american leadership: washington's vision for a nation

WashingtonActions

Not Words

Washington envisioned a nation free of Britishcontrol, but was silent at the Continental Congress.Instead, he acted in line with his beliefs byvolunteering his services to lead the youngContinental Army against Britain, the age’s dominantworld power.

WashingtonLeading from the

FrontWashington spent the winter of 1777-1778 with hismen at Valley Forge, enduring the harsh conditionsalong side his soldiers. Though he had theopportunity to spend the winter at his estate, as wascommon amongst many officers, he chose instead tocontinue to fight for better conditions for his troops.

WashingtonSaving

a Nation

"Gentlemen," said Washington, "you will permit me to put on myspectacles, for I have not only grown gray but almost blind in the service ofmy country."

At Newburgh, NY Washington quelled talks of Coupd'état amongst his officers by appealing to theirsense of duty to the nation.

WashingtonAvoiding

WarWashington took an unpopular but necessary stanceby formulating the Jay Treaty, normalizing trade withBritain and delaying war.

The Commander in Chief knew that the United Stateswas too young to engage in another war in Britainagain so soon.

WashingtonCreating

anOffice

Washington chose an able group of advisors toassist him in making decisions on domestic andforeign policy. He surrounded himself with varyingopinions, showing his preference for debate ofissues rather than surrounding himself with men whoblindly agreed with his opinions.

WashingtonLeaving

aLegacy

Washington chose to step down from the presidencyafter two terms in elected office. Men likeCromwell, Napoleon, and Caesar have chosendifferent paths of dictatorship, making Washington’schoice unique amongst men who grasp absolutepower militarily.

WashingtonWhat

WeLearn

Washington’s quiet professionalism and leadershipthrough actions rather than words is an example forall future generations of leaders to follow. Hisselfless choices set the nation on a path of politicaldiscourse rather than of military dictatorship. Forthese reasons, Washington is and always will be thefather of the nation.