...The Father of America: George Washington James Butler, a founding father of America, stated during the first Presidential elections, that “many of the members cast their eyes towards General Washington, as President, and shaped their ideas of the powers to be given a President, by their opinions of his virtue” (“George Washington” 127). In saying this, he meant that George Washington was a man that, in the eyes of all the chair-holders, fit all the characteristics that a President should have. For over 150 years before George Washington’s time, America was a colony of the British Empire that controlled the do’s and don’ts of the people living there. However, with the accumulation of laws and acts set forth by the distant British Empire, the...
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...history has ever taken on such as strenuous a role as George Washington did as the first President of the newly formed United States of America. The country had just gained independence from the greatest power in the world at the time, but the biggest challenge would come ahead; the making of a country. This journey began with the creation of the Constitution and the first President of the United States taking office; George Washington. Although he did not willingly accept his duty, he ended up serving eight terms as the first President. In his farewell address to the nation, Washington warned the young country of what he believed to be the downfall for the nation. These warnings included the exclusion of foreign affair, a way to conserve and prosper financially, and no political parties. Even though Washington was such a successful President, these warnings were not followed by any means, and even today America does offend every single one of these warnings, although not each one proving costly to the nation. Washington lived in a time where people gave their lives to be independent from a mother country. By experience, he knew that a country operates better when it is unaltered by other countries. In his farewell address, Washington says that it is understandable to have commercial relations with a country, but America should “have with them as little political connection as possible” (Farewell Address). Washington did not want to include the country in foreign affairs because...
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...George Washington Shaped America into Greatness Amanda Villeso American History Mr. David 4-24-17 “Give me liberty or give me death”(“Patrick Henry’s “Liberty or Death” Speech.”). George Washington definitely applied this saying when fighting in the Revolutionary War. Washington being called the Father of His Country has done many wonderful things for everyone. Being the leader of the Patriots, he had lived a successful and long life. Thomas Jefferson said “On the whole, his character was, in its mass, perfect, in nothing bad, in a few points indifferent; and it may truly be said that never did a nature and fortune combine more perfectly to make a man great…” (“Revolutionary-War.net.” “Greatest Stories Ever Told”) To think it all started here and in the end people like Jefferson would be saying things like this about him. George Washington’s family, education, and military career has helped America become a better country for all....
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...If a survey was conducted that asked us the question of "name at least three founding fathers of The United States," we could easily come up with George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, or Alexander Hamilton. Now if that same survey asked instead "name one defining characteristic of these founding fathers," or "describe in your own words the significance of these individuals," we would get various responses. Despite the randomness of answers we would receive on such a survey, a common consensus could be reached about America's Founding Fathers, that is these individuals were great figures in our nation's history. The role they played in the 18th century to establish the basis for a nation that would continue to grow for centuries was significant....
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...Back in the eighteenth century when slavery uprising happened in America, slavery was a debatable issue. Hence, the opinions toward it were a concern at that time. On July 4th, 1776, The Declaration of Independence was written to declare that the America was a separate country that had its own sovereignty rights. It was also stated that the two most important things that were “all men are created equal”, and they would have certain rights “among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”. Slavery was a norm at that time, so the question arisen is how the Founding Fathers - leaders of America thought and took action about slavery. According to the Declaration, slavery is unacceptable. Among the Founding Fathers, George Washington...
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...George Washington was born in Westmoreland County, Virginia on February 22, 1732. He was born into a middle class family, his father Augustine and mother Mary, moved the family up the well-known Potomac River, to another Washington owned plantation called Little Hunting Creek. This was in 1735, only three years later the family packed up and moved again. This time to Ferry Farm, opposite of Fredericksburg Virginia, This was finally the place George would call home, for much of his childhood and youth years. George lived a normal child’s life for the time period. A little better off than most, he was homeschooled in his younger years, where he learned math, geography, Latin and the English classics. Like many people he gained most of his knowledge and understanding of life by watching other people. He mastered the art of growing tobacco, and how to run a plantation. A major...
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...Topic: What are the strengths and weaknesses of John Adams and George Washington? Many people view our Founding Fathers as brave, intelligent men and I would not dare disagree with them. The men that started our nation were brave enough to stand up to the most powerful country in the world at that time with very little resources or people to back them up. They transformed the hardships of the original colony, Jamestown, into our fifty states we have today. Although I will give them credit in saying that what the Founding Fathers did is something that no one in history has ever dared to do or ever will again, these men were still human. Historians do not like to focus on the impurities of the originators of our nation but they, three hundred years...
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...New Republic Historical Fiction How would George Washington advise President Barack Obama? “Mr. President, your press conference regarding Ukraine will start in a hour.” informed Joseph Jones. “Thank you, Mr. Jones”, answered the President. “Anytime”, he said says as he leaves. The President paced the room. What was he going to say at the meeting? He still had no idea what he was going to do about Ukraine. He walked over to the wall of past presidents and looked at George Washington’s portrait. “If only you could come and give me advice about my situation.” All of a sudden, the cloudless, blue sky turned black and lightning struck. The front door of the White House flew open and a man in a trench coat came walking in. “Um, excuse me sir, but do you know where I can find the current president?” , says the strange man. The President straightened his tie and said, “I am he.” The strange man looked at him doubtfully. “I am here for a short time. I have no time for jokes. There is no way an African American like yourself could ever think of being President? Now step aside so I could go search for the President myself” The strange man started to walk by him. The President, surprised by such comment, stopped him in his tracks. “Who are you, exactly?” He asks trying to get a better view of his face. The strange man put his hood down to show his face. “I am no other than George Washington.” The President was at a loss for words. He attempted to speak...
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...extensive research and attention to detail, McCullough examines the key figures, decisions, and battles that shaped the nation's destiny. He did research in twenty-five different libraries, archives, and special collections. He even went to several historical sights in the United States and the United Kingdom to make sure that all of his facts were correct and to give the best depiction of what happened in the year 1776. Throughout the book, McCullough puts a huge emphasis on specific military figures, such as General Charles Lee, John Sullivan, Nathanael Greene, Henry Knox,...
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...Joint and Combined Operations: Question 7. Given the overwhelming British victories in New York and New Jersey in 1776, how was General Washington able to avoid catastrophic defeat and eventually win the war? By Julie Moss A paper submitted to the Faculty of the Naval War College in partial satisfaction of the requirements of the Department of Strategy and War. The contents of this paper reflect my own personal views and are not necessarily endorsed by the Naval War College or the Department of the Navy. Signature: /JKM/ BACKGROUND Following the French-Indian War, The American Revolution began between the Kingdom of Great Britain and the former British colonies in North America. The British power was trying to overwhelm the colonists of New America with many acts, such as the Stamp Act, the Sugar Act, and the Intolerable Acts, all of which were deemed illegitimate by the colonists and in violation of the rights as Englishmen. For the most part, colonists were trying to reject the oligarchies that were common in Europe and started to believe in Republicanism based on the Enlightenment. Many leaders took part in this Revolution; one of the most important of whom was General George Washington. His role was vital in the victory for Americans and their freedom from the power of Britain. As the war for independence approached, Washington was known throughout the American Colonies for his courage and military exploits. In Virginia, he had established a reputation...
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...during the 1780’s everyone thought that it was only natural that America verge away from British rule. They all figured that it would be a gradual change; not a full blown revolution. Throughout the chapter, Ellis puts great emphasis on the many things that could have gone wrong during the revolution. He points all these negative events and set backs that he felt could easily have brought the developing America down to show just how great of an accomplishment the revolution was. The Founding Fathers were not completely oblivious to the severity of breaking away from Great Britain. Tom Pain states that, “it is only common sense that an island can not rule a continent (pg.3).” Many assumed that it was only natural that the thirteen colonies govern themselves. They figured that it would be a peaceful break such as the gaining of independence for Ghana or Canada. It was not until later on that the colonies realized that Britain would not easily hand over the land. What I find interesting is that only the Founding Fathers seemed to realize the great events taking place during their time. John Adams even instructed his wife to file and keep all of his records. It is as if he knew that hundreds of years from then, we the future Americans would look back at his notes and recognize his greatness. This makes me wonder why they were so sure of themselves. The Americans were at a disadvantage during the beginning of the war. How was it that they seem so certain that the war would end up in...
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...mind is George Washington. He was a legendary war hero during the revolutionary war and he was The United States' first president. Washington was a man of prayer and he is further proof that this country was founded on Christianity and it's ideals. When he was General of the American army Washington would even order or encourage fasting, prayer, and even attendance at religious services. He also deplored and prohibited drunkenness, gambling, and blasphemy. Four years later, Washington was chosen to chair the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. After this he became the first president of the United States. When he took office he added the inaugural oath “so help me, God.” His inaugural address also called “fervent supplications to that almighty being, who rules over the universe, who presides in the councils of nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect.” Washington declared many days of prayer and thanksgiving while he was in office. Washington did these things because he believed that good government is a blessing and gift from god and therefore we should obey him, thank him, and pray to him. “National entities should seek forgiveness from God for national transgressions as well as individual transgressions.” Washington gave many sermons on how government and God should work together in order to let men live under civil authority. He believed that God has established rulers over men and civil rulers are therefore entitled to respect. George Washington...
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...Nancy Lee, the main character, is ‘proud of being American’. She undergoes a big development throughout the story. She gets introduced to discrimination and the fact that discriminate behavior and opinions are frequently encountered, no matter where you live. Nancy goes to a school where the students and teachers do not have any racist views: “But seldom did her high-school classmates see her as colored. (…) fitted in well with the life of the school” (p. 1 ll. 25-27). The students and teachers overlook that she is colored and see her as a normal, talented young girl. Nancy is very grateful that her classmates have received her well: “When I came here from the South a few years ago, I was not sure how you would receive me. You received me well.” (p. 7 ll. 16-18). Nancy’s school is very positive and does not have any discriminate views, therefore the name of the school: ‘George Washington high school’ may get to seem a bit ironic because George Washington himself actually had slaves. He signed The Declaration of Independence knowing, it stated that: ‘all men are created equal’, this seems a bit hypocritical, but back then they probably, sadly did not think about it in association with the slaves, but mainly in association to the Englishmen. Mainly women are included in the story; this could be a symbol for the oppression of...
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...to end animosities. Due to wrangling over the legal language of the documents, official restoration was not made until 1800 in the Convention of 1800, for France was still bothering American ships, but the countries had ceased any thoughts of war two years before. To Adams, this was a huge relief. The young country he led had only just started to prosper after conflict with Britain during the Revolutionary War, and another war would cripple this progress. Adams had done his country a great service. Much can be learned from his example here: in the face of a vengeful thirst for war on the part of his country to “pay back” France for her actions, Adams sought peace rather than swaying with the wind, and by mediating the situation the way he did, he saved his country from possible ruin and certain instability. The biggest hurdle of his presidency was successfully leaped; his country was saved from war; and Adams was all too soon facing more political...
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...Revolutionary Generation was written by Joseph J. Ellis and published by Vintage Books in February 2002. According to josephellishistorian.com and mtholyoke.edu, Joseph J. Ellis is a very accomplished historian, author, and professor, currently teaching in the Leadership Studies Program at Williams College. He studied at Yale University (Ph.D., M.Phil., M.A.) and College of William and Mary (B.A.). Specializing in the history of the American Revolution, Presidents and the roots of American foreign policy. His works include American Sphinx, His Excellency: George Washington and Revolutionary Summer: The Birth of American Independence. As well as essays and book reviews that appear in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, and The New Yorker. Founding Brothers is a Pulitzer Prize winning book that discusses the prominent men in the political atmosphere of America after the Constitutional Convention and the issues that they faced. The book starts off with the infamous duel between Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton on July 11, 1804. The outcome of this duel is that Burr shoots Hamilton and...
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