Oops! We had to remove the hero profile you’re looking for because it will soon appear in our new book Heroic Leadership: An Influence Taxonomy of 100 Exceptional Individuals, to be published by Routledge in 2013.
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— Scott Allison and George Goethals
The United States is incredibly lucky to have had that group of men known as the Founding Fathers, and especially lucky to have had George Washington as our first president, setting the standard for the leader of the future. It’s a shame that few of our presidents since have lived up to that standard, but even rising halfway to Washington’s stature is a wondrous thing. We really need more leaders who don’t want to be leaders; wanting to be a leader is really a bad sign. 😀
As for slavery, it’s hard to understand from the point of view of the 21st century, but it would have been impossible to abolish it at that time. Even 80 years later the issue caused a Civil War that nearly destroyed the country. Pushing for abolition post-Revolution would have ended the country before it began.
Although George Washington is better known for being the first president of the United States of America here are his biggest accomplishments:
Instrumental in starting the French and Indian War.
Commander in Chief of the Continental Army, though learning from trial and error, he ensured its survival long enough for France to assist in the winning the war and eventually the British tired of the expense of the war.
Post the revolutionary war, Washington was offered the ability to become King but refused such notions in the name of Liberty and Freedom.
He was essential to the convention since without his presence the convention would have not held much weight. When they asked him what they should call him, “he said, just call me Mr. President”.
The only president to be voted unanimously each time.
The only founding Father to free his slaves.
Even during his own lifetime he was known as The Father of His Country.
Established the Bank of the United States and unified all the states debts into a national system to establish credit abroad.
1793 proclamation of neutrality .
Signed Jay’s Treaty in 1795 .
Established the cabinet .
1795 Pinckney’s Treaty .
Most importantly, he gave up the office when he could have served for life. He is thus known as the Cincinnatus of America for putting the country’s values and needs before his own.
His Farewell Address shaped the course of the nation for the next hundred years and is considered a primer in republican virtues.
I completely agree with RJDiogenes in this post. As long as I remember, George Washington has been the face of the United States and remains the standard for the American Dream for years to come. He led a people with determination, desire and pure drive to defy a tyrant and he did so with fierce courage. He is the definition of hero and will remain as a staple in the eyes of Americans until the end of time.