General George Washington Character Traits

General George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He played a masterful role in the victory of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. Events in his earlier life, along with his lack of traditional education enhanced his leadership skills, and strengthened his determination, which ultimately led to victory (Bio.com).

His great grandfather, John Washington, moved from England to Virginia. He was a very prominent figure in England, who was even granted land by Henry VIII. His father, Augustine Washington, built mines and grew tobacco. His first wife, Jane Butler, died in 1729 and he remarried to a woman named Mary Ball in 1731. George was the eldest of 6 children born to Mary and Augustine (Bio.com).

However, that never stopped him. He began self educating himself through means of reading random books, memorizing facts that he deemed relevant, and he even copied 110 different sayings for etiquette from “Transcript of the Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior”. This book, which taught etiquette and morals, was the North Pole to George’s moral compass, which in turn, made him a very respectable person. For example, a key rule is to have respect for superiors. This respect helped tremendously in his progression in the army ranks and his political career. Additionally, he also learned about humility, which made him so beloved by the public. A big example of his humility is that he did not like titles. He refused to be called “Commander In Chief” and the “President of the Constitutional Convention”

In 1753, after the French attacked Britain, George, who was a major in the Virginia Militia, was sent by the British to defend the against the attack. Despite this, and leading several other military campaigns, the British turned down George for leadership positions in the army. Eventually, in 1755, he was given honorary rank of Colonel, and was put in charge of all Virginian Troops. General Washington led several more military campaigns, including the capture of Fort Duquesne, until he eventually left the army in 1758