Introduction
When it comes to naming war heroes, the assumption that they are famous due to their military deeds seems only logical; however, that is not always the case. George Washington, Nathaniel Greene, and Crispus Attucks are all connected to the American Revolutionary War, but the reasons behind their heroism are different. Although military achievements alone are enough to be considered a hero, non-military factors can also become sources of heroism.
George Washington
George Washington is frequently the first figure people recall when thinking of Revolutionary War heroes. Washington made a permanent imprint on American history as the country’s first president, a leader of the Continental Army, and one of the Founding Fathers. Proving his military worth during the wars in France and India, Virginians elected Washington to the Continental Congress. In his service as the Commanding General of the Continental Army, Washington fought for the ideals of freedom and independence against the British army and loyalists.
Later, Washington resigned and turned his attention to political issues once it became clear that America would succeed. In his new position, he played a crucial role in forming the Constitution, eventually becoming the leader of the newly born nation. After serving for two terms, he established a powerful administration and announced he would not seek a third, setting the precedent for future American presidents. Overall, Washington’s deeds that surpassed his military career can hardly be overestimated, contributing to his image as a true war hero.
Nathaniel Greene
Nathanael Greene was George Washington’s most dependable commander throughout the Revolutionary War. This can be seen in the numerous correspondences the two individuals exchanged during the war. In the 1770s, he actively opposed the British and was instrumental in founding a militia unit of Kentish Guards. In 1776, Greene assumed the position of the Continental Army’s general, supporting Washington in his campaigns across the future United States.
Due to his valuable service, Greene was later appointed the army’s commander in the South. He proved his worth again, successfully reducing the number of British soldiers in the region. Greene’s deeds illustrate that, regardless of how strong an individual one may be, Washington would not have been able to succeed alone. This elevates Greene’s role as a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
Crispus Attucks
Unlike the individuals presented above, Crispus Attucks did not possess impressive army-leading skills or political proficiency. However, Attucks was the first person to die in the events of the Boston Massacre, an incident that ultimately led to the start of the American Revolution. Attucks and several men armed with random objects came to the Old State House and provoked the guards until the latter opened fire. Being unlucky enough to be struck by stray bullets, Crispus Attucks died on the spot, becoming a symbol of courage and independence. He later became a prominent figure in the anti-slavery struggle due to his African American origins.
The valiant deaths of Crispus Attucks and four of his fellow men were praised in various forms, including poetry. Each individual who died that day contributed significantly to the establishment of American independence, regardless of whether them being a soldier or a victim. Thus, they should be remembered as heroes of the Revolutionary War since their ideas and bravery led other American people to their most significant accomplishments.
Conclusion
Based on the evidence presented above, it becomes apparent that joining the army is not the only way to become a hero of war. Washington’s actions as a politician ensured the United States’ survival as an independent country. In turn, Greene’s devotion to the cause is as commendable as his deeds as a general. Finally, through his example, Crispus Attucks influenced the American Revolutionary War without directly participating. In short, it is not always the deeds but the effort that makes one a hero.
Bibliography
Brandon, Christopher. “Forging the Vision: Nathanael Greene.” The Saber and Scroll Journal 9, no. 3 (2020): 91-115.
Chervinsky, Lindsay M. The Cabinet: George Washington and the Creation of an American Institution. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2020.
Greene, Nathaniel. “Image 1 of George Washington Papers, Series 4, General Correspondence: Nathanael Greene to George Washington, March 1780.” Library of Congress. Web.
NARA. “America’s Founding Documents.” National Archives and Records Administration. Web.
Melish, Joanne Pope. “First Martyr of Liberty: Crispus Attucks in American Memory by Mitch Kachun.” Journal of the Early Republic 39, no. 2 (2019): 340-342.
“On the death of five young men who were murthered, March 5th, 1770. By the 29th regiment. [Massachusetts 1770].” Library of Congress. Web.