Demobilization Outline
I. Demobilization
A. Revolutionary war reached its conclusion and there was no use for a professional/nation army, many soldiers and officers wished to return to home
B. Demobilization was difficult, as the Continental Army was very unhappy with their salaries. Soldiers had been long awaiting their pay, and no provisions had been made to provide the continental officers with their promised pensions.
C. With peace at hand, officers worried that the army would be demobilized before the problem was resolved, and they would not be compensated for time and efforts.
D. A petition demanding that the pensions be converted to bonuses was rejected by Congress.
1. A group of officers assembled on March 15; at stake was the possibility of a military coup at the very moment of American victory.
II. How Challenge Was Resolved
A. During the officers’ assembly on March 15, General Washington mounted the platform. He denounced any resort to force, but it was his offhand remark, “I have grown gray in your service” that made the greatest impact. Also, many of the officers and soldiers had never seen their commanding officer with glasses and that not only was he growing “gray” but he was also losing his vision.
1. The officers realized that their commander in chief had sacrificed more than all of them.
B. After Washington left, the officers resolved to reject intervention
C. A week later, on Washington’s urging, Congress converted the pensions to bonuses after all.
C. Congress also agreed to give the soldiers three months’ pay as a bonus, and instructed Washington to begin dismissing them.
III. Impact that the War had on this Issue
A. The war left Congress with little money and large debts
B. George Washington became a highly revered national hero, with a lot of voice in Congress and had a great impact on his soldiers even after war.
C. People felt more secure to challenge authority.
D. A Continental Army was formed and spread out through America.
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SS, AZ
12 comments:
I think that Washington was very clever in the use of subtle hints regarding how he was growing gray. This was a political reason, and frankly it does what was intended. I also think that the timing of congress releasing the pension occurred at a very good time, averting potential disaster.
A.S.
Washington is the man, stopping a coup with a remark. The officers stopped from causing conflict because of their sheer respect for the general. He dealt with unruly soldiers during the war, and even after it ended in his favor. But also, he goes in afterward and gets bonuses for the soldiers anyway, even after they decided not to coup. Extraordinary leadership skills.
It seriously makes you think about a lot of things. What would have happened if a coup had happened and America lost the war? And was that really an offhand comment by George Washington, or did he intend it to affect the officers the way it did? But the point is, that comment did stop the coup, and that allowed America to keep its victory. Washington deserved to be a national hero.
I knew that Washington contributed a lot to his nation, but I never knew how much he contributed to his nation until this year in APUSH. Like everyone else, I knew he led the Americans to victory in the Revolution and became the first President of the United States, but I didn't know he stopped mutiny and a military coup. Not only did he convince the officers to abandon their coercive ambitions, but he also convinced Congress to give his men bonuses. He helped both sides. Props to Washington.
Washington was an exceptional leader. He knew how to calm his men down and made them see reason in what they were petioning about. Yes of course they wanted their money however, Washington with his skills persuaded them in a way where all the men thought twice. His quick reasoning prevented a coup which would have ended in a bad manner. moreover, Washington knew what was in the soldiers' best interests and urged Congress in giving the soldiers bonuses.
Without Washington I believe the outcome of this issue would not have been so peaceful. He resolved the problem by converting the pensions to bonuses and three months pay as bonuses, as well. Washington was a very intelligent, determined man that led our country to victory.
George Washington is a very good leader in this situation. He was persausive and quick to think of a new plan when thing's didn't go as planned.
George Washington was an exceptional leader whom contributed to the continetal army tremendously. He impacted america so much many of his contributions still help america today, without Washington who knows where america would be today?
I believe that Washington was very wise and all people looked up upon and respected him, therefore, he was able to prevent a disaster from occurring between the colonists and the government. I also thought it was smart of the government to give the bonuses at that particular time, as to not cause conflict.
With Gearoge Washinton's calm and positive attitude he was able to get the colonists out of a sticky situation. He switched the pensions into bonuses with a 3 month pay. It was a perfect solution
I am glad that Washington spoke out so that the soldiers could receive their bonuses. It seems like people finally realized how much the army had to sacrifice so that they could win the war. I also think that if Congress did not pay the bonuses, our country would have been starting off on the wrong foot. G Dubbs seems like he was a great guy, I can't imagine what would have happened to our nation without him.
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