referring to him as the "indispensable man."

Works cited

"Founders Online: Enclosure V: Frederick County Poll Sheet, 1758, 24 July 1758." National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives and Records Administration, founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/02-05-02-0273-0006.

"Nonfiction Book Review: Washington: The Indispensable Man: The Illustrated Edition by James Thomas Flexner. Sterling Signature, $45 (452p) ISBN 978-1-4027-7821-6." PublishersWeekly.com, www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4027-7821-6.

Nothstine, Ray. "Why Is George Washington the Greatest President?" Acton Institute PowerBlog, Acton Institute PowerBlog, 17 Feb. 2014, blog.acton.org/archives/65818-george-washington-greatest-president.html.

Steve and Steve. "Review of 'Washington: The Indispensable Man' by James Thomas Flexner." My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies, 7 Sept. 2017, bestpresidentialbios.com/2013/02/04/review-of-washington-the-indispensable-man-by-james-thomas-flexner/.