George Washington: The Definition of a Leader

             As a general of the Continental Army, and the first president of the United States, George Washington has proved himself to be a formidable leader. A leader is defined as one who mobilizes others toward a goal shared by leader and followers (1). Washington spent his younger years as a farmer and business man, but he soon realized his destiny to serve his people in the military. Washington was a constitutional leader because of his respect for Congress and his determination to live by the Constitution. Lastly, Washington attained political leadership because of his refusal to being about a strong central government by seizing power. Alexander the Great, the Macedonian king, was also an amazing leader of his time, much like George Washington. George Washington was a man of many great legacies, but it was his military, constitutional, and political leadership that made him the "Father of America." .
             First of all, Washington spent his younger years as a farmer and business man, but he soon realized his destiny was to serve his people in the military. Washington was an excellent military leader because he was a general who always persevered. The numerous battles that he led the Continental army through to victory were hugely impacted by his genius strategizing. For example, during the French and Indian War, it was Washington who volunteered to take the message to the French that they were trespassing on Britain's land (2). He rode west with six men to Fort Le Boeuf and returned home speedily as he could during the weather conditions, bearing the reply and much useful information. George's leadership earned him praise and promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. In 1775 war broke out, and Washington took command of the American army. His leadership overcame many disasters, such as his retreat across the Delaware River in 1776, and the freezing winter at Valley Force, Pennsylvania in 1777 (3).