The ascent of George Washington : the hidden political genius of an American icon by Ferling, John E instant download

The ascent of George Washington : the hidden political genius of an American icon by Ferling, John E instant download

xxiii, 438 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : 25 cm, Even compared to his fellow founders, George Washington stands tall. Our first president has long been considered a stoic hero, holding himself above the rough-and-tumble politics of his day. Now historian John Ferling peers behind that image, carefully burnished by Washington himself, to show us a leader who was not only not above politics, but a canny infighter--a master of persuasion, manipulation, and deniability. In the War of Independence, Washington used his skills to steer the Continental Army through crises that would have broken less determined men; he squeezed out rivals and defused dissent. Ending the war as a national hero, Washington \"allowed\" himself to be pressed into the presidency, guiding the nation with the same brilliantly maintained pose of selfless public interest. Ferling argues that not only was Washington one of America's most adroit politicians--the proof of his genius is that he is no longer thought of as a politician at all.--From publisher description, Includes bibliographical references (pages 375-423) and index, The Founding Father who wielded power without ambition -- Rise from obscurity. Soldier for Virginia : an introduction to politics ; The burgess : George Washington, Virginia politician -- American hero. The crucial first year : Boston, 1775-1776 ; The War in 1776-1777 : in the depths of despair ; The Untouchable : General Washington's great crisis ; Victory and glory -- First in the hearts of his countrymen. Washington and the politics of intrigue : to the end of the War ; Soaring to the pinnacle ; President of the United States : the first term, 1789-1792 ; Endless crises : Washington's second term, 1793-1797 ; The sand runs out -- Reckoning