A close examination of some of Washington’s writings provides many clues as to why Washington joined the Revolutionary War.
While serving in the British Army during the French and Indian War, Washington grew frustrated. He did not understand why Virginians with the same rank were paid less those with royal commissions. George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, May 18, 1754
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Only a few months later, the army restructured and Washington was demoted. Instead of serving as lieutenant colonel he would become a captain of one of ten Virginia regiments. Furthermore, anyone with a royal commission who held the same rank would outrank him. Despite wanting to remain in the army, Washington decides he must quit. I think, the disparity between the present offer of a Company, and my former Rank, too great to expect any real satisfaction or enjoyment in a Corps, where I once did, or thought I had a right to, command In short, every Captain, bearing the King’s Commission; every half-pay Officer, or other, appearing with such commission, would rank before me My inclinations are strongly bent to arms. Read the rest of the letter
In March 1755, Washington rejoined the British Army, this time as an unpaid aide-de-camp to General Edward Braddock. However, he was still seen as a second-rate aide and Braddock did not listen to colonists despite their experiences. The result was a disaster. George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, July 18, 1755Read the rest of the letter
After his service with Braddock, Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of all Virginia forces. However, the promotion did little to ease his frustrations with the British Army. Washington did not understand why his service in battle was considered less valuable than a British officer who had trained at St. James’s and never seen battle. George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, March 10, 1757Read the rest of the letter
After years of frustration, Washington resigned from the British Army for good. Continuing to serve with his men was clearly his preference, but he could no longer do so. George Washington to the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, January 10, 1759Read the rest of the letter
Washington grew upset with Robert Cary & Co, the London-based merchant house he used. He did not understand why he was paid less than others for higher quality tobacco. Washington also felt he was paying very high prices for poor quality goods. George Washington to Robert Cary & Co, September 20, 1765Read the rest of the letter
Washington knew British control extend too far within the government as well. As the British Parliament continued to tax the colonies his anger grew. George Washington to George Mason, April 5, 1769Read the rest of the letter
Frustration continued to build among Washington and his contemporaries. After many attempted resolutions, they became unsure of what actions to take next. George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, July 4, 1774Read the rest of the letter
Years of anger towards the British military and government finally resulted in war. While clearly unhappy about fighting his “brother,” Washington felt he could not hesitate to join the Continental Army. George Washington to George William Fairfax, May 31, 1775Read the rest of the letters
General Washington did not fight in the over 230 skirmishes and battles during the American Revolution. However, in those he did fight in he fought from the front, securing his legacy as “First in War.” Learn More
For a deeper explanation of this topic see The Founders at Home: The Building of America, 1735-1817 by Myron Magnet. He explores each of the letters and contextualizes them within Washington’s life. George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, May 18, 1754, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-01-02-0050. George Washington to William Fitzhugh, November 15, 1754, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-01-02-0114. George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, July 18, 1755, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-01-02-0168. George Washington to Robert Dinwiddie, March 10, 1757, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-04-02-0062. George Washington to the Officers of the Virginia Regiment, January 10, 1759, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-06-02-0152. George Washington to Robert Cary & Co., September 20, 1765, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-07-02-0252-0001. George Washington to George Mason, April 5, 1769, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-08-02-0132. George Washington to Bryan Fairfax, July 4, 1774, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-10-02-0075. George Washington to George William Fairfax, May 31, 1775, http://rotunda.upress.virginia.edu/founders/GEWN-02-10-02-0281. By Jeanette Patrick, George Washington's Mount Vernon |