Monday, June 6, 2011

Washington

Title:  Washington
Author:  Paul Vickery
    This book was a very interesting account of George Washington's journey from becoming the "father of our military" to becoming the "Father of our country".  I found the contrast between the military of today and the military of Washington's time fascinating.
    The purpose of this volume is to examine the events that led to the transformation of George Washington from a twenty-one-year-old appointed major in the Virginia militia to the commander in chief of the American forces.  Expieriences gained during his younger days laid the groundwork--by developing the character and training the mind, even as it toughened his body--for future greatness.  His successes and failures forged the tactics and strategies that allowed his poorly fed, raggedly equipped, multicultural rabble of untrained soldiers to succeed on the battlefield.  In so doing, Washington established what became the armed forces of the United States and created a legacy for all future American leaders to follow.
    Although this work is not primarily intended to emphasize the religious faith of Washington, his dependence upon and belief in the power of God is evident in his writings.  He believed himself to be, as he often said, "in the hands of good Providence."
    Washington was born into a family of moderate wealth on February 11, 1732 {during his life a change in the calendar converted this to February 22, 1732} in Westmoreland County, Virginia.  He was instructed in the principles of grammer, the theory of reasoning, on speaking, the science of numbers, the elements of geometry, and the highest branches of mathematics, the art of measuring, composing together with the rudiments of geography, history and the studies which are not improperly called the humanities.  In addition, the physically imposing Washington received training in the social graces such as fencing, dancing, and riding--all of which were highly prized in southern society and all of which he excelled. 
    Despite its constant failings, divisions, and incompetence throughout the war, Washington had submitted himself to congreeional authority.  In so doing he establishe3d the principle of civilian control over the military.  Unlike many other nations, the United States has never seriously feared a military coup--since Washingotn.  Perhaps Jefferson leaves us with the best Eulogy for Washington:  "He was indeed in every sense of the word, a wise, a good, and a great man.  I felt on his death, with my countrymen, that, Verily a great man hath fallen this day in the house of Israel."
    Paul S. Vickery is a professor of history at Oral Roberts University.  He has been involved with education for nearly forty years.
    I give this book 5 stars.