Main Qualities Used by Washington George Washington, the first president of the United States of America, faced numerous obstacles, fought against a superior numbered British Army, and often suffered serious complications during the thirteen original colonies rise to independence. In this essay, I will demonstrate three enduring qualities of our celebrated leader and founding father, George Washington, as shown in Robert Harvey’s, “Maverick Military Leaders” (2008).
Raising Morale Upon his selection as commander of the colonial army, General Washington established some methods in order to raise Soldiers morale. Without morale, Washington knew the Army would be useless to fight against a seasoned, veteran British Army. His first order of business was ensuring the Soldiers had powder for their muskets and built up defenses. Next, he solicited women supporters to fashion over 14,000 coats. Finally, General Washington instituted a new term of enlistment to halt stop the desertion rate (Harvey, 2008). These were some of the first initiatives launched by Washington and although appear trivial can prove pivotal for subordinate Soldiers. Similarly, Washington’s capacity to grab the upper hand proved an enduring character trait. Improvising, Tactical Advantage, and Maneuver The next quality stated by Harvey (2008) remains Washington’s, “ability to improvise and seize unexpected tactical advantage on the battlefield and maneuver skillfully” (p.xlvi). General Washington proved his creativity, enterprise, and ingenuity during a battle for Boston, Massachusetts that took place on March 2nd, 1776. The British left the hill of Dorchester Heights exposed and unoccupied. In a masterstroke, some 2,000 Colonial Soldiers climbed Dorchester Heights and began assembling the artillery pieces. Due to the frozen ground, the colonials made …show more content…
The revolutionary war took in excess of five years, countless lives, and many turns both for and against the original thirteen colonies. General Washington proved time and again his resolve in fighting the British and sometimes the first Continental Congress. As stated by Harvey (2008), “ He was facing imminent dismissal as a disastrous leader and he knew it” (p.53). However, Washington remained undeterred. This was never truer than during the renown crossing of the Delaware River to attack Trenton, New Jersey. General Washington led some 2,400 loyal Soldiers across the frozen river, during blizzard like conditions on Christmas Eve, 1776. British General Howe left his front lines lightly guarded by 2,000 Hessian German Soldiers and went into respite for the winter in New York (Harvey, 2008). The victory demonstrated Washington’s audacity and provided a much needed victory for the Continental …show more content…
Meanwhile, the American-French coalition marched south to Virginia, Washington’s home state. This culminated as presented by Harvey (2008) with, “Washington’s Army totaling some 18,000 men, with at least 90 guns” (p.72) all facing a surrounded General Cornwallis in Yorktown. The ensuing legendary battle proved short lived; even so, it remains the landmark battle of the Revolutionary War proving Washington’s audacity.
Conclusion
General Washington proved his military intelligence, nerve, and commitment during the beginning, middle, and end of the war of independence. He placed considerable interest raising the Colonial Soldiers’ morale. He possessed an innate ability to improvise and maneuver the Continental Army. Washington executed due through incredible resolve. After a long and often frustrating war, General Washington, conducted the most audacious, definite moves of the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Yorktown proved Washington’s military acumen and a fitting-closing crusade for perhaps America’s finest military
Raising Morale Upon his selection as commander of the colonial army, General Washington established some methods in order to raise Soldiers morale. Without morale, Washington knew the Army would be useless to fight against a seasoned, veteran British Army. His first order of business was ensuring the Soldiers had powder for their muskets and built up defenses. Next, he solicited women supporters to fashion over 14,000 coats. Finally, General Washington instituted a new term of enlistment to halt stop the desertion rate (Harvey, 2008). These were some of the first initiatives launched by Washington and although appear trivial can prove pivotal for subordinate Soldiers. Similarly, Washington’s capacity to grab the upper hand proved an enduring character trait. Improvising, Tactical Advantage, and Maneuver The next quality stated by Harvey (2008) remains Washington’s, “ability to improvise and seize unexpected tactical advantage on the battlefield and maneuver skillfully” (p.xlvi). General Washington proved his creativity, enterprise, and ingenuity during a battle for Boston, Massachusetts that took place on March 2nd, 1776. The British left the hill of Dorchester Heights exposed and unoccupied. In a masterstroke, some 2,000 Colonial Soldiers climbed Dorchester Heights and began assembling the artillery pieces. Due to the frozen ground, the colonials made …show more content…
The revolutionary war took in excess of five years, countless lives, and many turns both for and against the original thirteen colonies. General Washington proved time and again his resolve in fighting the British and sometimes the first Continental Congress. As stated by Harvey (2008), “ He was facing imminent dismissal as a disastrous leader and he knew it” (p.53). However, Washington remained undeterred. This was never truer than during the renown crossing of the Delaware River to attack Trenton, New Jersey. General Washington led some 2,400 loyal Soldiers across the frozen river, during blizzard like conditions on Christmas Eve, 1776. British General Howe left his front lines lightly guarded by 2,000 Hessian German Soldiers and went into respite for the winter in New York (Harvey, 2008). The victory demonstrated Washington’s audacity and provided a much needed victory for the Continental …show more content…
Meanwhile, the American-French coalition marched south to Virginia, Washington’s home state. This culminated as presented by Harvey (2008) with, “Washington’s Army totaling some 18,000 men, with at least 90 guns” (p.72) all facing a surrounded General Cornwallis in Yorktown. The ensuing legendary battle proved short lived; even so, it remains the landmark battle of the Revolutionary War proving Washington’s audacity.
Conclusion
General Washington proved his military intelligence, nerve, and commitment during the beginning, middle, and end of the war of independence. He placed considerable interest raising the Colonial Soldiers’ morale. He possessed an innate ability to improvise and maneuver the Continental Army. Washington executed due through incredible resolve. After a long and often frustrating war, General Washington, conducted the most audacious, definite moves of the Revolutionary War. The Battle of Yorktown proved Washington’s military acumen and a fitting-closing crusade for perhaps America’s finest military