Running head: GEORGE WASHINGTON ON THE VICTORY OF AMERICA 1

George Washington’s Military Acuity on the Victory of American Revolution

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GEORGE WASHINGTON ON THE VICTORY OF AMERICA 2

George Washington’s Military Acuity on the Victory of American Revolution

George Washington is often referred to as the Father of America, evident from his

revolutionary leadership in the history of America. A review of the historical records saw George

Washington as an active chief executive whose personality strengths and influence powers led to

America’s progress up to date. His career life took an unrivaled path when he pursued his

education in military arts and western expansion studies. As early as 1754, George Washington

had joined the military as a lieutenant colonel. He was the strong right man to General Edward

Braddock during the French and Indian wars where he acquired valuable skills in leadership and

became equipped in the art of war while serving in the army. The skills acquired kick started his

journey as the first president of the United States and the commander in the Continental Army.

George Washington was able to lead the Americans to victory against insurmountable odds due

to his military acumen and knack for knowing when to avoid leading his troops into battle.

Washington was considered one of the most significant leaders chosen to command the

United States of America in the major junctions of the country’s foundation. The people of

America recognized his special leadership styles and skills in events on convection, revolution,

and the presidency. His military acuity was evident from the strength and ability he possessed

that held his army together in wars during the revolution in America that kicked off in 1774. An

extensive analysis of his military skills and knowledge is worth noting that Washington was a

skillful and visionary leader whose devotion, nationalism, and courage to America define his

leadership style and character.

George Washington’s ability to lead the military in an effective, clear, and encompassing

perception was emulative. He demonstrated the ability to develop constant and realistic ideas
GEORGE WASHINGTON ON THE VICTORY OF AMERICA 3

despite the difficulties that his troops encountered. Such abilities to be resistant to any reactions

across his military leadership gave him the title of a visionary leader according to Callahan

(2002). Washington exhibited dedication through his ability to lead by example and to ensure

that his military army followed him in seeking victory. Callahan (2002) argues that during the

revolutionary war, Washington dedicated his services and more his life to the people of Virginia,

America. He demonstrated the ability to influence his troops to go and fight the British army

despite his army having inadequate training and resources. His primary objective was to witness

a free nation. He stood by beliefs to achieve independence in America despite the challenging

disruptions.

Skillful leadership in designing, organizing, and managing his troops made it possible for

Washington to gain prosperity in his battles. During The Battle of Trenton in New Jersey, the

leadership skills of George Washington and his comprehensive use of strategy and spying

techniques helped his Continental Army to secure victory at Trenton. A painting done by

Emmanuel Leutze called Washington’s Crossing is one of the most famous paintings in the

history of America. It portrays Washington and his troop crossing Delaware towards the British

territory. According to Mikuls (2019), the amount of planning and quiet cooperation that went

into this action during the battle of Trenton is nearly unknown, and knowing more about it

changes what seems like an impulsive maneuver into the well-thought strategy of a military

genius.

From historical records, Washington’s letters and notes were discovered. He was moving

his troops into strategic position two weeks earlier of his planned attack on Trenton. He

controlled movements across the river Delaware making it possible to essentially command the
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flow of people and maintain the spread of information from New Jersey and all the to

Philadelphia. To prevent information leakage to the enemies, Washington was brilliant enough to

provide information about the initial movements of his attack plans only. George Washington

formulated the attack plan on 25th December 1776 while the Battle of Trenton took place the

following day Mikuls (2019). Despite the icy conditions of the river, Washington managed to

cross the Delaware River with a troop of approximately two thousand men and took the British

army by surprise. Although he lost some of his men, the victory against the British army gave

them a new sign of victory.

Washington and his troops were faced with harsh conditions during their camp at Valley

Forge in 1777. They were ravaged by winter cold and diseases during their camp in the valley.

Washington prayed for the survival of his army. The Forge Valley provided a natural fortress for

the Continental army which allowed them to build their camps on higher ground plateaus. The

valley was close to the settled regions of Philadelphia therefore it helped the army to keep an eye

on the British army and prevented surprise attacks on the close settlements Stockwell (n.d).

Although the Continental Army was fit for duty, the soldiers experienced significant setbacks

that compromised their survival at Valley Forge. They faced challenges in lack of proper

clothing to shelter themselves from the cold, hunger, and sickness.

Washington comforted the Continental army from the hardship they were going through

and took responsibility for inconveniences the soldiers met in the valley. He moved his home and

settled close to the valley together with his close aides. The American Congress charged

Washington on dictatorial and incompetency grounds due to the conditions of his soldiers.

However, he believed in the ability of the army and went ahead to demand more supplies from
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Congress. An agreement between Washington and the Congress was met following a visit into

the valley, they resolved to reorganize state regiments and improve recruitment and training. The

army embarked on a training program that emphasized marching, drilling, and handling firearms

efficiently. Finally, according to Stockwell (n.d), the Continental Army marched out of the

Valley Forge. Their leader George Washington proved his competence in controlling the troop

and therefore remained in command while as the army emerged more determined and better

trained. They moved towards New Jersey where Washington had planned an attack on the

British army.

Fierce fighting took place between the Continental Army led by George Washington and

the British forces led by General William Howe in Revolutionary War in New York. Both parties

shared a common interest in taking control of New York. General Howe's idea was to establish

settlements in Boston and liberate his troops from the inimical Americans. Also, New York

would provide a suitable base of operations for the army in the deep waters of the Harbor

(Wickersty, 2021). Washington, through his second in command General Lee, planned to invade

New York. According to Wickersty (2021), the growing number of Howe’s army ships was

transforming Staten Island in New York into the second-largest city in North America. The

British army attacked the American soldiers fiercely that they fled for their lives. Washington’s

soldiers were covered by fog as they took cover from their rivals. Shortly after this hard battle,

the British entered peace negotiations leaving America victorious and brought the Revolutionary

War to an end.

It is evident that the life experiences of George Washington had earned him the title

‘Father of America’. His military skills laid a concrete foundation not only for him but for the
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entire America. During his youthful days, he was able to break boundaries in being powerless,

inexperienced, and vulnerable. He mobilized soldiers and confronted rivals regardless of their

stature. Such noble actions enabled Washington to gain leadership styles that guided him

throughout the revolution and being the president of America. During The Battle of Trenton,

Washington and his troop of soldiers had to cross the icy waters of the Delaware River. The

ambush on the British army was conducted by almost half of his army who managed to cross the

river. Victory over the rivals was a result of his strategic planning as the military leader.

Washington was faced with immense opposition from Congress declaring him incompetent in

leading the army. However through his grafted negotiation skills as the commander, he

convinced Congress that the matter of urgency was to provide supplies and enhance training to

his army rather than their thoughts of substituting him. Although Washington encountered

various setbacks such as the failed attempt to capture New York, his urge for success was not

deterred.
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References

Callahan. (2002). George Washington, Soldier, and Man. New York: William Morrow &

Company.

Mikuls, J. (2019). The Battle of Trenton: Kansas State University Undergraduate Research

Conference. https://newprairiepress.org/ksuugradresearch/2019/panels/6

Stockwell, M. (n.d). Valley Forge: George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Virginia 22121.

https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/valley-

forge/

Wickersty, J. R. (2021). Lost Battlefield: The Disastrous Battle for New York. American

Battlefield Trust. www.battlefields.org/learn/articles/lost-battlefield-disastrous-battle-

new-york