“Faithless and Foolish.” How a Young George Washintgon Failed Upward Into an Unpaid Internship
The article discusses George Washington's early military career and his experiences leading up to his involvement in the British army. Despite his initial failures, including a significant defeat at Fort Necessity, Washington managed to maintain a positive reputation among Virginia lawmakers. The piece highlights the mixed perceptions of Washington's leadership abilities, particularly from Native American leaders who criticized his approach.
- ▪George Washington's early military aspirations were influenced by his brother Lawrence and General Edward Braddock.
- ▪Washington faced criticism for his leadership during the defeat at Fort Necessity, which he attributed to external factors.
- ▪Despite his failures, the Virginia house of burgesses praised Washington and his militia for their service.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A young man seeking a career requires a role model, or at least benefits from one. George Washington’s father had been a planter and merchant, but Augustine Washington’s early death deprived the boy of direct observation during the years when he was becoming a man. Brother Lawrence Washington’s military service doubtless turned George’s British empires eyes in that direction, yet the temporary nature of Lawrence’s service gave George little more than a taste of what a life at arms entailed. And Lawrence’s early death, following the failure of the Barbados therapy for his tuberculosis, attenuated even that.Article continues after advertisement Edward Braddock was different. The general revealed the full flowering of a military career in the British empire.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Literary Hub.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Literary Hub
