With this page, I will successfully argue for the greatness of Washington's presidency.
Accomplishments
As the first chief executive in the United States, Washington set the precedent for every future executive. From terms (2) to military experience (as the General), and pay (he was forced to accept his salary) Washington was and still is the gold standard for presidents. Washington also is the one who came up with the idea of a Cabinet, and appointed those with beliefs different than his. Washington was the quintessential leader.
In order to enforce legislation on on liquor taxes, Washington was forced to take control of state militias and mach into rebellious districts. That was vintage Washington- take charge and get things done. When the French tried to grow support in America for their revolution, Washington mobilized the Senate to help squash any hope of U.S. military intervention. This move not only kept the country out of war, but also won it some favor with the British.
Part of what made him great was his experience. Washington had served as General of the Continental Army, delegate to the First Continental Congress, and a farmer to boot. Washington's leadership style set a strong example for the rest of his country- he never wanted to be in charge, and only accepted the responsibility when others gave it to him. It was pure democracy.
Lessons Learned
Washington wasn't without his faults. During the French and Indian war, he was outmaneuvered by the French, and forced to surrender. The lessons he learned from that escapade certainly stuck with him during the Revolution. One of Washington's other main faults was his ownership of slaves, despite arguing against slavery on multiple occasions. If anything can be learned from this, it's that even our nation's greatest president was human.
Legacy
Washington will best be remembered for his leadership and cool-headedness in the face of defeat. Washington never gave up. His place in history is among the best ever. Washington may not be alone on that mountaintop (Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln, and maybe even Kennedy join him), but he certainly deserves memorialization, to remind us all of what he did.
The Argument
With this page, I will successfully argue for the greatness of Washington's presidency.Accomplishments
As the first chief executive in the United States, Washington set the precedent for every future executive. From terms (2) to military experience (as the General), and pay (he was forced to accept his salary) Washington was and still is the gold standard for presidents. Washington also is the one who came up with the idea of a Cabinet, and appointed those with beliefs different than his. Washington was the quintessential leader.In order to enforce legislation on on liquor taxes, Washington was forced to take control of state militias and mach into rebellious districts. That was vintage Washington- take charge and get things done. When the French tried to grow support in America for their revolution, Washington mobilized the Senate to help squash any hope of U.S. military intervention. This move not only kept the country out of war, but also won it some favor with the British.
Part of what made him great was his experience. Washington had served as General of the Continental Army, delegate to the First Continental Congress, and a farmer to boot. Washington's leadership style set a strong example for the rest of his country- he never wanted to be in charge, and only accepted the responsibility when others gave it to him. It was pure democracy.
Lessons Learned
Washington wasn't without his faults. During the French and Indian war, he was outmaneuvered by the French, and forced to surrender. The lessons he learned from that escapade certainly stuck with him during the Revolution. One of Washington's other main faults was his ownership of slaves, despite arguing against slavery on multiple occasions. If anything can be learned from this, it's that even our nation's greatest president was human.Legacy
Washington will best be remembered for his leadership and cool-headedness in the face of defeat. Washington never gave up. His place in history is among the best ever. Washington may not be alone on that mountaintop (Jefferson, Roosevelt, Lincoln, and maybe even Kennedy join him), but he certainly deserves memorialization, to remind us all of what he did.Home - Argument - Design