American Leadership: Washington's Vision for a Nation
1.
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.
