George Washington & Citizen Genet

Leadership and Service

Monday night at Heritage Brewing in Manassas, I held the first in a series of “Tank Talks” about American Presidents from Virginia. Our first President to discuss was George Washington.

Joe Horab, the Owner of Heritage, asked me to give the Tank Talks because he has a passion for the history that built this great nation. He has named each of his brew tanks after Virginia Presidents and the Presidents on Mount Rushmore. Through the series, we will discuss each of them. Focusing on them as men and how their personal lives shaped their leadership style and decision-making as presidents.

The discussion about George Washington centered around understanding his family dynamics. Losing his father, George was raised primarily by his mother, Mary Ball Washington. Mary was a resourceful and independent woman who was dedicated to her family. Despite her dedication, she was demanding and difficult to get along with. George and his mother’s relationship was strained up until the time of her death.

George’s main male role model was his older half-brother, Lawrence Washington. Lawrence served in the Virginia House of Burgesses along with the British military. Lawrence, like his father, died young. Following his death, George followed his brother’s path of service. As a colonial officer in the Virginia militia, he collaborated closely with British military forces during the French and Indian War.

It was these experiences that shaped Georege into the great man he became. He was independent, tough, patient, and passionate about service.

During Washington’s second term as President, it was fraught with division sparked by the French Revolution. France declared war against Prussia and Austria, who were in an alliance with the other imperial powers, England, Holland, and Russia. France found itself at war and looked to the United States for help. Washington’s cabinet was, as usual, divided. Hamilton on the side of England and Jefferson France.

Washington was a fatherly figure to most in his cabinet, especially Hamilton. He would let his cabinet debate, hearing out all sides, and then pull the opposing sides to the middle. Washington didn’t speak a lot, but when he did, he spoke with authority.

Washington preferred neutrality. He rarely let his personal feelings get in the way of his service. Washington understood the horrors of war. He believed he had a responsibility as President to keep the US out of war.

France sent a flamboyant ambassador named Citizen Genet. He stirred up support for France up and down the coast and in the papers. Washington was attacked by the very people he served.

Ever the calm and patient leader, Washington stayed the course; he took the heat. Eventually, even Jefferson had to admit that Genet was out of line and abandoned his French friends. Washington’s steady leadership and dedication to his country kept America out of war.

Our next Tank Talk will be about Thomas Jefferson on Monday, March 25th. I hope you can join us!