Make an 8th grade essay with this information: Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775

Prior to his appointment as head of the Continental Army, Washington had never commanded a large army in the field
Washington and the Continental army narrowly escaped total destruction in the New York campaign of 1776
Washington crossed the Delaware River twice in December 1776
Washington’s smallpox inoculation program was one of his best decisions of the war
George Washington (1732-99) was commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) and served two terms as the first U.S. president, from 1789 to 1797. He was born on February 22, 1732, at his family’s plantation on Pope’s Creek in Westmoreland County, in the British colony of Virginia. Washington’s father was Augustine Washington and his mother was Mary Ball Washington. George, the eldest of Augustine and Mary Washington’s six children, spent much of his childhood at Ferry Farm, a plantation near Fredericksburg, Virginia. After Washington’s father died when he was 11, it’s likely he helped his mother manage the plantation. As a teenager, Washington became a successful surveyor. His surveying expeditions into the Virginia wilderness earned him enough money to begin acquiring land of his own. In 1751, Washington made his only trip outside of America, when he traveled to Barbados with his older half-brother Lawrence Washington (1718-52), who was suffering from tuberculosis and hoped the warm climate would help him recuperate. Shortly after their arrival, George contracted smallpox. He survived, although the illness left him with permanent facial scars. During the American Revolution, he led the colonial forces to victory over the British and became a national hero. In 1787, he was elected president of the convention that wrote the U.S. Constitution. Two years later, Washington became America’s first president.
George Washington played a major role in the Revolutionary War. He was appointed commander of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775. Despite having little experience in commanding large, conventional military forces, Washington’s strong leadership presence and fortitude held the American military together long enough to secure victory at Yorktown and independence for his new nation. Washington led the colonial forces to victory over the British and became a national hero2. Washington’s great triumph against the Hessian forces at Trenton on December 26, 1776, is one of the best-known episodes of the Revolutionary War. Fearing a counterattack by British regulars, Washington hustled his tired warriors and frozen Hessian captives back to the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River.
Washington is described as a hero because of his achievements as a military leader and a statesman. He played a crucial role in the American Revolution, leading the Continental Army to victory over the British. He also presided over the Constitutional Convention that established the framework of the U.S. government, and became the first president of the United States. He is widely regarded as “the Father of His Country” and a symbol of American democracy.
Some of the qualities that made Washington a good military leader were his courage, perseverance, strategic vision, and ability to inspire loyalty among his soldiers. He faced many challenges and hardships during the war, such as lack of supplies, training, and funding, as well as internal dissent and betrayal. He overcame these difficulties by adapting to changing circumstances, seeking advice from others, and maintaining his principles and integrity. He also showed magnanimity and restraint towards his enemies, and respected the rights of civilians.
One example of Washington’s military leadership was his response to the Newburgh Conspiracy in 1783. Some of his officers, frustrated by the delays in receiving their pay and pensions from Congress, planned to stage a coup or threaten to abandon the army. Washington learned of their scheme and addressed them in a meeting at Newburgh, New York. He appealed to their patriotism and honor, and reminded them of the sacrifices they had made for the cause of independence. He also revealed that he was growing old and losing his eyesight, which moved many of his officers to tears. He persuaded them to abandon their plot and wait for Congress to resolve their grievances. His speech defused the crisis and preserved the civilian control of the military.

1 answer

Title: George Washington: The Father of His Country

Introduction:
George Washington, the first president of the United States, played a critical role in both the American Revolutionary War and the establishment of the U.S. government. As commander in chief of the Continental Army, Washington demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and perseverance. His ability to inspire loyalty among his soldiers and his dedication to the cause of independence set him apart as a hero and an influential figure in American history.

Body Paragraph 1:
On June 14, 1775, Washington was appointed commander of the Continental Army, despite never having commanded a large army before. Despite this lack of experience, Washington's leadership presence and strength held the American military together long enough to secure victory at Yorktown and ultimately gain independence. His role as a military leader during the Revolutionary War solidified his position as a national hero.

Body Paragraph 2:
Throughout the war, Washington faced numerous challenges and hardships. One of the most significant was the New York campaign of 1776, where the Continental Army narrowly escaped total destruction. Undeterred by setbacks, Washington displayed courage and adaptability. His famous crossing of the Delaware River twice in December 1776 demonstrated his strategic vision and determination to keep the fight for independence alive.

Body Paragraph 3:
One of Washington's greatest decisions during the war was his smallpox inoculation program. Recognizing the devastating effect of the disease, he implemented measures to protect his soldiers. This decision proved to be highly impactful, preserving the health and welfare of his army. Washington's focus on the well-being of his troops showcased his commitment to their success and solidified their loyalty.

Body Paragraph 4:
In addition to his military leadership, Washington was also a respected statesman. In 1787, he presided over the Constitutional Convention, which established the framework of the U.S. government. As the first president of the United States, he demonstrated the same dedication, integrity, and respect for the rule of law that he had displayed during the Revolutionary War. Washington's role in shaping the American democracy earned him the title "the Father of His Country."

Conclusion:
George Washington's exceptional qualities as a military leader and statesman make him a significant figure in American history. His leadership during the Revolutionary War, as well as his contributions to the formation of the U.S. government, have solidified his legacy as a national hero. Washington's courage, perseverance, strategic vision, and ability to inspire loyalty continue to inspire generations of Americans. He remains a symbol of American democracy and a testament to the power of leadership and determination.