Warlord of Chaos

George Washington (1732 - 1799), the founding president of the United States. I worked as a land surveyor in my early years. In the American Revolutionary War, he served as the commander-in-chief of the Continental Army and made tremendous contributions to the independence of the United States. He was elected president in 1789 and re-elected in 1793. Because of his contribution to the struggle for American independence, the development of the US economy, the building of a democratic legal system, and the consolidation of the federal foundation, he was revered by the Americans as the "father of the nation." After the two-year term in 1797, Washington refused to participate in the election and retired. This move has created an example of abandoning the tenure of presidential system and the peaceful transfer of power in American history.

[Classic Quotes]

Our most secure guarantor is our own wisdom.

Don't take things that you can't do, but you must keep your promise.

[Famous commentary]

Steady: Firm and secure. Wisdom is the crystallization of past experience, the unique wealth of each person. It teaches us to do and say that it teaches us to win our own lives and freedoms. The wisdom of others cannot help us become smart. Therefore, your wisdom is the most reliable.

Don't go to the task you can't do, if you promise, you must do it.

George Washington was born in 1732 at the Wickford Manor in Virginia, USA. He is the son of a wealthy plantation owner who inherited a considerable amount of property at the age of twenty. From 1753 to 1758, Washington served in the military, actively participated in the war between the French and the Indians, and gained military experience and prestige; in 1758, the armor returned to Virginia, and soon with one with four The child's wealth - Martha Dandley Castis is married (he has no children).

In the following fifteen years, Washington managed to produce his own property, showing extraordinary talent. When he was elected as a representative of Virginia in 1774 to attend the first Continental Congress, he became the largest rich man in the American colonies. One. Washington was not a pioneer in advocating independence, but the second continental conference in June 1775 (he was a representative) unanimously elected him to command the mainland forces. He is rich in military experience and well-known for his family. His handsome appearance, strong body (6 feet 2 feet tall), commanding excellence, especially his tenacious character makes him a natural candidate for the commander. Throughout the war, he was loyal to the service, not taking the penny, and being honest and honest.

Washington began to command the mainland army in June 1775. By the end of the second presidential term in March 1797, his most significant contribution was made during this period. In December 1799, in Wenn Mountain, Virginia, he died at home.

First, he was a successful military leader in the American Revolution. But in fact he is by no means a military genius, and certainly must not be compared with generals like Alexander and Caesar. At least half of his success was due to the unexpected incompetence of the British generals who confronted him, and the other half was due to his own talent. But it should be remembered that several other American generals suffered a fiasco, and Washington, despite several minor defeats, eventually won the war.

Second, Washington is the chairman of the Constituent Assembly. Although his thoughts did not play an important role in the formation of the US Constitution, his supporters and his fame played a major role in the ratification of the Constitution by the states. At that time, there was a powerful force opposing the new constitution. If it were not the influence of Washington, it would be difficult to say that this constitution could be implemented.

Second, Washington is the first president of the United States. It is fortunate that the United States has a person with both ability and political integrity in Washington as the first president. Turning over the history of South American and African countries, we can see that even a new country with a democratic constitution as its beginning is a good thing to become a military dictatorship. Washington is a staunch leader. He maintains the unity of the country, but he has no ambition to always hold power. He does not want to be a king, nor does he want to be a dictator. He pioneered the precedent of taking the initiative to give power - a precedent that the United States still pursues. And other American leaders at the time, such as Thomas Jefferson, April 13, 1743—July 4, 1826), James Madison (March 16, 1751, June 28, 1836), Alexander Hamilton , January 11, 1757 - July 12, 1804) Compared to George Washington, there is a lack of innovative spirit and profound thinking. But he is much more important than all these talented figures. Whether in war or peace, he plays a vital role in executive leadership. Without any political movement, he will not achieve his goal. Madison’s contribution to the formation of the United States is significant, and Washington’s contribution is almost indispensable.

The position of George Washington in this volume depends to a large extent on how people recognize the historical significance that he brings to the United States. It is naturally difficult to ask an American today to make an unbiased assessment of that historical significance.

Although the United States had even greater military power and political influence in the mid-twentieth century than the Roman Empire in its heyday, its regime may not be as long as the Roman Empire. On the other hand, it seems obvious that there are several technological achievements in the United States that will be considered significant by other nations in the future. For example, the invention of aircraft and the landing of humans on the moon represent the dreams of past generations; it is hard to imagine that the invention of nuclear weapons will be regarded as an insignificant achievement in the future.

Since George Washington is roughly comparable to Rome's Augustus Caesar, it seems to be unreasonable to put him close to Augustus in this volume. If you put Washington a little lower, it’s mainly because he’s been much shorter than Augustus’s, and many others like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison’s formation of the United States. An important role. But Washington ranks higher than Alexander the Great and Napoleon, because his credit is more indelible than they are. The founder of the United States of America - Washington

Everyone knows that the capital of the United States is Washington, which is located on the Potomac River on the Atlantic coast. In fact, before 1800, the United States did not have such a city. It was specially established by the American people to commemorate the founding father of the United States, George Washington. It can be seen how noble he is in the eyes of the American people.

On February 22, 1732, George Washington was born in a plantation family in Virginia. He lost his father from childhood and only inherited a small amount of land and 10 black slaves. When he was 16 years old, he went to the west as a land surveyor. Later, he made land sales in the Ohio River Basin. With his hard work, Washington became a famous big plantation owner. At that time, Britain and France waged a protracted war for the North American colonies. The United Kingdom defeated France and tried to win the support of the North American plantation owners. In 1754, the Governor of Virginia promised to give 200,000 acres of land to the rich who participated in the anti-French war. Washington actively participated in the British side of the French war, commanding the local armed arms of Virginia to fight bravely, and repeatedly made meritorious deeds to help the British army drive the French army out of North America. However, after the end of the war, the United Kingdom immediately turned its face and announced that the western land was a private property of the royal family and was not allowed to colonize. This ban caused Washington to lose more than 30,000 acres of land at a time. Since then, he has become a strong opponent of British colonial policy.

On April 19, 1775, the Boston people came to Xing Xun (on the evening of April 18, 1775, British troops stationed in the North American colonies quietly departed from Boston to collect weapons from the North American militia collection. The North American militia investigators discovered this. The situation immediately led the horse to report the militia along the way. The militia quickly ambushed and prepared for the battle.) The first shot against the British colonial rule was launched. The people of the North American states responded, and the fierce American War of Independence broke out.

In June 1775, 13 British colonies in North America held a "Continental Conference" in Philadelphia, and Washington was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. At this time, the Boston Rebels were fighting with the British troops there. Washington immediately set off on horseback and arrived in Boston on July 3. He came to the front line to command the battle and severely attacked the British.

In the early days of the war, the US military played very hard. Most of them were peasants who were temporarily recruited. Their clothes were ruined, they had no weapons, they had no formal military training, they were not like an army, and on the other hand, the logistics of the US military. The supply is also extremely difficult. The soldiers often don't eat enough, don't wear warm clothes, sometimes they can't eat bread for five or six days, and they have to eat horses. In the cold winter, many soldiers have to march barefoot.

On the contrary, their opponents, the British, are well-equipped, well-trained, and have a logistical supply. Therefore, the US military lost and defeated, New York and other fortresses fell in succession. In September 1777, even the capital city of Philadelphia was also occupied by the British army. Some unwilling generals led the troops to surrender to the British army.

In an extremely grim situation, Washington has always been loyal to the independent cause of the North American people and has never wavered. With extraordinary talents, he organized the US forces that were free, scattered, lacked organizational discipline and unified command, exercised and developed in battle, and gradually established a strong regular army. He encouraged US soldiers to call on them to fight for freedom. He pointed out: Americans are free or slaves; our fields should be owned, or robbed and destroyed; two roads, one is bravely resisting, and the other is taming It is in front of the independent military officers.

He strives to unite and link the states and fight together. In October 1777, the US military defeated the British army in Sarato, thus reversing the entire situation of the War of Independence. At the same time, in order to isolate the United Kingdom and the United States, many other parties began diplomatic activities and sought assistance from countries such as France. In June 1778, French warships entered the United States, and the British army was forced to retreat from Philadelphia, turning the main direction to the south. In 1780, the British army transferred its main force to the southern port city of Yorktown. France and the US military went hand in hand, pushing the town of York. The French military used the navy to block the seaport, cut off the British military supply line, and cut off the British army's retreat. Washington led a frontal attack.

In September 1781, the British commander Kang Huali led 7,000 British troops to surrender to Washington in Yorktown, and the American War of Independence achieved the final victory. So far, the stage of military confrontation in the American Revolutionary War has ended. In 1783, the United Kingdom and the United States signed the "Paris Peace Treaty", and the British officially recognized the independence of the United States.

After the victory of the War of Independence, Washington returned to the field and returned to Virginia to continue to operate its own plantation, enjoying a peaceful pastoral life under the shade of vines and fig trees. In 1787, Washington re-emerged, presided over the Constitutional Convention, and formulated the world's first bourgeois constitution. In April 1789, Washington was elected the first president of the United States.

Eight years after he became president of the United States, he vowed not to be re-elected, and resolutely returned to Mount Vernon to live a civilian life.

On December 14, 1799, Washington died.

Really great politician - Washington

"Pure politicians should respect and cherish religion and morality, just like devout people."

If this sentence comes from the mouth of Zhang San or Li Si, maybe it will lead to a big laugh.

Because in the minds of ordinary people, politics means playing and trampling morality. Only when deceiving, the politicians will slip out of the moral words.

However, fortunately, people who say this passage are doing their best in their lives.

He is one of the fathers of the United States, Washington. It is because of the rare character of this political family that I want to write some essays about great people and feel that I should put Washington in the first chapter.

As the years go by, we are more and more able to feel the influence of Washington's political heritage in the development of world history.

Regrettably, we are more and more vocal about Washington, and most of us know the level of textbooks in middle school. What we have witnessed is the image of Kangxi Weiwu private visit and Yongzheng Shenwu Mingming. Sitting in front of the TV, we seem to be the people of the Qing Empire.

In order to be in the political jungle, we are no longer always lost. We should eliminate the beams in our eyes. Because the world has too many wonderful things, we need to appreciate.

Washington is not from the home of Zhong Ming Ding. He died in his childhood. At the age of 17, he began to work independently. His education was not even as good as Lincoln. At most, he was only a primary school. He also had a miraculous experience that seemed to be invulnerable. At the age of 22, he became the commander-in-chief of Virginia and became a famous hero. From the age of 21 to 26, he is fighting French and Indians. But for the next 16 years, it was just an ordinary plantation owner in Virginia.

It is time to push him to the forefront of history again. In 1775 Washington was elected commander-in-chief of the Continental Army. When he was ordered to be in dire straits, the colonial people faced the problem of freedom or slavery. The enemy is currently, it seems that I should obey the overall situation and move forward under the leadership of a god-like figure.

But we have not seen things that are commonplace in history in the American continent.

In the process of pursuing independence and freedom, the United States has always been accompanied by people’s vigilance against authoritarianism and distrust of power. Even John Adams, who led the election of the commander-in-chief in Washington, felt awkward because he feared that when he established the symbolic figure of the cause of creating an independent state, his historical experience made him realize that the risks were extraordinary: "There are no strong Every effort is made to extract all the power they may have."

The course of the War of Independence is today, in the eyes of many of us, an incredible political alternative. However, it is still impossible for us today, but it was practice at the time. Short-term military service made Washington's troops change like water. In order to build a combative army, Washington asked the soldiers to serve for three years in 1776. The representatives of the Continental Congress are still worried about an internal situation despite the enemy. An army that is too tightly organized often has the danger of becoming a tool in the hands of a tyrant. In the end, although the proposal was accepted, the states also authorized the officers to appoint their own troops. They do not want to start by vying for freedom, but to get tyranny. Because they know that the blood of the martyrs may also be exchanged for tyranny, and then they demand respect for tyranny in the name of blood. And just for a slave, what is the meaning of bloodshed?

Usually, war is always inevitable to burn and rob, while Washington has always been a political value. Even the naked feet of his soldiers left a **** footprint in the snow, and they could not be prompted to use a bayonet to collect munitions. He is engaged in a people's war. If you just want to do this, it’s not just Washington that has done this all the time.

It is also on this issue that Washington’s actions have eclipsed all the people wearing the crown or the emperors without the name of the emperor. At that time, the War of Independence was carried out with great enthusiasm. A doctor described the image of the soldier like this: "The shoes are sorely exposed to the toes, and the broken stockings can't cover his naked legs. The pants are almost shy and can't be covered, and the shirt is torn into pieces... "It is such a group of people who are fighting for the freedom and independence of the United States. The state did not give them the compensation they deserved. For example, the demobilized soldiers, even the arrears of "four years, five years, maybe six years" salary, the mainland conference does not pay. They dedicated their lavish years to a free and independent cause, but they got abject poverty and ungratefulness. "They are heavily in debt, have no money at the waist, and have no way to go home." Washington is heartbroken for this. The soldiers also complained.

In the dissatisfaction of the military, what he sees is a threat to freedom, not an opportunity to seize power.

When Colonel Lewis Nikola wrote in 1782 to persuade Washington to assume the responsibility of the King of the United States.

When he was in office, he replied: "In the whole process of war, there is nothing more painful than the thoughts that you have in the army. I hate and strongly condemn this kind of destruction that will destroy my country." "The point of view. In 1783, Hamilton also eloquently persuaded Washington to use the power of the dissatisfied army's bayonet, and Washington also replied that he could not lead the action that would "cause domestic turmoil and bloodshed."

I don't know if Washington has had a private word. Because in that era, there was no precedent for the people themselves to manage themselves. At that time, the great powers were ruled by the kings, and history can be said to be basically the history of royal power. The world has never had the initiative to establish a republican government in a big country. Montesquieu believes that the republican regime is only suitable for small countries, while the big countries are better governed by authoritarian monarchs. In Europe, it is generally believed that governing the country by the people themselves will only lead to anarchism and chaos. But no matter what, Washington did not follow the trend of the time, adding a crown to the world. However, the world will have more than one president, and the crown will be dull or even hard to wear.

On March 15, 1783, he convened an officer's meeting that decided the direction of American history, calling on officers not to "open the gates of civil strife", but "to let your children and grandchildren talk about your shining example for mankind." There is reason to say this, 'If there is no such day, the world will never see the performance of human beings in such a perfect and perfect world." People seem to be unmoved. At the end of the speech, he took out a pair of glasses from his pocket. He said: "Please allow me to wear glasses. For this country, I not only licked my hair, but also almost blinded my eyes." Yan Tiehan shed tears. The tyranny of tyranny and civil strife disappeared. The American people have won freedom and freedom from the usual revolutionary tragedy in history: to fight for freedom and to end with autocracy.

The American Revolutionary War was the only revolution in world history that kept its promise. The 1776 Declaration of Independence solemnly declared to the world: "We believe that the following truths are self-evident: all human beings are born equal, and the Creator gives them certain inalienable rights, including the right to life, liberty and The right to pursue happiness. In order to protect these rights, human beings establish a government among them, and the legitimate power of the government is granted by the consent of the subject. "These exciting words are not like many revolutions, just to recruit soldiers. The propaganda materials that were concocted, when they seized the political power, became a piece of paper. The history of the United States is the history of practicing these promises.

It is precisely because of this that German musician Schubert said that in the United States, thirteen "golden gates are open to victims of intolerance and authoritarian politics." Irish nationalist leader Henry Gratton spurs his own Compatriots: "Before you determine the feasibility of being a slave, always look to the United States."

From 1775, he served as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and in 1783 issued an order proclaiming "the United States of America and the Kingdom of Great Britain", Washington has fought for freedom and independence for eight years. Paine said with enthusiasm: "The sun has never shined like a more promising cause," and Washington is the greatest warrior of this cause. Independently created a generation of great men, giving Washington the unparalleled prestige and reputation, he is the unique idol of the American people. However, he not only did not have the ambition to be greedy for absolute power, but also served in any public office. Washington has never made a record of tens of millions of corpses in the North American continent, and has never had the glory of many generals in Chinese history! -- Washington made the world see for the first time. It turns out that human beings can surpass the logic of playing the mountains and rivers. They fight for independence and freedom, not for power and chair. This is an unprecedented contribution of the American Revolutionary War to the world.

The reward he needs is only that he can enjoy the coolness of the singer and the fig tree, and enjoy the freedom of disarming and returning to the field. In a letter to Lafayette, he said, "I finally became an ordinary citizen on the Potomac River."

It is his unparalleled political personality that makes future generations write his political biography without having to write a few words with regret: If he returns to Mount Vernon on Christmas Eve, it will be done every day. Then he is one of the greatest people in American history, and his life can be said to be full of divine glory. Washington does not need to make such assumptions afterwards.

Although he later returned to politics, he did not seize the record of power in the name of struggling for the cause of the American people.

In 1789, Washington was elected as the first president of the United States, but he even borrowed money from the temporary capital, New York. As he sits on his own carriage, he will change the course of human history. He walked the path of the ancients and proved to the world that the idea that human beings must have the Savior's savior is out of date. The free torch cannot be extinguished. Because of his failure, it will become an instance of human beings' freedom and autonomy. When will humanity resume faith in pursuing freedom? Later generations were pleased to see that he left a signpost for freedom, not a tombstone.

During the first presidential term, Washington was tired of power struggles. In 1792, the presidential election year, he said to Madison: "He is willing to pick up his **** to make a piece of bread to eat, which is better than the present situation." The question is, how can power be transferred smoothly after Washington leaves office. Will there be **** battles? The lessons of history are too many. In such an electoral system, how to transfer power is really related to the great cause. The country needs him to continue. In 1793, once again as the only candidate, the electoral college unanimously passed his re-election. He set a precedent for at most two consecutive presidents.

In his 1796 farewell speech, he made up his mind to decline to list himself as the next presidential candidate, but hoped to entrust the task of governing the country through elections. This year, the Emperor Qianlong of China passed to Jiaqing and made a total of 61 years of emperor.

In March 1797, Washington returned to Mount Vernon to run its own industry. He did not serve for the rest of his life, on the throne of power until the last breath of life. He also did not select successors, but let the people pass elections. This is his outstanding contribution to human political civilization. He told the later generations and the present that the king and the nobility are not indispensable, the people have the ability to self-government, and they do not need to be appointed by the powerful person. In the election, he stays out of the way, neither fighting against Jefferson who betrayed himself or John. Adams shouted for cheers, which showed the charm and vitality of the Republic.

He also hated the partisanship and warned the American people's factional disputes about the dangers of the country, but always remained impartial. This can be said to be the limitation of this great man. He did not realize how the political leaders could produce problems without the great men who were created by the times and the hopes of the people. He did not realize that political positions Competition will inevitably lead to factional disputes.

It is the last moment of his life, and later generations can feel his personality charm. One of his biographers, Flexner, wrote: "Washington also confirmed that the old grave of Mount Vernon's family was too narrow and worn out. He planned to build a better one, but he didn't want to use his name. The named country has built a building to commemorate him on the streets. "He didn't want the city center of Washington to be his grave. The real monument stands in the hearts of people, not the majestic marble buildings. However, not all politicians understand and are willing to accept this.

When he closed the coffin, people were full of sorrow, not a lingering fear. The political legacy he left behind not only benefited the American people, but also benefited the entire world. The American people need not worry at this time and in the future. When a great man dies, the sky will fall.

Washington has created a new era of politics. Although he is in power, he always listens to the call of conscience and uses power cautiously and humbly. He is a politician among politicians and a great man among great men. Later generations can see from him that the original politician can still be such an image. It is also him who uses his words and deeds to tell the world how much politics and morality can be benign. Politics is not always synonymous with shamelessness, nor is it only a political villain. Washington is like a beacon of political personality, always reminding people who have or want to have power, not to confuse in the maze of power.

But Washington is not a natural and correct god. He did not think so, and his compatriots did not shape it like this. He was resentful by some people in front of him, and there were people who blamed him after his death. Although he can be said to be the other flag of the United States, the American people will sing in the songs: "Blowing the praise of the horn, letting Washington's famous name ring the world, winning cheers," but the Americans did not bring him to God. Altar, compliment him as the savior of the American people. Because in this land, there has never been a place for the political altar. The American people have not since placed their destiny and hope in the hands of saints. They admire Washington, but they remain vigilant about power.

There are three different opinions in the history of the evaluation of Washington:

It is both a military strategist and a political thinker.

Chen Sen believes that Washington is a representative of the requirements of the times, resolutely safeguarding the interests of the thirteen state colonies, and actively advocating North American independence. In the North American War of Independence, Washington organized its army with strong perseverance and high patriotism, reorganized its military discipline, raised materials, commanded operations, and demonstrated outstanding organizational skills. Not only did Washington establish immortal feats in the North American War of Independence, but it also made significant contributions to political thinking: he repeatedly called on the American colonies to form alliances and oppose localist prejudice through a large number of letters, speeches, and orders; The War of Independence goes to the end, opposes compromise, agrees to establish a republican system, opposes the monarchy; adheres to national unity, opposes splits, and so on. His thoughts and ideas have played a positive role in consolidating the unity of the thirteen states of North America, jointly defeating the British colonial army and establishing the United States of America.