Presidents: 4-In-1 History Of Washington, Lincoln, Roosevelt & Kennedy

By A.J.Kingston

Are you a history buff, a lover of American politics, or simply looking to gain insight into the lives and legacies of four of America's most iconic presidents? Look no further than "Presidents: United in Leadership," a four-book bundle that takes you on a journey through the lives of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, an

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pastor Publishing Ltd
• Release date: May 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9781839383144

Book preview

Introduction

Presidents: United in Leadership is a fascinating four-book bundle that takes readers on a journey through American history, exploring the lives and legacies of four iconic presidents: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and John F. Kennedy.

Each of these presidents played a critical role in shaping America's history and identity, and each offers a unique perspective on what it means to be a great leader. From Washington's role as a revolutionary hero and nation builder, to Lincoln's impact on American society and the preservation of the Union, to Roosevelt's leadership during World War II and his efforts to establish a modern welfare state, to Kennedy's vision for a new frontier and his enduring legacy of progress and social justice, each president offers a compelling story of leadership, courage, and innovation.

Through this bundle, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities that faced America at critical moments in its history. They will also come to appreciate the qualities and characteristics that define great leadership, including courage, determination, compassion, boldness, and resilience.

Whether you are a history buff, a student of politics and leadership, or simply someone who is interested in the story of America, Presidents: United in Leadership is a must-read. These four books offer a unique perspective on American history and the role that great leaders have played in shaping it, and they will leave readers with a deeper appreciation for the importance of leadership in shaping the destiny of nations.

BOOK 1

GEORGE WASHINGTON

A REVOLUTIONARY LEADER AND AMERICAN ICON

BY A.J. KINGSTON

Chapter 1: A Childhood in Virginia: Young George's Early Life

The Washington family, a prominent and influential clan hailing from Virginia, was instrumental in shaping the early years of the United States. At its helm was none other than the illustrious George Washington, who would go on to become the first President of the United States and a symbol of the nation's strength and resilience.

But the story of the Washington family begins long before the birth of George. It begins with his parents, Augustine and Mary Ball Washington, who were themselves descendants of some of the earliest settlers in Virginia. Augustine was a wealthy planter, known for his shrewd business acumen and his dedication to the Anglican Church. Mary, on the other hand, was a gentle and kind-hearted woman, who was much beloved by her family and friends.

Together, Augustine and Mary had six children, including George, who was born on February 22, 1732. From a young age, George was known for his strong will and determination, as well as his sharp mind and natural leadership abilities. He was deeply influenced by his parents, who instilled in him a sense of duty, honor, and service to others.

But George was not the only remarkable member of the Washington family. His older half-brother, Lawrence, was a distinguished soldier and planter in his own right, who played a pivotal role in shaping George's early years. Lawrence served as a mentor and role model for George, teaching him the art of horseback riding, fencing, and gentlemanly comportment.

Another important figure in George's family was his brother, John Augustine Washington, who also became a successful planter and landowner. John was known for his wit and charm, as well as his keen business sense, and he played a key role in managing the family's many estates and investments.

Despite their many successes, the Washington family was not immune to tragedy. George's father, Augustine, died when George was just eleven years old, leaving his mother to raise six children on her own. Despite this hardship, Mary remained a strong and devoted mother, who instilled in her children a deep sense of love and loyalty.

Throughout his life, George remained deeply connected to his family, even as he became one of the most important figures in American history. He corresponded regularly with his brothers and sisters, offering them advice and support, and he remained devoted to his mother, who lived to see her son become a hero and a legend.

In many ways, the Washington family was a microcosm of early American society. They were wealthy and influential, but they were also deeply rooted in the traditions and values of their community. They believed in hard work, honesty, and service to others, and they understood the importance of family and community.

Today, the legacy of the Washington family lives on, not only in the history books, but in the many institutions and landmarks that bear their name. From Mount Vernon, George's beloved home, to the many schools, hospitals, and libraries that honor his memory, the Washington family continues to inspire and shape the world around us.

In the end, it is the enduring values of the Washington family that are perhaps their greatest legacy. Their dedication to duty, honor, and service remains a guiding light for us all, reminding us of the power of family, community, and the pursuit of a greater good.

The American South was a land of great promise and possibility, a place where men and women of ambition could build fortunes and leave their mark on history. For none was this more true than for George Washington, who was born on February 22, 1732, on the family plantation known as Ferry Farm.

Ferry Farm was a sprawling estate located in Stafford County, Virginia, along the banks of the Rappahannock River. It was a place of great natural beauty, with rolling hills, lush forests, and fertile fields, and it was here that George spent his formative years, learning the skills and values that would shape his life and legacy.

The plantation was established by George's father, Augustine Washington, a wealthy and influential planter who owned several other estates in the area. Augustine was known for his business acumen and his deep commitment to the Anglican Church, and he was a respected member of the local community.

Despite his many responsibilities, Augustine was a devoted father, who took an active role in his children's upbringing. He believed in the importance of education and taught his sons the skills they would need to succeed in life, including reading, writing, and arithmetic.

As George grew older, he became increasingly interested in the workings of the plantation, and he took on more and more responsibilities. He learned how to manage the crops, tend to the animals, and oversee the work of the enslaved people who toiled in the fields and the workshops.

Through his experiences on the plantation, George learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, as well as the values of honor, duty, and service. These lessons would serve him well throughout his life, as he became a soldier, a statesman, and a symbol of the American spirit.

Despite the idyllic setting of Ferry Farm, life on the plantation was not without its challenges. Like many other planters in the South, Augustine relied heavily on the labor of enslaved people, who worked long hours in difficult and often dangerous conditions.

George was exposed to this system of slavery from an early age, and he would later reflect on its injustices and cruelties. Nevertheless, he was deeply influenced by the culture and values of his time, and it would take many years before he would fully embrace the cause of abolition.

Despite these difficulties, Ferry Farm remained a place of great significance for George throughout his life. He returned to the plantation many times over the years, even as he became one of the most important figures in American history.

In later years, as George's fame and influence grew, Ferry Farm became a site of pilgrimage for those who wished to honor the great man and his legacy. Visitors came from all over the world to see the place where George grew up, to walk in his footsteps, and to connect with the values and ideals that he represented.

Today, Ferry Farm remains an important part of the American story, a reminder of the power of place and the importance of heritage. It is a place of beauty and history, where the past and the present come together, and where we can reflect on the challenges and opportunities that define our nation.

In the end, it is the lessons that George learned on the plantation that are perhaps his greatest legacy. Through his experiences at Ferry Farm, he learned the importance of hard work, discipline, and perseverance, as well as the values of honor, duty, and service. These lessons would serve him well throughout his life, and they continue to inspire and guide us today, reminding us of the enduring power of the American spirit.

Education and schooling were essential components of George Washington's formative years. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in learning, and his parents were determined to provide him with the best possible education.

George's early education began at home, under the tutelage of his father, Augustine Washington, who was a respected member of the local community and a firm believer in the value of education. Augustine taught George the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic, as well as the principles of religion and morality.

As George grew older, he continued his education at local schools, including a school run by a Scottish teacher named William Hobby. Here, he studied English, mathematics, geography, and Latin, as well as the principles of classical literature and rhetoric.

Despite his early promise as a student, George's education was cut short when his father died in 1743, leaving the family in financial difficulties. George was forced to leave school and take on more responsibilities on the family plantation, where he continued to learn through practical experience.

Despite these setbacks, George remained committed to his education, and he continued to study on his own whenever he had the opportunity. He read widely, delving into works of history, philosophy, and literature, and he developed a deep appreciation for the power of knowledge and the importance of lifelong learning.

In 1748, at the age of sixteen, George embarked on a new phase of his education when he was appointed the official surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. This was a demanding and prestigious position, which required him to master the principles of geometry, trigonometry, and surveying.

George excelled in this role, demonstrating a natural aptitude for mathematics and a keen eye for detail. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most skilled and efficient surveyors in the region, and he earned enough money to support himself and his family.

Throughout his life, George remained deeply committed to the value of education and the importance of schooling. As he grew older and became one of the most important figures in American history, he used his influence and resources to support the growth and development of schools and universities across the country.

In 1783, he donated a portion of his salary as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army to support the founding of a new college in his home state of Virginia. This college, which would later become Washington and Lee University, was one of the earliest institutions of higher learning in the United States, and it remains a testament to George's enduring commitment to education.

Throughout his life, George Washington embodied the spirit of the Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized the importance of reason, knowledge, and progress. He saw education as a key to unlocking the full potential of individuals and society, and he worked tirelessly to promote its growth and development.

In the end, it was George's dedication to education and learning that was perhaps his greatest legacy. Through his example and his words, he inspired generations of Americans to embrace the pursuit of knowledge and the values of reason and progress, and he helped to lay the foundations for a nation that would become one of the most dynamic and innovative in the world.

The life of George Washington, one of the most important figures in American history, was shaped by a variety of people, places, and events. From his childhood on the family plantation to his years as a soldier and statesman, he was deeply influenced by the world around him, and these early experiences helped to shape his character and his legacy.

One of the most important influences on George's early life was his father, Augustine Washington. Augustine was a successful planter and businessman, who instilled in his son a strong work ethic and a deep sense of duty and responsibility. He was also deeply committed to the Anglican Church, and he taught George the importance of faith and morality.

Another important figure in George's childhood was his older half-brother, Lawrence Washington. Lawrence was a soldier and a gentleman, who served as a mentor and role model for George. He taught him the art of horseback riding, fencing, and gentlemanly comportment, and he instilled in him a deep sense of honor and loyalty.

The family plantation, known as Ferry Farm, was also a major influence on George's early life. Here, he learned the skills of agriculture and husbandry, and he developed a deep appreciation for the beauty and bounty of the natural world. He also became familiar with the system of slavery that was central to the economy of the South, an experience that would later shape his views on race and human rights.

As George grew older, he became increasingly interested in the wider world beyond Ferry Farm. He was an avid reader, devouring works of history, philosophy, and literature, and he was deeply influenced by the ideas and values of the Enlightenment, a movement that emphasized reason, knowledge, and progress.

In 1748, at the age of sixteen, George embarked on a new phase of his life when he was appointed the official surveyor of Culpeper County, Virginia. This was a demanding and prestigious position, which required him to master the principles of geometry, trigonometry, and surveying. He excelled in this role, demonstrating a natural aptitude for mathematics and a keen eye for detail.

As George continued his education and his work as a surveyor, he became increasingly interested in the wider world of politics and governance. He began to attend meetings of the local gentry, where he discussed issues of public concern and debated the principles of liberty and democracy.

By the time he was in his twenties, George had already developed a deep commitment to the cause of American independence. He was deeply troubled by the policies of the British government, which he saw as a threat to the rights and liberties of the American people, and he became increasingly involved in the resistance movement.

In 1754, at the age of twenty-two, George was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia, and he was sent to the Ohio Valley to defend British interests against French encroachment. This experience, which included his first military engagement at the Battle of Jumonville Glen, was a formative one for George, and it helped to shape his identity as a soldier and a patriot.

Throughout his life, George remained deeply influenced by the people, places, and events of his childhood. He drew upon the lessons he learned on the family plantation, the skills he acquired as a surveyor, and the values he developed as a student and a patriot, to become one of the most important and influential figures in American history.

In the end, it was George's early life and experiences that were perhaps his greatest legacy. Through his example and his leadership, he inspired generations of Americans to embrace the principles of liberty, democracy, and human rights, and he helped to shape the world we live in today.

The life of George Washington, one of the most celebrated figures in American history, was not solely dedicated to work and public service. Even as a young boy, George enjoyed a wide range of hobbies and pastimes that helped to shape his personality and his legacy.

One of George's earliest interests was horseback riding, which he learned from his half-brother, Lawrence Washington. Lawrence was an accomplished equestrian and a member of the local gentry, and he taught George the basics of horsemanship from a young age. George quickly became an expert rider, and he enjoyed nothing more than exploring the countryside on horseback.

Another hobby that George enjoyed as a boy was fishing. The family plantation, known as Ferry Farm, was located along the banks of the Rappahannock River, which was teeming with fish. George spent many hours fishing with his friends and family, and he became an expert at catching a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, and perch.

George was also a skilled hunter, and he enjoyed tracking and shooting game in the forests and fields around Ferry Farm. He was particularly fond of hunting squirrels, which he found to be a challenging and rewarding pursuit.

In addition to his outdoor activities, George was also interested in music and dance. He learned to play the flute, and he enjoyed attending local dances and social events, where he could show off his skills and meet new people.

One of George's most enduring hobbies was reading, which he enjoyed from a very young age. He was an avid reader of works of history, philosophy, and literature, and he believed that reading was essential to developing a well-rounded and informed mind. He particularly enjoyed the works of the ancient Greek and Roman authors, who he saw as models of wisdom and virtue.

As George grew older and became more involved in public life, he continued to pursue his hobbies and interests with passion and dedication. He remained an avid rider, and he owned and bred some of the finest horses in Virginia. He also continued to fish and hunt, seeing these activities as a way to connect with the natural world and to maintain his physical and mental wellbeing.

Throughout his life, George saw his hobbies and pastimes as essential components of his identity and his legacy. He believed that a well-rounded individual was one who could balance work and leisure, who could pursue both the serious and the lighthearted with equal enthusiasm.

In the end, it was George's dedication to his hobbies and pastimes that was perhaps his greatest legacy. Through his example and his leadership, he showed that a life of work and service need not be devoid of joy and pleasure, and that a commitment to one's passions and interests could help to enrich and inspire the world around us.

Chapter 2: The Making of a Military Leader: Washington's Role in the French and Indian War

The French and Indian War, which took place between 1754 and 1763, was one of the most significant conflicts in the history of North America. The war was fought between the British and the French, and it was sparked by a series of disputes over territory in the Ohio Valley.

At the heart of the conflict was the question of who would control the vast and resource-rich lands of the Ohio Valley. The French had established a network of forts and trading posts in the region, which they saw as essential to their lucrative fur trade with Native American tribes. The British, for their part, saw the Ohio Valley as a key component of their growing empire, and they were eager to expand their influence in the region.

The tensions between the British and the French came to a head in 1753, when the governor of Virginia sent a young officer named George Washington to deliver a message to the French commander at Fort Duquesne, demanding that the French withdraw from the Ohio Valley. The French, however, refused to comply, and tensions continued to escalate.

In 1754, a group of Virginian soldiers under Washington's command clashed with a French force near the present-day city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This event, known as the Battle of Jumonville Glen, was the first military engagement of the French and Indian War, and it marked the beginning of a long and bloody conflict.

The causes of the French and Indian War were complex and multifaceted. At its core, however, the conflict was a result of the deep-seated rivalries and tensions that existed between the European powers in North America. The British and the French were both competing for land, resources, and influence in the region, and their interests were often at odds.

The war was also shaped by a series of cultural and political factors. The French and the British had very different approaches to colonialism, with the French emphasizing trade and commerce, and the British emphasizing settlement and expansion. These differing approaches led to conflicting visions of the future of North America, and they contributed to the tensions and animosities that fueled the war.

The conflict in the Ohio Valley was further complicated by the involvement of Native American tribes, who were caught in the middle of the competing European powers. The British and the French both sought to enlist the support of these tribes, and the Native Americans were forced to make difficult choices about which side to align themselves with.

In the end, the French and Indian War was a turning point in the history of North America. The war marked the end of French colonial power in the region, and it cemented British control over much of North America. It also set the stage for the American Revolution, as tensions between the British and the American colonists continued to simmer in the aftermath of the war.

The causes and background of the French and Indian War were complex and multifaceted, and they reflect the deep-seated rivalries and tensions that existed between the European powers in North America. The war was a defining moment in the history of the continent, and it had far-reaching consequences that continue to shape the world we live in today.

George Washington's early military career began in 1752 when he was appointed a major in the Virginia militia. At the time, the Virginia militia was an important part of the colonial defense system, and it played a crucial role in protecting the colonies from external threats.

As a major in the Virginia militia, Washington was responsible for overseeing the training and discipline of the soldiers under his command. He took this role seriously, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that his soldiers were well-prepared for any eventuality.

In 1753, Washington's military career took on a new dimension when he was appointed the official emissary of the governor of Virginia to deliver a message to the French commander at Fort Duquesne, demanding that the French withdraw from the Ohio Valley. This mission would eventually lead to the first military engagement of the French and Indian War, and it marked the beginning of Washington's long and illustrious career as a soldier and statesman.

In 1754, at the age of 22, Washington was appointed a lieutenant colonel in the Virginia militia, and he was sent to the Ohio Valley to defend British interests against French encroachment. This experience, which included his first military engagement at the Battle of Jumonville Glen, was a formative one for Washington, and it helped to shape his identity as a soldier and a patriot.

Throughout the French and Indian War, Washington served with distinction, leading a number of successful campaigns against the French and their Native American allies. He was appointed a colonel in the Virginia militia in 1755, and he played a key role in the Battle of Monongahela, where he led the Virginia militia in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort to repel a French and Native American assault.

After the French and Indian War, Washington's military career took on a new dimension when he joined the British Army. In 1758, he was appointed a colonel in the Virginia Regiment of the British Army, and he played a key role in the successful campaign against the French at Fort Duquesne.

Throughout his time in the British Army, Washington continued to distinguish himself as a skilled and innovative leader. He was known for his tactical prowess, his ability to inspire his soldiers, and his unwavering commitment to duty and honor.

Despite his success in the military, Washington never lost sight of his broader political and philosophical beliefs. He remained deeply committed to the principles of liberty and democracy, and he saw his military service as a means to defend these ideals against external threats.

In the end, it was Washington's early military career that was perhaps his greatest legacy. Through his service in the Virginia militia and the British Army, he established himself as a skilled and respected leader, and he helped to lay the foundations for the American Revolution and the birth of the United States.

His commitment to duty, honor, and the principles of liberty and democracy inspired generations of Americans to embrace these values and to work towards a more just and equitable society. In this way, Washington's military career served not only as a testament to his own personal courage and dedication, but also as a symbol of the enduring ideals that continue to guide and inspire us today.

The Battle of Fort Necessity, which took place on July 3, 1754, was one of the most significant military engagements of George Washington's early career. The battle, which was fought between Washington's Virginia militia and a combined force of French and Native American soldiers, marked the beginning of the French and Indian War and served as a formative experience for the young commander.

The battle was sparked by a series of disputes over the control of the Ohio Valley. The French, who had established a network of forts and trading posts in the region, saw the Ohio Valley as an essential component of their lucrative fur trade with Native American tribes. The British, for their part, were eager to expand their influence in the region and saw the French presence as a threat to their colonial ambitions.

In the spring of 1754, Washington was sent to the Ohio Valley with a force of Virginia militia soldiers to defend British interests in the region. He established a small fortification, known as Fort Necessity, near present-day Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and began to prepare for the inevitable French attack.

The French and their Native American allies, however, were not content to wait for the Virginia militia to attack. On July 3, they launched a surprise assault on Fort Necessity, catching Washington and his soldiers off guard.

The battle that ensued was fierce and chaotic. The Virginia militia, which was significantly outnumbered, was forced to retreat into the fortification and engage in a protracted and bloody siege. Washington, who was leading the defense, was struck by a bullet in the shoulder and was forced to hand over command to his second-in-command.

Despite their valiant efforts, the Virginia militia was ultimately forced to surrender to the French, who allowed them to leave the fortification and return to Virginia under the condition that they would not engage in further military action in the region.

The Battle of Fort Necessity was a significant setback for the British and their colonial interests in North America. It marked the beginning of the French and Indian War and set the stage for years of bloody conflict between the two powers.

For Washington, the battle was a formative experience that helped to shape his identity as a soldier and a patriot. He learned important lessons about strategy, tactics, and leadership, and he was forced to confront the realities of war and the limitations of his own abilities.

In the years that followed the Battle of Fort Necessity, Washington continued to serve with distinction in the Virginia militia and the British Army. He played a key role in a number of significant battles and campaigns, and he established himself as one of the most skilled and respected commanders in the region.

In the end, it was Washington's courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to duty and honor that helped to shape the course of the French and Indian War and lay the foundations for the birth of the United States. The Battle of Fort Necessity was a defining moment in his early career, and it served as a testament to his personal courage and leadership skills.

Braddock's Defeat, which took place on July 9, 1755, was one of the most significant battles of the French and Indian War. The battle, fought between British and colonial forces led by General Edward Braddock and a combined force of French and Native American soldiers, marked a major turning point in the war and served as a formative experience for George Washington, who played a key role in the battle.

Braddock's expedition was intended to capture the important French fortification at Fort Duquesne (present-day Pittsburgh), but the expedition was plagued by logistical problems and poor planning. Despite these setbacks, Braddock remained determined to push forward and engage the French.

Washington, who was serving as an aide-de-camp to Braddock, was deeply concerned about the expedition's lack of preparedness and the potential for a surprise attack by the French and their Native American allies. He urged Braddock to take additional precautions and to be on guard for potential ambushes, but Braddock dismissed his concerns and pressed forward.

On July 9, the British and colonial forces, numbering around 2,000 men, were ambushed by a combined force of French and Native American soldiers near the Monongahela River. The battle that ensued was brutal and chaotic, with the British and colonial forces struggling to adapt to the unconventional tactics of the French and their allies.

Despite the chaos and confusion, Washington emerged as a skilled and innovative leader, rallying his troops and leading them in a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful effort to repel the French attack. He was shot multiple times and had two horses shot out from under him, but he refused to give up and continued to fight alongside his men.

In the end, Braddock's expedition was a resounding failure, with the British and colonial forces suffering heavy losses and being forced to retreat. Braddock himself was mortally wounded in the battle, and his death marked a major blow to British military ambitions in North America.

Despite the defeat, however, Washington emerged as a hero, known for his bravery and leadership in the face of adversity. His actions at Braddock's Defeat helped to establish him as one of the most skilled and respected military commanders in the region, and they served as a formative experience that would shape his identity as a soldier and a patriot.

In the years that followed, Washington continued to serve with distinction in the Virginia militia and the Continental Army, playing a key role in a number of significant battles and campaigns. His leadership and heroism at Braddock's Defeat would serve as a model for generations of American soldiers, inspiring them to follow in his footsteps and to fight for the cause of freedom and democracy.

In the end, Braddock's Defeat was a defining moment in the history of the French and Indian War, and it helped to shape the course of the conflict and the future of North America. For Washington, it was a formative experience that would help to shape his identity and his legacy, and it served as a testament to his personal courage, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and democracy.

George Washington's experiences in the French and Indian War played a critical role in preparing him for his leadership role during the American Revolution. As a young officer in the Virginia militia, Washington learned important lessons