How George Washington Became the ONLY 6-Star General

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  • čas přidán 7. 05. 2018
  • Jeremy Ray, Manager of History Interpretation at George Washington's Mount Vernon explains how George Washington has remained our highest ranking officer in the American Army.
    Learn more about Washington during the war: www.mountvernon.org/george-was...

Komentáře • 898

  • @meygekon
    @meygekon Před 5 lety +536

    George Washington - Gains 6 stars
    King George III - Loses 13 stars

  • @78.BANDIT
    @78.BANDIT Před 5 lety +497

    One of the things I like most about Washington is he was a humble man. He knew he wasn't perfect but tried to set a good example. He also knew when to walk away after serving 2 terms as President. He was a true example of a leader. Even truning down becoming KING. That is the sign of a Great man.

    • @tballstaedt7807
      @tballstaedt7807 Před 5 lety +17

      Ha! Actual history tells another story. I love my country and its history but Washington the man was 90% legend and 10% luck.

    • @annlorenz6723
      @annlorenz6723 Před 5 lety +1

      very well said!

    • @78.BANDIT
      @78.BANDIT Před 5 lety +26

      @@tballstaedt7807
      Yes I agree with you. Washington himself said most of what he did was with the help of GOD and Luck. He also said he DIDN'T want to be look at as a God figure or to be praised as a perfect man. But sadly look what we did. But let's be real. In all countries history don't we all want Great leaders to be more then human? Thank you my friend and God bless.

    • @joelrodriguez9661
      @joelrodriguez9661 Před 5 lety +36

      We recognize Washington because he was a man of honor and integrity. He could have made himself the young nations sovereign after the revolution. But he resigned his commission as commander in chief. He could have held the office of president for more than his two terms. But he set the precedent for presidential tenure. Instead of holding on to power for as long as he could he showed the young nation that power should be relinquished.

    • @howardbaxter2514
      @howardbaxter2514 Před 5 lety +6

      Many scholars consider Washington to have been the most fit to lead America during our early years. Not only was he able to bring strength to the Presidential position, as many people respected him, he also unified both the North and South both before and after the Revolutionary War because he was from Virginia. If it wasn’t for George Washington, the Revolutionary War would have been lost as the south would not have gotten involved, and strongest leaders in America weren’t as powerful as George Washington.

  • @bdbailey9225
    @bdbailey9225 Před 5 lety +703

    He's my hero. What a fabulous individual! Only man I know of in history to voluntarily step down from power in a precedent showing once again how he placed duty and honor above his personal glory and desires. But this video has one thing wrong. Washington is NOT the only 6 star general. WW1 General Pershing was given 6 stars to make him equal to the English and French Marshals.

    • @oriancunningham
      @oriancunningham Před 5 lety +36

      Washington took a lot of inspiration from Cincinnatus, Washington was even the First President of the Society of Cincinnatus.

    • @bdbailey9225
      @bdbailey9225 Před 5 lety +21

      Cincinnatus is another sterling example of an heroic citizen, for sure.

    • @davidich3537
      @davidich3537 Před 5 lety +2

      Hero?? A well placed puppet from he's unknown general

    • @Todestrieb21
      @Todestrieb21 Před 5 lety +2

      Diocletian.

    • @bryantzerrato8255
      @bryantzerrato8255 Před 5 lety +15

      and massed wealth through the exploitation of slaves..what a guy

  • @markbrittain1324
    @markbrittain1324 Před 5 lety +168

    George Washington was the greatest leader and President. Well explained.

    • @robertisham5279
      @robertisham5279 Před 4 lety +15

      Yep the father of our country. Had it not been for him we'd just be another British colony.

    • @dariowiter3078
      @dariowiter3078 Před 4 lety +5

      🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 🗽🗽🗽🗽🗽 👏👏👏👏👏 👍👍👍👍👍 😁😁😁😁😁

    • @ricksturgis6403
      @ricksturgis6403 Před 3 lety +4

      Insert: *who owned slaves and did not free them until his wife‘s death.

    • @jacehbrickfilms5233
      @jacehbrickfilms5233 Před 3 lety +19

      Rick Sturgis you act as if it wasn’t the norm to own slaves in the 18th century

    • @ricksturgis6403
      @ricksturgis6403 Před 3 lety +6

      @@jacehbrickfilms5233 I know it is that's why I would not reduce his life's work to him being a slaveholder. Still, the age of enlightenment was already going on for a while and for such a learned and intelligent man like Washington, one can expect him to at least show scrupels and reject slavery for the inherent evil that it is.

  • @euphegenia
    @euphegenia Před 2 lety +10

    I was just blown away by Washington’s humility in Ron Chernow’s magnificent biography of George Washington. His farewell address to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City and his resigning of his commission at Annapolis were truly awesome.

  • @Tj-ho2fs
    @Tj-ho2fs Před 2 lety +13

    David McCullough said there were several things that made Washington great, and two of the greatest were that he never gave up, and that he learned from his mistakes. For what it’s worth, my favorite film portrayal of Washington is by David Morse in HBO’s series John Adams.

    • @danwallach8826
      @danwallach8826 Před rokem +1

      David Morse's was a great portrayal. I also really like Jeff Daniels in "The Crossing."

  • @mountvernon
    @mountvernon  Před 5 lety +27

    Hi everyone, here is an explanation about why Pershing is not considered a 6-star general. Pershing was promoted (via Congress, the only body with the authority to do so) to General of the Armies in 1919. At that time, it gave Pershing the highest command rank. Since the highest ranking generals were Lt. Generals (3 stars) it effectively made Pershing a 4 star. It is important to note, Pershing’s 4 Gold Stars were purely decorative that he chose to wear, Congress never authorized that insignia as official. Pershing died in 1948, after WWII, and while his title was a higher rank than the 5 star generals of WWII, his rank could not increase because he was no longer in the Army, retiring in 1921. In the case of George Washington, his rank is bestowed upon him posthumously by Congress with the intention of ceremonially making him the highest ranking General. The highest insignia ever used in active duty was 5 stars in WWII, therefore conjecturally making George Washington a 6 star. Pershing’s rank was bestowed by Congress while he was active duty to make him the highest ranking official in the moment. Though his title is the same, his ranking does not supersede those that followed him. You can read up more on the subject here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_of_the_Armies#John_Pershing

    • @STho205
      @STho205 Před 5 lety +3

      George Washington's Mount Vernon. Well said!

    • @Mark-qm9nr
      @Mark-qm9nr Před rokem +1

      I disagree. Pershing is considered a six star general. The rank of General of the Armies of the United States was created exclusively for him by Congress after the First World War. In 1944 when the first 4 star military officers officers were promoted to 5 star rank (Leahy, Marshall, etc.) Secretary of War Stimson was quizzed by reporters about Pershing (he was still alive). Stimson said that the War Department considered Pershing to out rank all other military officers in the United States, both Army and Navy. Pershing was given permission by Congress to design his own insignia, being a modest man he simply wore 4 gold stars instead of 4 silver ones. He could have worn 7 stars if he wanted to! Washington is the greatest American who ever lived, however, Pershing was a hero as well. Washington was only promoted to General of the Armies in 1976 by Congress and because his promotion was back dated he is the senior military officer of this country, and always will be. I've visited Pershing's grave in Arlington. His tombstone reads"General of the Armies". Why don't you pay a visit, perhaps you'll learn something.

    • @2410jrod
      @2410jrod Před 10 měsíci

      However Washington wasn’t General to f the Armies per se. He was given it honorary in 1976. You have to adjust that rank with the times. In Washington’s time no Presidential or Constitution. Whereas Pershing there was alive and well I might add. Although Washington’s situation was more dire by comparison when it comes their situation when they received command.

  • @carlhicksjr8401
    @carlhicksjr8401 Před 5 lety +159

    And that, boys and girls, is why George Washington's serial number is 'RA0001'
    In the system of Army officer serial numbers from 1935-1955, the RA stood for 'Regular Army', indicating that the officer was a career officer; the first digit was the Army Corps [group of states] area where the officer was recruited from, Washington is considered above mere State boundaries; and the last two digits '01' indicating that he was the first officer commissioned directly by that the US government, that government being the Second Continental Congress.
    In the aftermath of War One, General John Pershing was promoted to 'General of the Army', five star rank. At the same time General George Washington was 'promoted' to the ranks of 'General of the Armies', plural, to leave no doubt who the senior-most professional officer in the United States was. The only five-star to ever have a problem with that was, predictably, General Douglas MacArthur. When he was promoted to five-star rank, he commented how privileged he felt to be promoted to the same rank as George Washington. A member of the press had to point out to Dugout Doug that that he was still junior to Washington, as Washington held 'six-star' rank.
    The only other officer to ever have title of the rank of 'General of the Armies' was Lt. Gen. U.S. Grant, and that was only the description of his command and responsibility, not his personal rank.
    [Yeah, I know. Historians are such picky buggers, ain't we?]

    • @ariswitty99
      @ariswitty99 Před 5 lety +7

      In 1919 Pershing was promoted to General of the Armies, which at the time was indicated by four gold stars. When it came time during WW2 for the rank of general of the army to be issued as the five star rank, Pershing was still alive though retired. To make things simple Congress simply decided that Pershing's rank would outrank the five star rank of general of the army. It wouldn't be until 1976 where Washington would be posthumously promoted by congress to the rank of General of the Armies, and that his rank would be senior to Pershing's rank of the same name.

    • @ariswitty99
      @ariswitty99 Před 5 lety +6

      Also Grant never held the rank of General of the Armies, he held General of the Army, which at the time was a 4 star rank

    • @tantoismailgoldstein6279
      @tantoismailgoldstein6279 Před 5 lety

      @@ariswitty99 umm it was a three star tank then.

    • @ariswitty99
      @ariswitty99 Před 5 lety +2

      @@tantoismailgoldstein6279 Grant's insignia for general of the Army showed four stars. Sherman's showed two stars with the seal of the US in the center

    • @grantorino2325
      @grantorino2325 Před 5 lety +3

      Black Jack Pershing was "General of the Armies of the United States" since 1919. George Washington was, as part of our country's bicentennial, also promoted to that rank in 1976 (retroactive to 1776), so, by time-in-grade, he does outrank Pershing. Both individuals, however, have the same rank.
      "General of the Army" is a lower rank bestowed on Douglas MacArthur, Ike Eisenhower, George Marshall, Omar Bradley, and Hap Arnold (the last of whom was also the first and only "General of the Air Force").

  • @notsosilentmajority1
    @notsosilentmajority1 Před 5 lety +46

    Very informative and enjoyable. At one point in the video I thought the title was going to end up being click bait, thankfully it wasn't. There are so many tidbits of history that so few of us know about. Thank you for sharing a wonderful piece of history. Well done.

  • @usmctate
    @usmctate Před 5 lety +93

    Douglas MacArthur was appointed as General of the Army in WWII. He had five star insignias on his uniform. To say that was never approved is inaccurate.

    • @mondaysinsanity8193
      @mondaysinsanity8193 Před 5 lety +20

      5 star general is used only in times of war it signifies a "general of the armies" as in general of all allied armies basically similar too how admiral nimitz was admiral if the entire allied pacific fleet

    • @MarcillaSmith
      @MarcillaSmith Před 5 lety +19

      5 stars = Genral of the Arm- _y_ (singular), a rank distinct from General of the Arm- _ies_ (plural)

    • @koiya7900
      @koiya7900 Před 5 lety +3

      Monday Insanity Don’t forget Eisenhower

    • @mikemike8623
      @mikemike8623 Před 5 lety +4

      Five-star generals are never retired they are general of the army singular five-star generals of World War II were Eisenhower Bradley and MacArthur with Bradley being the longest living

    • @black10872
      @black10872 Před 5 lety

      @@mondaysinsanity8193 US five star is equal to FIELD MARSHAL, MARSHAL, AIR CHIEF MARSHAL, and ADMIRAL OF THE FLEET (US NAVY FLEET ADMIRAL). And promoting Eisenhower to five stars was meant to be equal to British Field Marshals that outranked him. Promoting Eisenhower to five stars also meant that General Marshall in DC had to be promoted since Marshall was the Army Chief of Staff aka "Commander In Chief" aka most senior general in the army at the time. Basically once a flag officer is promoted, and not part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Then all the top service chiefs got to be promoted because a field flag officer cannot out rank the service chiefs at headquarters. However, the top service chiefs will always out rank the other flag officers.

  • @DukeLitoAurelius
    @DukeLitoAurelius Před 6 lety +4

    Nicely done, Jeremy! This was exactly the kind of history I thrive on.

  • @mikehunt132
    @mikehunt132 Před 5 lety +15

    All men should strive to be like George Washington

    • @cw4136
      @cw4136 Před 4 lety +4

      @@loveshack6880 it was not uncommon for people to owe slaves back then.in fact It was illegal in George Washington state to release slaves. It wasnt until much later that Thomas Jefferson tried to end that law, but he did fail. Regardless when Washington died he emancipated all his slaves. Which was very uncommon at the time.

    • @IanP1963
      @IanP1963 Před 3 lety +2

      @@cw4136 So he was a precursor to Abe Lincoln then ???????

    • @nathandei1674
      @nathandei1674 Před rokem

      So go mistreat black people?

  • @Central_CoastRotors
    @Central_CoastRotors Před 5 lety

    Great points of our history.....thank you for posting it. Very enjoyable to watch.

  • @lorenheard2561
    @lorenheard2561 Před 4 lety +7

    I will always love and admire George Washington.

  • @paulgreen6903
    @paulgreen6903 Před 5 lety +29

    I have been watching as many story s about how the EARLY UNITED STATES of AMERICAN was created. All the information was very easy to under stand, and was very enjoyable. To be an AMERICAN, is some thing to be very proud off. Keep up the good work. Your friend from the north...... CANADA...........GOD BLESS THE UNITED STATES of AMERICA.

    • @obi0914
      @obi0914 Před 5 lety +1

      I would argue that you think your separate from this great experiment? The North American Continent has had its dictators, even the Mexicans fought of their overlords. We are brothers and sisters of this great experiment known as democracy, kings, dictators and rulers have always ruled and yet we say there is a different way, we are one of the same my friend.

    • @carterwinslow6744
      @carterwinslow6744 Před 5 lety +3

      @@obi0914 You can be a Democracy and still have a Monarchy. Its called a Constitutional Monarchy. And the US has committed far more crimes in 200 years than most of the longest lasting Monarchies in Europe did for twice that time.
      Don't get me wrong, I love America. I also wish America to remain a Republic. I also understand the reasoning for the Republic... We needed to be distinct from Britain and also ensure our freedom. However, Constitutional Monarchy that Germany had before WWI, that Austria had before WWI, that Britain still has (even though the Queen is weakened, she still exercises her powers enshrined in British Common law behind closed doors, and has the authority to call for new elections as well as other rights)... is not a bad system at all, and America should not be fighting to end it.
      Monarchs ensure that no politician can ever reach the highest level of government, ensuring that no one, ever can claim absolute power. This prevents the rise of a would be Hitler or Oswald Mosley (British Union of Fascist). Moreover, the Monarch is in turn, kept in check by Parliament, the Courts and the People, who in almost all, if not all, Monarchies of Europe by the late 19th Century, exercised considerable power given to them by a Constitution. This ensures that the threat from tyranny is much reduced.
      Moreover, Monarchs typically are guided by traditions such as duty to the state, to the people, and to God. This ensures that even if they do have an agenda, this agenda is influenced by their parents who taught them noble virtues. This means that the chances you get someone who wants the Presidency purely for their own ambitions, and generally will say or do anything to achieve it, does not become head executive.
      Monarchs also try not to favour any political party in Parliament, because it would lose them public support, and votes on things such as titles. Queen Victoria learned this the hard way when she said "I despise Tories (Conservatives) more than insects and turtle soup". When the Tories came to power, she asked her husband be granted the title of King Consort. Parliament rejected it, and she learned she had to be more reserved in her ideology. She eventually became friends with Prime Ministers of both Parties and took an active role in the welfare of her people.
      This tenancy to greater non-partisanship, allows them as an executive to get leaders of rival factions on board to solve the issues facing the nation. If America had a Monarch, they might have hosted talks to end the Government Shutdown impasse, and tried to resolve partisan bickering instead of instigating it.
      Anyways, Constitutional Monarchy and Republics can go hand in hand, and be allied ideologies. America should not be imposing Republicanism on Europe. If various countries in Europe want a Republic, fine. But because of Woodrow Wilson's doctrines, Republics were forced first on the Central Powers, and then the rest of Europe after the Second World War. There is still a lot of resentment today in Europe over that fact, and it also lead to the rise of Fascism.
      Moreover, as I mentioned, Constitutional Monarchies are not even a threat to Democracy.

    • @austinbosh7402
      @austinbosh7402 Před 5 lety

      @@carterwinslow6744
      First of all, what's so wrong with making Germany and the countries that made up Austria-Hungary republics after WW1? The republics succeeded, they were just held back from debt (caused by the British and French *NOT* the U.S.). The only thing that the U.S. did to harm Germany was the Great Depression but that wasn't America's fault. Secondly, America didn't force any republics on Europe except for Germany and Italy if I remember correctly. That wasn't a bad thing either, unless you admired Hitler or Mussolini that is. Thirdly, the U.S. did not contribute to the rise of Fascism. That was purely Britain and France as I stated before when I said Britain and France severely weakened Germany with the Treaty of Versailles. Lastly, I could care less for the crimes America has done. I'm just glad I'm living in the world's strongest super power. I won't ever have to worry about war reaching main land America or about us losing a war. I won't have to worry about starvation or extreme taxes *Cough* Canada *Cough* . I won't have to worry about not getting a proper education or getting paid adequate money. I will be able to choose my job and my future. Freedom. It's what makes America great. I'm not wrong in saying that either, America gives the most freedom to its citizens out of every other country.

    • @carterwinslow6744
      @carterwinslow6744 Před 5 lety

      Austin Bosh did the Republics actually succeed? No... Austria is still plagued with frequent political violence to this day. There is constant massive instability and in some other former Habsburg realms, people get into first fights in Parliament or in one countries case, the opposition releases tear gas to stop a vote.
      Also.... the allies did force a republic on all of these countries and never even asked for a vote. When Hungary tried to restore the monarchy, twice, the western allies threatened invasion and Hungary’s “immanent and complete destruction” whatever that meant.
      Moreover, 22% of people in this region want a return of the monarchy... so in the interest of actual democracy let’s have a discussion in this region and HAVE a VOTE. If democrats love democracy so much let’s have a debate.

    • @austinbosh7402
      @austinbosh7402 Před 5 lety

      @@carterwinslow6744
      You can be a " successful " country and still be plagued with internal turmoil. Examples are France, China, and the U.S..
      Couldn't find any sources about Hungary trying to restore its Monarchy post WW2.
      Just because 22% of the population favors a return to the Monarchy doesn't mean 100% of the population will also agree. Also, you don't have to be a Democrat to favor Democracies. You could be a Republican like myself.

  • @154Jamesp
    @154Jamesp Před 4 lety +5

    Great story and a fitting tribute to the greatest American.

  • @PackersBearsFan3
    @PackersBearsFan3 Před 5 lety +2

    That was pretty cool. Thanks for doing the video!

  • @Mr.President0911
    @Mr.President0911 Před 3 lety +1

    I knew this fact, but didn’t know the story behind it, it’s incredible what you can learn just by tapping a few thing on your phone

  • @GlenMcCarthy
    @GlenMcCarthy Před 6 lety +8

    Well done Jeremy. A great history lesson.

  • @johnrodriguez7742
    @johnrodriguez7742 Před 4 lety +82

    All Hail to George Washington: General of The Armies and President of The United States!!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🦅🗽⚔️🔫

    • @tessieradl2839
      @tessieradl2839 Před 4 lety

      John Rodriguez maybe

    • @engineergaming5989
      @engineergaming5989 Před 4 lety +3

      Why did you put a water pistol after the crossed swords?

    • @LNTunes1010
      @LNTunes1010 Před 4 lety +1

      On tv, when I see a clip of Donald Trump screaming out to his audience that he is the greatest president in America’s history. At first, I looked passed it as everyone has a brain fart once in awhile but then Trump frequently said it at different venues. It has become a source of a head pain for me now. Nothing comes from nothing. Trump is no where near George Washington’s quality of spirit, statesmanship, and action.

    • @anunknownentity1637
      @anunknownentity1637 Před 4 lety +5

      @@LNTunes1010 Trump is a pretty good president though. I'm pretty sure Washington would prefer him to many others.

    • @LNTunes1010
      @LNTunes1010 Před 4 lety

      Austin Smith LoL 😂. I needed a good laugh. Thx.

  • @khalidothman3316
    @khalidothman3316 Před 4 lety +4

    Thank you for history lesson my son will love this!

  • @deaustin4018
    @deaustin4018 Před 4 lety +6

    He could have been king, dictator for life, emperor, etc, His answer - "Mr. President - and nothing more."

    • @IanP1963
      @IanP1963 Před 3 lety +1

      If he had done that then the US might as well have been a part of Britain again !!!!

  • @Saint_nobody
    @Saint_nobody Před 5 lety +8

    Nonononononono. THANK YOU.
    And all the staff up at mt. Vernon. God bless and good night.

  • @rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG
    @rgriffinRETIRED_SHEEPDOG Před 6 lety +2

    Excellent presentation!

  • @gustavovillegas5909
    @gustavovillegas5909 Před 5 lety +1

    Very interesting! Thanks for the vid

  • @stevenschoenfeld5751
    @stevenschoenfeld5751 Před 4 lety +1

    Wow, now that I did not know, beautiful video love this, learned a lot, great job👍♥️😷

  • @lindajones8895
    @lindajones8895 Před 3 lety +2

    Thank you for sharing. Most appreciated..I wish American history was still taught in the school systems like it was when I was younger. 🇺🇸🇺🇸

  • @mrmiz4372
    @mrmiz4372 Před 3 lety +2

    I knew about this but the backstory of the rank insignia of the Colonial Army was interesting. Another fun fact; because Washington is always to be the highest ranking officer in the Army, if a 6 star general rank were to be created, such as was contemplated for MacArthur, Washington would theoretically be posthumously promoted again to a 7 star......

  • @caractacuspott4581
    @caractacuspott4581 Před 3 lety

    Very informative. Thank you.

  • @Jtmurph222
    @Jtmurph222 Před 3 lety

    Really cool. Thanks for the history lesson and unknown fact!

  • @lorenheard2561
    @lorenheard2561 Před 4 lety

    Thank you Mr. Great note of history I know I never was taught!

  • @therealmeemawmallen9493

    Funbabulous! Great informative info! 😊

  • @simonepeters7971
    @simonepeters7971 Před 4 lety +1

    Thank you for telling me that I always had that question about the Sash and stars

  • @rebekahmcfatridge6691
    @rebekahmcfatridge6691 Před 5 lety +10

    Thank you for this information... George Washington is my hero

  • @ChacoteOutdoorRecreation
    @ChacoteOutdoorRecreation Před 6 lety +42

    He will eternally ne the General of all those who wish to provide a way of life not constrained by the dictates of others, those who cherish freedom and know that America is exceptional.

    • @lz56able
      @lz56able Před 6 lety +1

      so true, good insight

    • @feartheghus
      @feartheghus Před 5 lety +1

      In other words, he will always be America’s general, the indispensable man.

  • @RCAvhstape
    @RCAvhstape Před 3 lety +2

    Glad to have found this video. I knew about the posthumous 6 star thing, but for years I wondered about what Washington's actual rank during the Revolution was and nobody ever gave me a straight answer. So, basically, he was a major general as far as pay grade goes, but wore a lieutenant general's rank insignia in order to signify his position as CinC of the Continental Army, kind of like a brevet rank.

  • @michaelcasey5155
    @michaelcasey5155 Před 2 lety +1

    Washington....”1st in peace ...1st in war...1st in the hearts of his countrymen “.

  • @jadapinkett1656
    @jadapinkett1656 Před 2 lety +1

    Fun fact: My ancestor, Jusuf Ben Ali (Joesph Benenhaley) fought in Washington's army. He aided Thomas Sumter here in SC, NC, and VA.

    • @davidpeters4129
      @davidpeters4129 Před 10 měsíci

      Your story piqued my interest, so did a little digging. From what I gathered Joseoh Benehaley (1753-1823) was a scout for Gen. Sumter, and was awarded a tract, near Sumter's plantation for his services after the war.

  • @thefpvlife7785
    @thefpvlife7785 Před 5 lety

    Great information and score.

  • @djtodd3
    @djtodd3 Před 4 lety +3

    Eisenhower was the Supreme Allied Commander of the European Theater during WWII which was a 5 star position, MacArthur was General of the Army in the Pacific Theater which was a 5 star position, and Admiral Nimitz was a Fleet Admiral which was a 5 star position. However, all of these ranks are reserved for wartime only.

    • @henrivanbemmel
      @henrivanbemmel Před rokem

      Yes, but once a 5-star you remain in service. Washington only got his 6 star rank in 1976. However, his authority was never doubted.

    • @henrivanbemmel
      @henrivanbemmel Před rokem

      If it were up to me, I think MacArthur was a self-serving liar, but I would elevate Gen. George C. Marshall to 6-star rank. He was one of the best people of the 20th century. While others fought the war, GCM picked all the leaders and organized the entire US Army's growth from a skeleton force of a few 100 thousand to over 10 million. All without hubris. I don't think we will someone of his qualities for a long time.

  • @01sapphireGTS
    @01sapphireGTS Před 4 lety

    Very interesting. Great Post.

  • @godscommandmentsaretruthis2837

    That was interesting... thanks for sharing your insights on this great man!

  • @TheMarySoriano
    @TheMarySoriano Před 3 lety +2

    I feel sad for our kids and college students who do not understand our history as it should be.

  • @7ajhubbell
    @7ajhubbell Před 5 lety

    Thank you!

  • @zachmueller2912
    @zachmueller2912 Před 3 lety +1

    Gen John Pershing was also promoted to the same rank as Washington (General of the Armies) even though it wasn't displayed by 6 stars (there wernt even 5 star generals back then) so he wore 4 gold stars instead of 4 silver stars worn by standard generals.

  • @sarunyareese6697
    @sarunyareese6697 Před rokem

    Wow...!!!! I love your videos

  • @wikilover66
    @wikilover66 Před 4 lety

    I love history thank you for uploading this :) I am going to study American History

  • @solidbanjobanjo9367
    @solidbanjobanjo9367 Před 5 lety +4

    This was a really interesting and informative video, thank you from the old empire 😄 🇬🇧

  • @sergeantarchdornan3013
    @sergeantarchdornan3013 Před 5 lety +167

    Who would win the entire British army......some angry farmers

    • @whiteoctober4582
      @whiteoctober4582 Před 5 lety +17

      The French would win ;)

    • @inoob5906
      @inoob5906 Před 5 lety +14

      With french help of course

    • @royalstag3795
      @royalstag3795 Před 5 lety +26

      Who would win. The USA or some rice farmers

    • @wachtwoorden2
      @wachtwoorden2 Před 5 lety +20

      Who would win, the entirety of the thirteen colonies, french troops or a few Enlish batallions because the rest was off fighting other wars. Wow doesn't look so glorious anymore

    • @jamgooandyou
      @jamgooandyou Před 5 lety +3

      Some farmers, who were mostly rich, probably had some sort of sword, gun training (not military) had practice in killing the native Americans.....and had Spanish, French help (who along with the Dutch were 3 of the 4 big super powers) British also had to sail across the roughest seas known to man n still be combat ready lol

  • @corylemons7242
    @corylemons7242 Před 4 lety +2

    Touching video and even more amazing man. Washington literally built this country from its foundation.

  • @MichaelJohnson-kx3ln
    @MichaelJohnson-kx3ln Před 5 lety +2

    Our first Field Marshal....Outstanding, l salute you sir!

    • @alswann2702
      @alswann2702 Před 5 lety

      He should have lost them when he lost the Philippines.

  • @murrayaronson3753
    @murrayaronson3753 Před 5 lety +2

    I read somewhere that the rank of Marshal or Fieldmarshal for the US Army was considered during World War II, but one of the generals would received that rank was George C. Marshall. Marshal Marshall did not sound right, so General of the Army came into place and voila General of the Army Marshall.

  • @drake8065
    @drake8065 Před 6 lety +6

    very good vid

  • @donessamuel3603
    @donessamuel3603 Před 3 lety

    GOOD explanation....

  • @MichaelJohnson-kx3ln
    @MichaelJohnson-kx3ln Před 5 lety +11

    Our best President...hands down.

    • @sharkfinbite
      @sharkfinbite Před 5 lety +2

      Then enters Theodore Roosevelt.

    • @joeyjamison5772
      @joeyjamison5772 Před 5 lety +2

      He was lucky, he didn't have libtards to deal with.

    • @liamryan7239
      @liamryan7239 Před 5 lety

      He was uniting

    • @CrossOfBayonne
      @CrossOfBayonne Před 4 lety

      Some say Lincoln was the #1 president since he kept the country together in the upheaval of the Civil War and abolished slavery in the process.

    • @MichaelJohnson-kx3ln
      @MichaelJohnson-kx3ln Před 4 lety +1

      Yes!! Lincoln was AWESOME!!

  • @gordobrigadainviernoel8216

    History is so profound. I love it.

  • @NZRic001
    @NZRic001 Před 4 lety

    Than you very much!

    • @mountvernon
      @mountvernon  Před 4 lety

      You are welcome, glad you enjoyed our video, Ric

  • @brbjuke45
    @brbjuke45 Před 5 lety

    Very interesting thank you

  • @kch0979
    @kch0979 Před 5 lety

    Very interesting video.

  • @JoeSmith-gw6hc
    @JoeSmith-gw6hc Před 4 lety

    Great watch

  • @JesusIsTheWayLifeTruth
    @JesusIsTheWayLifeTruth Před 2 lety +1

    Excellent!!

  • @ourichie
    @ourichie Před 5 lety +75

    General of the Armies John Perishing disagrees with you

    • @RadioactiveJonesthatboi
      @RadioactiveJonesthatboi Před 5 lety +10

      That's what i was thinking when i saw the title

    • @bdbailey9225
      @bdbailey9225 Před 5 lety +1

      Richie Brown- you da man!
      I was going to say that about Black Jack Pershing, but you got it covered.
      So I'll just say- Richie's right everybody, title's wrong.
      Get your facts straight, G W's MT Vernon! That's embarrassing!

    • @carlhicksjr8401
      @carlhicksjr8401 Před 5 lety +6

      Richie, I hold a lot of respect for General of the Army John J. Pershing.
      But, mon frere', you are incorrect.
      When General Pershing was promoted to 5-star rank, it was bandied about that he would hold the same rank as George Washington. Pershing *strenuously* objected to this. Thus, Pershing was promoted to 'General of the Army' while Washington was given the rank 'General of the Armies' [plural]. And by order of the Commander in Chief, Pres. W. Wilson, and sanctified by Congress no other officer shall hold that title of rank other than Washington.

    • @farpointgamingdirect
      @farpointgamingdirect Před 5 lety +4

      Congress and every historical record disagrees with you, unfortunately

    • @ariswitty99
      @ariswitty99 Před 5 lety +11

      @@carlhicksjr8401 Pershing never held a 5 star rank, he was promoted to General of the Armies and given four gold stars as the insignia. Washington wasn't given the posthumous promotion to General of the Armies until 1976

  • @jesseroberts637
    @jesseroberts637 Před 5 lety +5

    Perhaps I am confused, but as far as I'm aware wasn't Pershing promoted to General of the Armies during WW1(a 6 star rank)?

    • @marthaindahouse1010
      @marthaindahouse1010 Před 5 lety

      That was his title, not his rank. General Grant also was "General of the Armies", but that was only his title.

    • @boulderaidanthe1st100
      @boulderaidanthe1st100 Před 5 lety +2

      Steve harvyeet grant was only general of the army. Pershing was the only man ever given the RANK of general of the armies, granted to him by congress for his service in WW1. Which is why Washington was posthumously awarded the rank in ‘78

  • @TheCourier006
    @TheCourier006 Před 5 lety +6

    That means... The real first six star general is Washington not Pershing

  • @cubemaster4485
    @cubemaster4485 Před 5 lety +16

    im watching this for a veterans project

  • @londoncab2814
    @londoncab2814 Před 3 lety

    So glad for that . So worthy

  • @feartheghus
    @feartheghus Před 5 lety +11

    Ok now the obvious most important goal is to find a way to get promoted to the rank of a 7 star general so they have to move Washington’s rank up even more, keep pushing it foreword!
    Sadly I am afraid I almost definitely won’t be that helpful in the process.

  • @soldieramerican5964
    @soldieramerican5964 Před 4 lety

    Excellent video, I learned something I didn’t know! ✝️🇺🇸✝️🇺🇸

  • @rich7262
    @rich7262 Před 9 měsíci

    Neat fact, Its my dream to visit Mt. Vernon someday.

  • @dfed324
    @dfed324 Před 5 lety +1

    Actually, General John Pershing was a 6-star general too. For some unique reason during WWII (his seniority in the army I believe), Eisenhower, McArthur, and Nimitz were ranked 5 stars and Pershing 6.

  • @user-yd9vq2ki5d
    @user-yd9vq2ki5d Před 4 měsíci

    I believe, Pershing was first General of the Armies in 1919. Washington was not designated as General of the Armies until 1976, when it was realized that Pershing, technically, out ranked Washington. Grant was awarded General of the Armies in 2022.

  • @ateram
    @ateram Před 4 lety +1

    General Pershing was made General of the Armies as well (6 star general).

    • @bob80q
      @bob80q Před 3 lety

      General of the Armies is a RANK, he was NOT awarded 6 star GRADE

  • @1999glock
    @1999glock Před 4 lety +3

    There has never been a 6 star rank recognized by the congress or the Army. Washington and Pershing hold the "unique" rank of General of the Armies which according to the official Army records "Appears...........to be of equal or greater rank than that of the 5 star rank". Only General Douglas Mac Arthur was considered to be awarded a full 6th star rank had his forces invaded Japan in WWII. This was due to the fact that as commander in chief, he would have been supreme commander over several officers who held a 5 star rank. When Japan surrendered, the need for a sixth star general was deemed unnecessary and his appointment cancelled.

  • @5sider
    @5sider Před 4 lety

    Point of clarification. General Pershing held the same rank of General of the Armies as as did General Washington Legislation passed by Congress and signed into law specified that Washington was senior to Pershing.

  • @santamanone
    @santamanone Před 3 lety +8

    Actually General John (Blackjack) Pershing was a six star general.

    • @shawnlake1491
      @shawnlake1491 Před 3 lety +3

      Admiral Dewey also held the equivalent in the navy

    • @bob80q
      @bob80q Před 3 lety +1

      he can be considered the EQUIVALENT of a 6 star General but was never awarded the rank

  • @josephvandyck5469
    @josephvandyck5469 Před 5 lety

    I wish I had known this when I went to US Army basic training. I could have stumped my Drills. I would have pushed Ft. Benning from GA to AL, but it would have been worth it!

  • @bob80q
    @bob80q Před 2 lety

    Washington is actually the equivalent of a 7 Star Officer, because George Dewey and John Pershing were also given special ranks making them senior to all other Officers during World War II they became the equivalent of 6 Star Officers since they were senior to the 5 Star Fleet Admirals and Generals of the Army.

  • @patmcnamara9081
    @patmcnamara9081 Před 5 lety +1

    From the books I’ve read on him he was at times referred to as “The General” !, “The” being emphasized! And as the narrator said it gets kind of fuzzy from there!

  • @mattt233
    @mattt233 Před 5 lety +16

    Washington is first in Seniority but General of the Armies of the United States, the position held by John Pershing, is equal to the same "star" ranking but Washington is still senior to Pershing even though they are the same rank basically.

    • @brandoncadena08
      @brandoncadena08 Před 5 lety

      They are the same grade you can't technically be the same rank as someone else. There is a somewhat convoluted system for figuring out who is senior in rank. That is also why there is some disagreement about Washington being a six star general as he could be a five star which is the same grade as several other generals but outrank them by seniority.

    • @mattt233
      @mattt233 Před 5 lety

      @@brandoncadena08 that's exactly what I said. While it is a title and not really an official rank they both are technically the same grade but Washington is above everyone else in Seniority.

    • @brandoncadena08
      @brandoncadena08 Před 5 lety

      @@mattt233 no you said they were the same rank, no two people are the same rank they are the same grade.

    • @mattt233
      @mattt233 Před 5 lety

      @@brandoncadena08 ok semantics.

    • @farpointgamingdirect
      @farpointgamingdirect Před 5 lety

      Pershing held a POSITION not a RANK.

  • @Philobiblion
    @Philobiblion Před 11 měsíci

    Very interesting. The rank of General of the Armies (plural) has been conferred three times. In 1919 to Black Jack Pershing; in 1922 posthumously to Ulysses S. Grant, and as you said, to GW. Five star rank is General of the Army (singular) and has been conferred in wartime. Note also that the word 'epaulette' is pronounced eh puh let Also, more than one aide de camp are called aides de camp, as in attorneys general etc.

  • @RobbyHouseIV
    @RobbyHouseIV Před 2 lety

    Great presentation! Is there any way to jack up the volume of that awesome background music? Why I can barely hear it. Maybe just bump it up a little for the ambience and what not. Thanks a bunch. Okay, I need to go change my clothes as I'm soaking wet dripping in sarcasm. Bye for now!

  • @jamellfoster6029
    @jamellfoster6029 Před 5 lety

    That was very interesting...

  • @t0n0k0
    @t0n0k0 Před 2 lety +2

    Fan fact: Eight Star General is God Level.

  • @AmericanActionReport
    @AmericanActionReport Před 5 lety

    It was fascinating, but I still have a question about the way you constructed your case. You said that, by a joint resolution of Congress, George Washington "would never be surpassed in rank." That doesn't mean that he'd never be equaled in rank. Should you have rephrased that?

  • @jasoncohea8507
    @jasoncohea8507 Před 2 lety

    After World War I, Pershing was promoted to General of the Armies and became the only active-duty six-star general in U.S. history. George Washington also was a six-star general, but wasn't given the promotion until the U.S. bicentennial in 1976

  • @petejuneaux7549
    @petejuneaux7549 Před 3 lety

    Great story. I love our great country!

  • @melindabendle6459
    @melindabendle6459 Před 4 lety +3

    🇺🇸🌎🌏🌍🇺🇸📡 UNITED STATE'S MARINE'S, MILITARY, AIR FORCE'S, U.S.S. GOD BLESS ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE..NOW WORLD WIDE ALL NEED'S YO FORCE'S ON SAVING THR WORLD..🌹

  • @dartharpy9404
    @dartharpy9404 Před 4 lety +2

    Great history

  • @Redawesomeoby
    @Redawesomeoby Před 3 lety +1

    Douglas Macarthur: I was here too.

  • @edwardpate6128
    @edwardpate6128 Před 2 lety +1

    I was under the impression that Grant and Pershing also had 6 stars.

  • @christianwestling2019
    @christianwestling2019 Před 3 lety +1

    1976 = Let's give George Washington 6 stars!
    2020 = Tear down statues of George Washington!
    What a bright future... :/

  • @jamessullivan586
    @jamessullivan586 Před 5 lety

    There are two 6 star generals one of them which we have on this video here the other one is general blackjack Pershing 6 Star general title general of the armies as in plural

  • @MouYijian
    @MouYijian Před 5 lety

    Very interesting video, thanks for sharing. Only a minor objection: 'epaulette' should be pronounced /ˈepəlet/. It seems as if he says something like 'ep-pew-let'.

  • @mitchellmiranda3295
    @mitchellmiranda3295 Před 5 lety

    What means this solemn dirge that strikes my ear.

  • @vasthockey4382
    @vasthockey4382 Před 5 lety +5

    John j Pershing was a general of the armies as well

    • @DanielGonzalez-ez8cb
      @DanielGonzalez-ez8cb Před 5 lety

      that is 5 stars

    • @marthaindahouse1010
      @marthaindahouse1010 Před 5 lety

      That was his title not his rank.

    • @rickhahn5381
      @rickhahn5381 Před 4 lety

      He always wore 4 gold stars choosing not to accept his General of the Armies from a grateful Congress.

    • @lilkleenex7842
      @lilkleenex7842 Před 4 lety

      @@rickhahn5381 he wore 4 GOLD stars...the normal 4 star general rank is 4 silver stars not 4 gold stars

  • @EnchantedSmellyWolf
    @EnchantedSmellyWolf Před 5 lety +3

    I think he earned it because he fought along with his people even in front of battle.

    • @KenMabie
      @KenMabie Před 5 lety +1

      No actually he didn't

    • @davidpeters4129
      @davidpeters4129 Před 10 měsíci

      @@KenMabie You are incorrect, read the accounts of Princeton and Monmouth. He had great personal courage under fire

  • @drakesucks
    @drakesucks Před rokem +2

    John Pershing is also a Six star general

  • @cookiefan3248
    @cookiefan3248 Před 2 lety

    wow i Luvd it. it's a good story. George Washington is evry une's favret herow and George Washington is a man of great importance in history and we must be grateful for what he did for us.

  • @victorparkinson3316
    @victorparkinson3316 Před 4 lety

    Thanks to Liberty's kid the animated historical show I watched as a foreign kid in America. I'll always put General Washington as my hero.

  • @alanhorn202
    @alanhorn202 Před 4 měsíci

    There was another 6 star General - John J. (Blackjack) Pershing. Please update your video!