George Washington's Role In The Revolutionary War

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The name George Washington is ubiquitous in any discussion of American history and revolution. Washington was a fourth generation immigrant of British and French decent. In his early years, Washington came from a large family of moderate wealth. The death of his father prohibited Washington from obtaining education beyond the elementary school level. It was through chance and holding various low-level government positions that Washington became acquainted with Robert Dinwiddie, the Governor of Virginia. After the death of his half-brother, Lawrence, in 1753 Washington received a commission as a Major in the Virginia militia. This commission would eventually lead to Washington securing his position as a leader in combat, and give him insight into eventually defeating the British in the Revolutionary War. The opportunity Washington needed came the following year. …show more content…
Both governments attempted to use the area as a point of trade with Indian tribes in the area. Competing claims between the French and British led to the onset of the French and Indian War, or Seven Year War. Newly commissioned Washington was eager to prove himself as the Adjutant general of the militia, and Dinwiddie ordered Washington to deliver a letter to the French, which demanded they vacate the Ohio River Valley. As expected, the French refused. Washington’s first major military victory came during the Battle of Jumonville Glen in 1754. A Lieutenant Colonel at this time, Washington’s men ambushed French troops outside of present-day Unionville, Pennsylvania. During a retaliatory attack later in the year, the French captured Washington. After his subsequent release, the French and British formally declared war in