The Extraordinary Life Of George Washington - 1954 Words

General Washington: A Biography Your Name here Class Abbreviation (Ex: AMHIST) Class #: Class Title Instructor s Name Date Here  There have been numerous biographies penned about the extraordinary life of George Washington. This essay will focus on Washington s life in terms of his military career. When George Washington is examined in light of his abilities as a leader of men in battle, a complicated portrait emerges that reveals the hallmarks of a great leader: adaptability, calm assurance under pressure, the ability to inspire loyalty, and serious shortcomings, including his tendency to be indecisive and a reluctance to take responsibility for his mistakes in the field. William Troppman, an historian and park ranger†¦show more content†¦Troppman notes that even at this early stage of his military career, the youthful colonel from the Virginia militia exhibited the characteristics of an exceptional leader. As history has shown however, the traits that make a leader a great are also those that make them interaction with them difficult. In Troppman s words, During the French and Indian War, Washington showed signs of a true leader. He was self-confident. But he also was impatient and arrogant at times. Those traits made dealing with his superiors difficult. It is interesting to observe that great military minds through the ages, from Caesar to Washington to as recently as George S. Patton, have been remembered by history for both their difficult personalities and their extraordinary achievements in times of war. In 1758, Washington resigned his commission and left the army. It is telling that although Washington was only twenty-seven at this time, The men under his command thanked him for his care over them. A sentiment that gives insight into Washington s character, even at this early age to inspire the soldiers who served with him . . . [to look] up to him as someone who was mature beyond his years. According to Troppman, his men referred to their young leader, not yet thirty, as father , an interesting precursor to Washington s title as father of our country. Troppman maintains that after the French and Indian War, Washington divided his pursuits between developing his beloved