Historical Context
In historical context, George Washington's life played out during one of the Enlightenment's most important times. Enlightenment era concepts such as the right to self-government, the desire for individual liberty, and the want of fairness and equality rooted in an authority established through constitutional ideals encompass a growing grassroots movement during this period. Washington, like few others, had a direct and influential hand in each of these ideals during the growth and eventual independence of the American colonies. In these respects, Washington played two important and pivotal roles: First, as defender of a new nation, and later as not only its first chief executive, but one who brought peace between America and its former enemy England.
His devotion to the new American cause began with both military and diplomatic service. In 1752, Washington fought for the Virginia militia as a commander of troops in the French and Indian War (Carter 114). Later, as tensions rose between the new American colonies and the British crown, Washington devoted himself to the First Continental Congress, in 1774 (Carter 130). He agreed with those who felt taxation laws were unjust and that the colonies should break away from England (Carter 132). Eventually, as it became clear only force would settle the conflict between colony and crown, Washington accepted the rank of commander of the new Continental Army, and led the colonial troops in a revolt against British rule (“George Washington”).