George+Washington

George Washington is mainly known for his part in the American Revolution and as the 1st president of the United States. In the Revolutionary War, he was commander-in-chief. He became the leader of the continental army in 1776. One of the famous victories that Washington had was when he defeated the Hessians at Trenton, NJ. To get this victory, Washington crossed the Delaware River and surprised the Hessian commander who was drunk.


 * Why was he voted commander in chief of the army?**

Washington was a delegate to the Continental Congress. At a meeting, he showed up in his army uniform from the French and Indian War. All of the delegates were very impressed. Washington said that he didn't want to be named General of the Army. All he really wanted to show was that he was ready to fight. Good thing too. The delegates of the Congress named him as the general. Maybe if things had been different then.......... Let's not go there now.

It shows Washington and his men crossing the Delaware. //picture came fromhttp://www.metmuseum.org/explore/gw/el_gw.htm// - On January 3rd, Washington defeated the British at Princeton, NJ. - In September and October, Washington's army sufffered at Brandywine and Germantown in Pennsylvania. - A part of the continental army (American) defeated British general John Burgyone at Saratoga. Washington was not part of this
 * 1777**

Because of the victory at Saratoga, some members of Congress and army officials were thinking of replacing Washington with Horatio Gates, the commander at Sartoga. Fortunately, Washington acted quickly and prevented this from happening.

1777 was the year that Washington's army wintered at Valley Forge. He managed to keep the army together. One great thing that happened was that France recognized America's independence. Marquis de Lafayette and Baron von Steuben came and helped the continental army get into shape. Through the winter Washington's army became a well disciplined military force unlike the group they were before.


 * 1778

-** Washingnton attacked the British at Monmouth in June. The Americans were not defeated. All the training done the Previous winter had really paid off.


 * 1781**

- The Continental Army teams up with the French to battle the British at Yorktown. Mastermind Washington plays a major part in this. The French navy planned on blockading Yorktown from the seas. Washington prepared to march south. Being very clever, he sent word that they were going up north and then marched to Yorktown where he defeated the British at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.


 * Washington's Major Accomplishments**

- Was the Commander - in - Chief of the Revolutionary War - The 1st president of the United States - Only president to be elected unanimously - Said to be First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Country Men - Served as President from 1789 - 1797 and established the tradition that lasted until Delano Roosevelt - no president served more than two terms in office - Signed the constitution and the Declaration of Independence - Also is one of the founding fathers

- Was a young soldier in the French and Indian War - Estabilshed Fort Necessity - Led a battle in the Ohio country
 * Other Things Washington Did**


 * Links:

http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/gwash.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Washington

http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/gw1.html

For information on his winter at Valley Forge go to** **http://brandeismsc.wikispaces.com/Winter+at+Valley+Forge**


 * For information on the Battle of Yorktown go to** **http://brandeismsc.wikispaces.com/Battle+of+Yorktown**