George Washington's Leadership in Gaining Independence

What qualities did George Washington possess that made him a fitting leader for the revolutionary army and what were his primary contributions to gaining independence?

George Washington showed his leadership skills as both the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army and President. His bravery was on display when he rode with his soldiers in important battles like Trenton, where he planned a sneak attack on a Hessian outpost after crossing the frozen Delaware River into New Jersey in December 1776. This action highlighted his readiness to give up for his followers and direct approach to leading, solidifying his image as a competent and dedicated leader.

George Washington demonstrated his leadership skills during the French Indian War, where he honed his expertise in leading troops. In the 1790s, amidst political turmoil in Europe, Washington wisely chose neutrality over aligning with Britain or France. It took time for both nations to recognize this decision, but it ultimately benefited the United States. His talent for thorough analysis and logical decision-making were essential in achieving independence.

Get quality help now

Marrie pro writer

Verified writer

Proficient in: History

5 (204)

“ She followed all my directions. It was really easy to contact her and respond very fast as well. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

Additionally, Washington's dedication and hard work were instrumental in shaping the nation.

Despite the Revolutionary War starting in the spring of 1775, there is curiosity surrounding why the colonists did not declare their independence until the summer of 1776.

During the time of the declaration of independence, colonial Americans were divided between those who supported independence and those who preferred reconciliation with Britain. However, it became evident that reconciliation was not an option and the consequences for treason were harsh. In 1776, Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet advocated for both independence and the establishment of a republic where power came from the people rather than a despotic monarch.

Despite initial hesitation, many colonists fully embraced independence within a year into the war. The decision to declare independence in 1776 was seen as irreversible due to progress made in the war.

Discover the reasons behind why the colonies widely accepted and eagerly embraced Thomas Paine's "Common Sense."

Americans favored promoting the rule of law over the authority of the king, as it questioned absolute monarchy. They argued that King George was responsible for problems with British government, making it unconvincing for a distant and smaller Britain to govern America. The use of imagery in this pamphlet evoked strong emotions among colonists, garnering widespread support for the revolutionary movement and fueling anger towards the British.

Since 1763, colonists had engaged in debates with Parliament and protested its actions. Despite their disagreements with Parliament, the Declaration of Independence specifically targeted King George III as a tyrant endangering their freedoms.

The King, as the embodiment of the British Empire, was staunchly opposed to independence and called for maximum force in late 1775 to suppress the revolution and punish the colonies - a stance that angered the rebels. George III, seen as representing England and parliament, never objected to these actions, contributing to his extreme unpopularity in America. The mistreatment of the American people was attributed to their perceived powerlessness against British injustices in America.

Offer your own understanding of loyalty and then examine why loyalists were viewed negatively and mistreated during the Revolutionary War.

Loyalty is defined as being faithful and devoted to something, which includes standing up for your beliefs while others stay seated.

Despite the negative view Rebels had of Loyalists during the American Revolution, history tends to depict the losers as villains, leading to Loyalists being labeled as the "bad guys" after the war. The hostility between Loyalists and Rebels was particularly strong in South Carolina. It is crucial to acknowledge that not all American colonists were in favor of independence from Britain. About one third supported rebellion, another third were loyalists, and the remaining third remained neutral with no clear position.

The Revolutionary War in the southern colonies from 1780-1781 was characterized by brutal actions committed by both Loyalists and Rebels against each other, resulting in a cycle of revenge and violence.

List and explain the top three key battles of the Revolutionary War.

Lexington Concord - On April 19th, 1775, the first battle of the Revolutionary War occurred in Concord and Lexington. In this clash, 800 British troops fought against American Militiamen in Concord. The outcome was 73 British soldiers killed and more than 200 wounded. The Americans suffered 49 casualties and 39 injuries, signaling the start of the American Revolution.

At the Battle of Saratoga, British general John Burgoyne surrendered more than 9000 soldiers, marking a crucial turning point in the war as Americans took control of the north.

The Siege of Yorktown, a crucial battle in the Revolutionary War, saw Americans and the French defeating the British. At Saratoga, General Burgoyne was blocked by the American army from reaching Bemis Heights. Despite failed attempts to break through, the British surrendered on October 13, 1777. This victory helped secure American independence. In 1781, General Cornwallis established a naval base at Yorktown after arriving in Petersburg. With French forces, General Washington surrounded and forced the British army to surrender at Yorktown, effectively ending the war. Historians debate whether America could have won independence without French aid; however, French involvement led to major victories for Colonists and shortened the war by cutting off England's supply line and draining their resources.French assistance was vital for Colonists to defeat Britain during the Revolutionary War as they lacked military training and funding.