George Washington as a Military Commander - Research Paper Example

George Washington as a Military Commander George Washington was the first president of the United s of America. He served the presidential office from April 30, 1789 until March 3, 1797.1 He led the American people after the country was colonized by Great Britain. For how many years, America was actually subjected to British rules and traditions. Washington was dubbed as the “father of America”2 because he was the man responsible for America’s independence. If not because of him, US would not be freed from its British colonizer.

Also, he was the one who initiated in making the United States Constitution. The constitution embodied the democratic ideals of the American people. During his term, Washington had dual responsibility.3 He was the country’s national leader as well as the military commander.4 Even before his presidency, he was the political leader who fought hard for America’s independence. During the war, he was referred to by the American people as their ultimate leader and commander. He became the leader of the US army which fought against the British soldiers.

When America became independent, its people unanimously elected Washington to be their first president. Significantly, the constitution that was created by the first American leaders made the president the automatic commander-in-chief of the military force. As a military leader, it is believed that his ability to handle such responsibility was partly due to his upbringing.5 In his youthful years, he spent many days surveying the land managed by England’s Lord Fairfax.6 This fact implies that Washington actually worked for the British colonizers before becoming the leader of the army which fought for America’s freedom.

As a surveyor, he was able to familiarize the different areas of the land which is now called the State of Virginia.7 His work had helped him formulate strategies that defeated the British army. Based upon historical accounts, he was able to fight two known wars of the seventeenth century, the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War.8 As described, the achievements and services of Washington as the Continental Army’s commander were unique in the history of the world.9 The Continental Army eventually became the United States military force.

10 He had applied strategies which no one has ever expected. His military ideas were quite different from the other military chiefs. It was a mixture of British and American military techniques. His leadership in the military was more than just being a commander. He was calm, determined and unswerving under the challenges and unexpected events which the army encountered in the course of the war.11 He was a model member of the military. He exemplified the characteristics of a true army. Washington was considered by Nicholas Efstathiou as a general who was lucky enough “to survive and learn from his many mistakes.

”12 This statement means that Washington had experienced several defeats in the eight years of war against the British colony. He had improperly laid out plans which unfortunately caused the killing of many American soldiers. For instance, in the Battle of Long Island, “a road was left unguarded” by the American soldiers despite Washington’s watchfulness and instructions.13 As a result, the British army “overwhelmed and defeated the Americans” by “driving them to their entrenchments before Washington arrived.

”14 After such event, Washington was able to realize his mistake. When the Revolutionary War began, Washington actually appeared in front of the Continental Congress wearing a militia uniform to offer his service.15 Through this act, one can say that as an army, Washington has demonstrated a voluntary act of kindness to be of service to his fellow American citizens. Somehow, this attitude has made him unique from the other military leaders. The Congress then accepted his offer and allowed the formation of the Continental Army.

16 George Washington was designated by the Congress to be the army’s commander in chief. Nonetheless, it was cited that his designation to such position was due to his diplomatic skills and “not so much for his military qualifications.”17 George Washington was the “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”18 This was the statement included in George Washington’s memorial delivered by the United States Congress when he died.19 He was considered first in the three aspects mentioned.

Washington was the first military officer who demonstrated unique skills and strategies in warfare. He fought against the British army so that America could have peace and independence. Washington actually believed that the end of war is peace and that true peace can only be achieved through independence. His leadership in the military had freed the Americans from the devastating effects of colonization. Bibliography Chadwick, Bruce. George Washington's War: The Forging of A Revolutionary leader and the American Presidency.

Illinois: Sourcebooks, Inc., 2005. Consolazio, Paul. “George Washington: First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Hacienda Publishing Inc. Accessed March 21, 2011. http://www.jpands.org/hacienda/comm20.html. Efstathiou, Nicholas. “General George Washington’s Military Leadership.” Suite101.com. Last Modified October 9, 2008. http://www.suite101.com/content /general-george-washingtons-military-leadership-a72615. “George Washington (1732-1799): American General.” Seize The Night. Revised November 2010.

http://www.carpenoctem.tv/military/wah.html. “George Washington as A Military Leader.” All About History. Accessed March 21, 2011. http://www.allabouthistory.org/george-washington-as-a-military-leader-faq.htm. Martin, Kelly. “George Washington Fast Facts: First President of the United States.” About.com. Accessed March 21, 2011. http://americanhistory.about.com/od /georgewashington/a/geo_washington.htm. Wildman, Franklin. “George Washington: The Commander in Chief.” Historic Valley Forge.

Submitted April 1966. http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/washington/george2.html. .