George Washington as America's Greatest Leader Essay Example

The American Revolution was a turning point for the United States of America because it granted them their freedom from Great Britain. This was a job not done by one leader, but many. A leader is someone who takes charge of a group and directs them. George Washington did exactly this and executed it, resulting in victory. During the Revolutionary War, the colonies need a strong leader to bring their country to freedom from Britain. George Washington proved to be a highly influential leader to the colonies while at battle. Washington was the most influential person during the American Revolution because of his experience, his ability to lead others well, and the victory that he helped the colonies gain. 

To begin, George Washington’s involvement in other battles gave him an upper hand and allowed him to have a great influence on others. He was involved in the French and Indian war. As shown here, “…Washington survives and is hailed as a hero. At the Battle of the Monongahela Washington had four bullets shot through his coat yet he was unhurt…Shortly afterwards, Washington is put in charge of Virginia’s forces trying to defend the Virginia frontier from raiding French and Indians” (Student Resource Page 9 Timeline: George Washington and The French and Indian War). To elaborate, there were many battles within the Seven Years War and Washington played a key role in many of these. He was resilient through them all. It is a given that not everything was bound to work in his favor. The ability to withstand through it is what defines his heroic ability. To continue, the events that George Washington and his troops were in also directly affected future battles. Crossing the Delaware River in 1776 was a prime example of this. They crossed this in the dead of winter, even being behind schedule they were able to come out with a victory. This shows that he had enough leadership skills to keep around 1,200 soldiers in order in the harshest conditions. The crossing of this river, along with the other small battles led Washington and his trained forces to conquer Lord Charles army and finish the Revolutionary War in 1783. To summarize, George Washington was the best leader during the Revolutionary War because of his prior battle experience. 

Continuing, Washington was very influential, and this was due to his leadership abilities. To explain, he was admired by others for his good leadership that did not go unnoticed. As stated in this article, “In open rebellion against England, the first Continental Congress elected Washington as Major General and Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army in 1775” (The American Revolution: A timeline of George Washington's military and political career during the American Revolution). A major general is a high rank and an incredible honor for someone as young as he was. He was leading all kinds of citizens that were involved in the war. Many of these men were untrained and came from diverse backgrounds. Washington was granted much responsibility during his career. This can be seen here, “To authorize a young man not twenty-two years of age to begin firing against the French was to place a heavy responsibility upon him…. the governor was able to give Washington a higher rank” (Alden, John). Washington was given this because had a very extensive military career and eventually received a high rank in the army, as a general. This is not something that is easy to come by. He was well respected by others around him and influenced people to do the same. Moreover, George Washington showed bravery through the way he carries himself and the ones that he led. Being in the Virginia militia made him a stronger individual and was respected for his prior service. He was very well liked, which made him easy to trust. Given this, it can be concluded that his charm and knowledge made him likeable as well as a great leader. Washington’s given responsibilities and leadership abilities gave him the name of being the most influential leader during the Revolutionary War.

Lastly, George Washington should be considered the most influential leader during the American Revolutionary War because he helped the colonies gain a large victory. Winning the Revolutionary War was arguably the greatest accomplishment of the 1700s. This forever changed America because it gave the colonies their freedom. This victory would not have been executed without the guidance of Washington. His efforts were original and brought new ideas that led to a victory. His idea of using attrition to defeat the British worked in his favor. The British were at a disadvantage because they were on unfamiliar land and very from home. Attempting to tire them out worked in the colonies favor. To show, “…the American Revolutionary War was a war of attrition. Washington chose his battles carefully and used reasoning as a strategy for success throughout most of his military career. He took the time to think through challenging situations so that the patriots’ odds of success were increased” (Wagoner). Behind every decision, there was careful thinking and planning. This was essential in the end victory that they achieved. Washington was able to gain this victory because he had his men’s trust. To show, “Because of his social and political standing, his military experience, and his status as a Virginian…” (Jamestown-York Foundation).  This evidence shows that he was trusted to bring about a victory. Gaining independence from Britain gave Washington the title of being the most influential leader of the Revolutionary War.

In conclusion, General George Washington proved to be an influential leader. He had many opportunities to show his leadership throughout his career. The multiple battles within the Seven Years War contributed to his overall knowledge and ability. Washington was also a very charismatic man, politically and in a friendly matter. Many agreed with him, this allowed others to develop a trust and respect for him. Many can recognize that The Revolutionary War was his greatest accomplishment. This event showed his leadership and strength over any other leader. Although there were many influential leaders during the American Revolutionary War, George Washington stood out because of his past, his ability to inspire others, and the way in which he helped the colonies with their biggest victory.