George Washington’s Early Military Career
Commander-in-Chief: What was his military career like?
George Washington was known as one of the greatest military leaders ever. He has some of the most impressive military achievements of all time. Let’s take a better look at his life in the military.
Washington's Military Career
1
His brother Lawrence served as a general in the Virginia colony army, which inspired George.
Following in his brother’s footsteps, Washington was appointed as a major in the Virginia colony army and given command over one of the four districts.
His first military mission was to serve as a special envoy – a messenger – to demand that French forces leave the land in Ohio that was claimed by the British. Washington was on the side of the British at this time.
2
After demonstrating his military excellence, in 1754, Washington was promoted to lieutenant colonel and second-in-command of the Virginia colony forces.
3
On May 28, 1754, Washington and his men attacked and killed a French force of 50 soldiers at the Battle of Jumonville Glen.
Following this victory, Washington was promoted to Commander of the Virginia forces.
Washington had learned the value of discipline and obedience, so he was ready to be a great military leader.
By the example he set for his men, he expected discipline and obedience.
They respected George because he was fair with everyone and interested in their well-being.
Although he was always fair to all, he was also very strict about wrongdoing.
4
With the defeat, a South Carolina colonel took command of a combined Virginia and South Carolina force, relegating Washington to the position of captain.
He refused to be demoted and resigned from the Virginia forces.
But as he fought in the French and Indian War, he learned about British military tactics and that what was useful in Europe was not necessarily efficient in the colonies.
We all make mistakes, but Washington was very careful to learn from the ones that he and others made.
As one historian wrote of Washington, he made many mistakes, but it is hard to find a mistake he made twice.
He was a good leader because he was able to learn from his failures to keep them from happening again in the future.
What George Washington learned in the French and Indian War would later come in handy as he led the Continental Army in its fight for independence.
5
This force was again defeated by the French, but Washington, under fire and very ill, saved many soldiers with a brave escape.
His reputation was restored, and Washington was again appointed as Commander of the Virginia forces in August 1755.
6
Washington became heavily involved in politics and was very much opposed to the British Parliament’s attempt to control the colonies. George thought it was unfair, that the colonies could be taxed by Parliament even though they were not represented in Parliament.
Upon the outbreak of the Revolutionary War, George departed Virginia for the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia.
The Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, and elected Washington as its commander-in-chief.
He was only 44 years old.
Let’s Reflect
Have you ever felt offended? If so, how did you react?