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American Leadership: Washington's Vision for a Nation
- 2. Washington Actions Not Words Washington envisioned a nation free of British control, but was silent at the Continental Congress. Instead, he acted in line with his beliefs by volunteering his services to lead the young Continental Army against Britain, the age’s dominant world power.
- 3. Washington Leading fromthe Front Washington spent the winter of 1777-1778 with his men at Valley Forge, enduring the harsh conditions along side his soldiers. Though he had the opportunity to spend the winter at his estate, as was common amongst many officers, he chose instead to continue to fight for better conditions for his troops.
- 4. WashingtonSaving a Nation "Gentlemen," said Washington, "you will permit me to put on my spectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service of my country." At Newburgh, NY Washington quelled talks of Coup d'état amongst his officers by appealing to their sense of duty to the nation.
- 5. Washington Avoiding War Washington took an unpopular but necessary stance by formulating the Jay Treaty, normalizing trade with Britain and delaying war. The Commander in Chief knew that the United States was too young to engage in another war in Britain again so soon.
- 6. Washington Creating an Office Washington chose an able group of advisors to assist him in making decisions on domestic and foreign policy. He surrounded himself with varying opinions, showing his preference for debate of issues rather than surrounding himself with men who blindly agreed with his opinions.
- 7. Washington Leaving a Legacy Washington chose to step down from the presidency after two terms in elected office. Men like Cromwell, Napoleon, and Caesar have chosen different paths of dictatorship, making Washington’s choice unique amongst men who grasp absolute power militarily.
- 8. Washington What We Learn Washington’s quiet professionalism and leadership through actions rather than words is an example for all future generations of leaders to follow. His selfless choices set the nation on a path of political discourse rather than of military dictatorship. For these reasons, Washington is and always will be the father of the nation.