Charasmatic Leadership

• Washington served as the general and commander in chief of the United States for eight years during the battles of the American Revolution. Two battle episodes illustrate Washington's charismatic leadership. Many soldiers were ready to leave the army when their enlistments were up after the battle at Trenton in 1776, but Washington used his charisma to convince the fighters to re-enlist for the cause of the American Revolution. In another instance, when the troops were in retreat at the battle at Monmouth, New Jersey, in 1778, Washington once again used his personal leadership to take control of the chaos. Lafayette said that "his presence stopped the retreat," and the British ultimately retreated to New York.
  
  

Good Judgment

• In a letter written to Walter Jones in 1814, Thomas Jefferson praised Washington's sound judgment. Speaking about Washington's mind, he said, "It was slow in operation, being little aided by invention or imagination, but sure in conclusion." Jefferson cited his ability to plan battles more judiciously than any other general. However, Washington was not at his best when caught by surprise in military situations, "he was slow to re-adjustment," according to Jefferson.
  
  

Temper and Profanity

• According to historian Ethan Fishman, Washington had a volcanic temper. A contemporary of Washington said that, in one instance, Washington filled the air with angry profanity "till the leaves shook the trees." Another observer said Washington "swore like an angel from heaven." Fishman says this quality was not completely negative, however. Washington used his anger as a purposeful instrument to propel his troops to action.
  
  

Humility

• After ratification by the ninth state in 1788, the federal government was created, and electors from every state voted unanimously for Washington to be the first president. Washington displayed humility and restraint when he declined to seek a third term in 1796, setting a precedent for future presidents that would not be broken until Franklin Roosevelt's third term in the 1940s.