American Legends: The Life of George Washington Illustrated

George Washington, the first President of the United States, is a widely recognized figure in American history. His leadership during the Revolutionary War and his contribution to the establishment of a democratic nation have made him an iconic figure in American legends. In this article, we explore the life of George Washington in depth, with illustrations that capture key moments of his remarkable journey.

Early Life and Military Career

George Washington was born on February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia. As a young man, he showed great interest in military affairs and joined the Virginia militia at the age of 21. During the French and Indian War, Washington gained valuable military experience and proved his leadership skills.

American Legends: The Life of George Washington (Illustrated)

by Vincent Tuckwood (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1674 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	44 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

After the war, he married Martha Dandridge Custis, a wealthy widow, and settled down in Mount Vernon. However, his desire to serve his country never diminished. When the American Revolution broke out in 1775, Washington was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

The Revolutionary War and America's Independence

On September 3, 1783, the Treaty of Paris was signed, officially recognizing the United States as an independent nation. Washington had achieved what seemed impossible, and his efforts shaped the birth of a new democracy.

The Presidency and Legacy

Upon the of the war, Washington retired to Mount Vernon. However, his country needed him once again, and in 1789 he became the first President of the United States. During his presidency, he set important precedents that shaped the office, such as serving only two terms.

George Washington's greatest legacy lies in his leadership and the principles he exhibited throughout his life. He believed in the power of compromise, unity, and the importance of a strong central government. His farewell address in 1796 emphasized these values and warned against sectionalism and foreign alliances.

George Washington's contributions to American history are immeasurable. From his early experiences in the military to his instrumental role in America's independence and his presidency, Washington's life continues to inspire generations. His unwavering dedication to the principles of democracy and his leadership during the formation of the United States solidify his place as an American legend.

American Legends: The Life of George Washington (Illustrated)

by Vincent Tuckwood (Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1674 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	44 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

*Includes nearly 20 pictures of the important people, places, and events in Washington's life.
*Includes a section discussing some of the enduring myths of Washington's life and legacy
*Includes a Table of Contents

A lot of ink has been spilled covering the lives of history’s most influential figures, but how much of the forest is lost for the trees? In Charles River Editors’ American Legends series, readers can get caught up to speed on the lives of America’s most important men and women in the time it takes to finish a commute, while learning interesting facts long forgotten or never known.

Every American is taught a pristine narrative of the life and legacy of George Washington and can easily recite the highlights of the “Father of Our Country”. The remarkable Virginian led an under-resourced rag-tag army to ultimate victory in the American Revolution before becoming the nation’s first president, setting it on its path toward superpower status. He may not have actually chopped down a cherry tree or tossed a silver dollar across the Potomac, but his contemporaries considered his character above reproach. When Washington voluntary resigned as commander of the armies, he stunned the world. Everyone in the colonies and the world realized that Washington, at the head of the last army standing in the colonies, could have made himself king of the new United States on the spot, and it would have been a move supported by his rank and file soldiers. Instead, Washington became the first Westerner to voluntarily demobilize his army, ensuring civilian control of the new nation. King George III called Washington "the greatest character of the age" for making that decision.

As President from 1788-1796, Washington set every precedent for the executive branch of the new government, from forming a “Cabinet” to limiting himself to two terms. He even set precedents with his farewell address, which helped guide the policies of subsequent presidents.

Washington did more than any other man to ensure the success of the American Revolution and the safe passage of the new United States from fledgling nation to budding power, but what actually made the man tick? Underneath his steel surface burned an almost insatiable political ambition, and a man who was acutely self-conscious of himself. In addition to highlighting his life and legacy, American Legends: The Life of George Washington humanizes the leader who is often remembered more like a flawless demigod than a man. Along with pictures of the Father of Our Country and other important people and events in his life, you will learn about Washington like you never have before, in no time at all.