PIVOTAL PRESIDENTS PROFILES IN LEADERSHIP GEORGE WASHINGTON Edited by Sherman Hollar Britannica Educational Publishing IN AssocATION WITH ROSEN EDUCATIONAL SERVICES
Introduction The image of George Washington carved in stone on the side of Mount Rushmore Mighty Sequoia Studio Shutterstock com 6
F irst in war first in peace and first in the hearts of his countrymen These words were uttered as part of a eulogy for the first president of the United States George Washington More than sim ply a nice speech honoring a public figure who had died the words revealed a lot about Washington’s character As this book shows George Washington was indeed a courageous soldier a respected statesman and in many ways a true man of the people Washington first proved himself a capable military leader somewhat early in life Joining the military as an assistant officer of a Virginia district at age 20 Washington quickly rose through the ranks and was named com mander of all Virginia armed forces within three years His leadership during the French and Indian War was a big reason why he was made commander in chief of colonial forces at the start of the American Revolutionary War During the fight for American indepen dence from Britain Washington’s ability as a military leader seemed to shine the bright est He led his forces to several victories in New Jersey early in the war before suffering 7
