George Washington Qualities

Washington being an astute observer, realized that being steadfast in the positions he expressed, the views of the time in which he lived would not allow him to achieve his goals. He realized he had to be flexible in the positions in which he took. Washington was a study in contradiction and a master of compromise. Although his actions were a reflection of the times in which he lived, his self-held beliefs in many cases did not reflect the times. An example of this would be that he owned slaves but was for the abolition of slavery. A year before his death, in a conversation with a friend remarked “I can foresee that nothing but the rooting out of slavery can perpetuate the existence of our union.” Another example would be rather than issuing an
George Washington, the First president of the uNited States, was one of those people. Even at an early age Washington displayed characteristics that would empower him to the presidency. The path was not an easy one it required perseverance, ingenuity, and compromise. He was driven by the desire to establish a solid foundation to the new democracy. To help achieve this goal Washington joined the militia and was soon recognized and respected as a leader. Washington was well respected by his peers, and this is why there was a movement afoot to appoint George Washington to the newly created position of President. Washington realized as president that being firm in his beliefs would not allow him to achieve his goals. He understood the need for flexibility and compromise in the positions in which he took. His love of country and the dislike of monarchies and his belief in a strong constitution being necessary to enable free men to govern themselves he dedicated himself to the presidency and to the country. He was the man who could have been a king but refused a crown and saved a