George Washington the Patriot
By: Melissa Botta Havran
Tags: Revolution, American, American History

George Washington the Patriot

By: Melissa Havran

One of the most obvious leaders to ever make a difference is the first president of the Unites States of America, George Washington. He brought our country together by taking us through the revolutionary war, and established the basis for one of the greatest nations on this earth. Known for his poise under pressure, George Washington wasn’t afraid to change strategies, often at a moments notice, and seek another answer, even if that answer came at great risk to his own reputation. I recall the example of his time in New York City, during the Revolutionary War, when it became painfully clear that he was out numbered by British Soilders. He had the humility to realize that he would not win the war from traditional methods of warfare. If he couldn’t out fight the British, he would have to out spy them. He changed directions and put into place the Culper Spy Ring. Washington’s spy ring helped him win the Revolutionary War.

Besides the Culper Spy Ring, one of the most well-known things that Washington ever took part in was the writing of the Constitution of the United States. The document itself imposes the idea for a wonderful basis of leadership. The constitution is a brilliant and timeless document that makes up for the American government a system of checks and balances. These checks and balances would allow a nation to be lead by a governing body that would constantly check itself, so the nation would never be subject to Tyranny. This in itself is brilliant leadership.

Another prominent thing that Washington did, was during his term as president, he tried to unify the opposing sides of the nation so they could become one and run together as one nation. He understood that a nation divided will not succeed.

Prior to his presidency, Washington fought for and served England. However, when it became time to choose sides for the Revolutionary War, Washington, having many reservations about the British tyranny, knew where his allegiance lay. It was this driving, forward attitude—on top of his military experience during the French and Indian War, that made Washington the perfect choice to lead the Contenential Army.



When it finally became time to fight the war head on, George Washington was there for all his troops. He was a great general and someone they could all rely on. Through the victories and losses, he pushed through. His headstrong ways never changed and were what kept his troops going through it all (ie: the Battle of Trenton). When times seemed the bleakest, you could count on George to pull you out again. His courage and confidence are both impressive and inspirational.

During the encampment of valley forge, when the winter of 1777-1778 left them all freezing to death, with bleeding, fooe feet and almost no clothes, George was there for his men, fighting to keep them alive. He motivated them with his words and encouraged every last one to keep going through the terrible winter. He ordered fires to be made, and hat little heat they had was better than nothing at all. Food was a scarcity, when they did eat George would make sure all his soldiers were fed before he would eat. Although the struggle was long and hard, he fought back against it just as hard.

When the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the war, George Washington’s service to our young country was merely beginning. He was elected the first president of the United States of America. He served as an inspiration to our country for eight years after the war. One thing was clear about George Washington, he was a force to be recogned with. Hopefully by understanding his life and the way in which he chose to lead others, we can appreciate the freedoms we have today and do everything within our power to protect what brave and brilliant men, like George Washington, risked their lives to ensure for future generations