Washington, The Legend, The Man

That old saying about famous heroics being done by extraordinary men in perilous times is just not really that true. In the course of history it has been ordinary regular human beings sometimes with many human frailties and faults that overcame great adversity and accomplished many incredible deeds. George Washington was such a man. Sure, his family was considered well off by today's standards, but what Washington accomplished in his life will always be forever linked to the founding of the greatest democracy the world has ever known.

February 22nd 1732 George Washington came into this world not knowing that his destiny would soon forge a new nation. This nation of ideals and concepts of which Liberty, Justice, Morality, and Education were the binding ties that cemented a democratic republic that has lasted over 200 years. Most history books account for much of what Washington did as a boy, young man, General, and as our first President. But rarely do historians take into account how Washington evolved from a brash, impatient and somewhat arrogant young man to become synonymous as the father of our country.

To fully understand the transformation of Washington is to take into account his upbringing. Born into an wealthy Virginia Planters lifestyle Washington soon became educated in the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century gentleman. As true it is today where most young men are raised in wealthier families there is always a tendency to be a little arrogant when it comes to self behavior. Such was the case in Washington's personality as a young man. While still a youth George had a deep desire to go to sea. Had it not been for his mother's continual influence history would have been a lot different today. A quick study in surveying landed young George a position as the surveyor for the Culpeper County in 1749. This first real experience into the wilderness gave Washington the experience he lacked up until then. The first years from 1749-1755 were filled with personal failures in judgement in dealing with the many circumstances and issues that always just seemed to happened. In 1755 while an aide to British General Braddock George Washington showed what courage under fire is all about. In the skirmish that ensued while fighting dysentery he kept railing Braddock troops in retreat even when General Braddock was mortally wounded. Two horses were shot out from under him and four bullets tore right through his coat but non the less Washington showed that under direct fire he was the most capable, determined, and courageous officer to have in times of great adversity. His actions at the time showed what true leadership abilities he had. His courage and bravery under the most intense circumstances came about as if a divine intervention saved him for a much greater purpose. This purpose to win the Revolutionary War and secure the future for a new nation.

After the French and Indian War the evolution of Washington from that brash, impatient and impetuous young military officer into one that was capable to handle all the requisites pertaining to General of the first army of the United States was almost complete. There are many facets of Washington's life that are inexplicitly linked to a most astute business rationality with a most sincere patriotic attribute. When he resigned his commission the second time after the French and Indian War his business acumen took over. Mount Vernon became a multi facet business made up of different entities each one independent of the other. When Tobacco became too cost prohibitive wheat took president. One of the first plantations in America to use crop rotation to further produce better more abundant crops. To Washington's credit in the years leading up to the revolution Mount Vernon became one of the most prosperous farms in the Colonies. America most of the southern states plantation owners like Washington and even Jefferson had slave labor. What makes George Washington stand out was his benevolence toward all who worked on his plantation. In fact, all the different facets of Mount Vernon were run essentially by black foreman. What Washington did in his time at Mount Vernon was to educate all in endeavors like crop rotation farming and other trades essential in colonial times so that upon his death all slaves would be free and be able to successfully earn a living.

In the years of the Revolution Washington was the first one to realize that his knowledge of strategy and tactics weren't that keen but his determination, his innate ability to turn events into the Colonists favor when faced with eminent defeat endeared him to all who served in that first army of the republic. His ability to delegate, to utilize green troops with veterans, and his often bold maneuvers in critical times ensured the ultimate victory for the Colonies.

Washington's character was so attuned to the American cause that the calling of public service was too great to avoid. Upon the ratification of the new Constitution George Washington was sworn in as the very first President of a new republic, The United States of America. The enormity of the task at had in securing that this nation would last Washington realized that without a standing army and a nation strong enough to defend itself against any armed aggression could not exist without a central taxing power and competent executive authority. One of his first actions was to secure a place where military training developed the officers needed for a new nation resulted in the founding of West Point. The many precedents that Washington established during his two terms as President still are followed today. A unique understanding of the world in which he lived enabled Washington to grasp the seriousness of what foreign entanglements would do the the future of this country. Unlike today our foreign policies have all but sacrificed the future security of the United States. The lessons that George Washington taught us especially through his farewell address still resonates today. Every student should read and understand what Washington said in his last address to the nation and our leaders today should incorporate what was outlined into today's decisions. The mystic of George Washington is the reality of his gracious demurer, his innate ability to grasp solutions to the complexities of the day, and his keen sense at establishing traditions in the foundation and formation of the first administration in government of our country.