Collaboration Within a Nation

During the American Revolution, leadership was constant and unfaltering. At least one influential leader at the time was willing to step up to bat. When one man lacked a quality crucial to control, such as power in public speaking, the others would find somebody to compensate for it. The personalities of the founding brothers all varied so much that it seems unlikely that they were unable to collaborate and form an autonomous country free and separate from Britain. However, each had the charisma and desire to “emancipate” their country from the motherland. Joseph Ellis, author of Founding Brothers, tells the stories of each of the founders and how they work in partnership to work towards the common goal – a free and equal democracy where a monarch was not needed in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Leadership during the revolution needed charisma, ego and most of all tolerance(but not acceptance) to handle disagreements among each other. Each needed to be involved in politics and the willing to do anything to ensure that the newborn America would thrive.

George Washington, usually regarded as the primary leader at the time, did not have the brains one would think were required to be the father of a country. However, his experience in the military and his audacity made him a likely candidate. He was well-respected and esteemed. Thomas Jefferson, strong in writing, was the principal author of the Declaration of Independence. Although Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton had separate beliefs when it came to Federalism, before the duel they tolerated each other well. James Madison, the author of the Constitution, was extremely influential with words. How did all of these men disregard their differences when founding the country? Each of them (with some doubts, however) believed in the Democratic-Republican parties and were opposed to the Loyalists back in Britain.

In Washington’s farewell address, he spoke about the differences he desired between the American and British governments. Washington was esteemed by even Benjamin Franklin, and although hasty and rash in his decisions, he could always back them up with his skills in public speaking and his strong will. Believing in the abolishment of slavery, Washington always wanted what was new and on-the-rise in America. This was what made him revolutionary. When you look at the big picture, Washington, John Adams, Jefferson and Madison all became presidents of the United States of America – which must say something about their character. The leadship of the U.S. of A. during the American Revolution required extreme ego, a talent in either the military, writing, speaking or persuasive power, and a desire to do what would benefit the newly founded country the most.