George Washington, Ulysses S. Grant, and Dwight Eisenhower served as our chief military commander before entering the Oval Office. How did this experience affect their presidencies?
George Washington
Washington's military career began in 1754 with the French and Indian War. His first mission, involving a fort near Pittsburgh, ended with surrender to the French. A subsequent expedition, led by British General Edward Braddock, ended in disaster. But Washington got credit for his bravery in battle and for organizing the retreat. Washington gained valuable military experience despite serving in these losing battles.
During the Revolutionary War, Washington won daring victories at Trenton and Princeton. But he also lost key battles on Long Island and New York, allowing the British to capture New York City. He then lost at Brandywine and Germantown, resulting in British control of Philadelphia. Monmouth, the last battle in the north, was a draw. Afterward, the war moved to the South, where other generals led the Americans.
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