ipl-logo

His Excellency: George Washington By Joseph J. Ellis

717 Words3 Pages

“His Excellency: George Washington” by Joseph J. Ellis is a captivating biography of America's first president, George Washington. The book covers Washington's life from his birth in 1732, to his death in 1799, and his legacy that still resonates today.

Ellis begins the book by describing the upbringing of George Washington. He was born into a wealthy Virginia plantation family and inherited his family's plantation, Mount Vernon, at a young age. Washington was raised to be a gentleman farmer, but he always had a passion for military life. He began his military career as a young man, and over the course of his life, he would become a general, a president, and a national hero.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is Ellis's portrayal …show more content…

He describes Washington's rise to the rank of general during the Revolutionary War and his leadership in the Continental Army. Ellis argues that Washington's greatest strength as a military leader was his ability to inspire his troops. He was not a brilliant tactician, but he had a charisma and a presence that inspired those around him. Washington's leadership was crucial in the victory over the British and the establishment of the United …show more content…

Ellis's portrayal of Washington as a complex and conflicted man is both refreshing and insightful. The book is not a hagiography, but a nuanced and honest portrayal of a man who played a pivotal role in the founding of the United States. Ellis's writing is engaging and accessible, making this book an excellent choice for anyone interested in American history.

One of the most interesting parts of the book is the way that Ellis portrays the relationship between Washington and his wife, Martha. Ellis argues that Martha was an important influence on Washington, providing him with emotional support and a stable home life. Martha was also involved in Washington's public life, hosting events and entertaining foreign dignitaries. Ellis describes how Martha was an important figure in Washington's life and helped to shape his legacy.

Another strength of the book is the way that Ellis places Washington's life in the context of the times. He provides a detailed description of life in colonial America and the challenges that Washington faced as a military leader and president. Ellis also provides insight into the political and social issues of the time, such as slavery and the role of the federal

Show More
Related
642 Words | 3 Pages

The book clearly narrate how little educated, dancer, and well manner Washington transformed his life to the leader of America through life experience and

Read More
1669 Words | 7 Pages

Weems goes on to give a few anecdotes in regards to the beginnings of Washington's character. The first anecdote being a story between George and his father. Washington’s father, Augustin Washington. Mr. Washington and George were out near an apple orchard and George’s father brings up that fact that the year before he asked George to divide an apple with his siblings, and that if he did

Read More
716 Words | 3 Pages

He notes that Washington was not a brilliant strategist, but he had a talent for understanding his men and boosting their morale. McCullough writes, "More than anything, it was Washington's presence that counted, his ability to keep going, to keep believing, to keep fighting, to stay the course" (McCullough, 2005). McCullough also emphasizes Washington's commitment to republican virtue. He notes that Washington saw himself as a servant of the people and was always conscious of the importance of setting a good example.

Read More
1683 Words | 7 Pages

Ellis thought that Washington feared the possibility of dying while in office, by volunteering stepping down from office he set the model of how the future presidents should leave office. He wanted to quit while he was still well known, to show that presidents were replaceable no matter how well know they are. This Chapter shows Washington is his true kind and responsible nature, Ellis showed Washington during his important moments of leading a country. Ellis message here was how Washington set the terms of how this country should be run. He made sure he didn’t stay for long even though people wanted him too.

Read More
946 Words | 4 Pages

George Washington led the continental army during the American Revolution in a remarkable win against the British. His excellent work in the war would lead him to become the first president of the United States of America. Washington began his military career during the French and Indian war and didn’t do a great job; his first mission was a complete embarrassment. Washington really came to light during the American Revolution, he was selected to lead the continental army. Washington and his men would define all odds and defeat the British.

Read More
1043 Words | 5 Pages

The Mysteries of George Washington Edward G. Lengel is an American historian, professor at the University of Virginia and is currently the Editor-in-Chief at the Papers of George Washington. As a professional historian and author of Inventing George Washington: America’s Founder, in Myth and Memory, Lengel’s interest in studying and redefining the misrepresentations of George Washington’s legacy. The audience for this bookseller is for scholars who would be willing to gain a new insight on Washington 's legacy. Nevertheless, this book is an important contribution to our combined historical knowledge. Because of the numerous of tales surrounding Washington 's work and life, this was basically the reasoning on why he wrote this book.

Read More
1917 Words | 8 Pages

Washington was a thorough disciplinarian and emphasized a lot on training. He charged with his troops against Indians in the west and in a time span of just ten months his troop had fought twenty battles and lost a third of the men, as put by Ellis “it was his unqualified success” in the war (Ellis p.38). Though Washington never got commissioned in British Army yet he had closely observed British military tactics this led him to gain keen insights into military strategy and strengths and weaknesses of the British Army and this proved as a decisive and invaluable resource during the Revolution. Washington was tough, courageous and had a commanding presence which made him appear to be a natural leader to the troops and they followed him without any questions (Ellis p.

Read More
291 Words | 2 Pages

Although unrelatable and underappreciated in the eyes of modern history, George Washington shows his greatness through his character. Contemporary culture often neglects to recognise Washington’s greatness. Sadly, he has become a figure so far removed from the ideals and lives of modern Americans, that his name often provokes boredom. Nonetheless, his character proved to be perfect for what America needed during his life. His greatness was largely due to chance.

Read More
1364 Words | 6 Pages

He endured numerous setbacks and defeats but remained resolute in his belief that freedom for the colonies could be achieved. This commitment inspired others to follow him and fight for their shared vision of a free America. George Washington's leadership during the American Revolution was characterized by his ability to motivate troops, strategic thinking, discipline, personal integrity, and unwavering commitment to the cause. These qualities were instrumental in securing America's victory over Great Britain and continue to inspire people today. By studying his leadership style, future generations can learn valuable lessons about what it takes to lead effectively in times of

Read More
2772 Words | 12 Pages

Later in life, George Washington’s works show he was aware of his lack of advanced education. He made up for it by being an observant student of the behavior. And actions of others. Washington’s experience on the frontier and in the army helped develop his confidence. These experiences encourage leadership skills that offset his lack of an advanced education, allowing him to interact easily with men of greater education and worldly experience.

Read More
328 Words | 2 Pages

George Washington 1st U.S. President Born: February 22, 1732, in Westmoreland County, Virginia, VA Died: December 14, 1799, Mount Vernon, VA Presidential term: April 30, 1789 – March 4, 1797 Married to: Martha Washington (m. 1759–1799) George Washington was a leader of the Continental Army. From July 3rd 1775-1783 He was in the American Revolution.

Read More
1017 Words | 5 Pages

As the author stated in his book that he does not have the intention to compete with other writers or historians, but his idea was to give a clear an fresh portrait of Washington that focused largely on his characters. I will recommend this book to those that are willing to known Washington and people who are unfamiliar with the founding father of United States. This biography introduces readers into the remarkable events and significant life experiences of the first president of United States in the shortest time, without

Read More
328 Words | 2 Pages

Little more is known about Washington’s childhood, and from this ignorance sprang many myths. It is known that; his father died when he was eleven years of age, and assuming that his mother was already deceased, he was placed in the custody of his mother,

Read More
1506 Words | 7 Pages

Introduction: George Washington is known as the “Father of his country”, he was born in Westmorland County, Virginia on the day of 22 February 1732. At the age of 20 Washington served as a political leader, military general and stateman. During the Revolution George Washington was responsible for leading the military rebellion to break free from Britain. After Britain’s defeat George Washington established the United States. Shortly after establishing the United States Washington became the first president of the State.

Read More
483 Words | 2 Pages

No American today could imagine a country without a president, or without Washington, because if the patriots had not had George who was “…determined…to cross the river & make the attack upon Trenton…” (Washington), the United States of America would not even exist. George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia (Knott). Washington never got beyond elementary school, however due to a skill in math, got a job with Lord Fairfax, a powerful businessman (Knott). After inheriting Mount Vernon because of his brother’s death, Washington joined the British Army (Knott).

Read More

More about His Excellency: George Washington By Joseph J. Ellis

Related Topics

Open Document