Two Founding Fathers: GW in 1776 and SYS in 1911, Two Very Different Outcomes
Preface
When pursuing an advanced degree at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, I visited surrounding places such as Montreal (Canada), Lake George, Boston, Valley Forge, Washington Crossing, Yardley, Brandywine, Trenton, Princeton, New York City, etc.. At the time, I did not know these places were also the main battlefields during the American Revolutionary period (in 1776 Continental Congress issued Declaration of Independence).
The establishment of the US republic has also inspired the French revolution (1789). Under common threats from British, these two political entities (America and French) at least mutually influenced and benefited each other. As a result, a new country USA was born. More than hundred years later, both America and French provided inspiration (By the people, for the people, and of the people; Blue, White, and Red for both countries’ flags) to a new Chinese republic, and ROC was formed in 1911.
The leaders of these two republics are listed here, both considered as the father of their countries,
George Washington (February 22, 1732 – December 14, 1799), Father of the USA (1776) overthrew imperial Britain.
Dr. Sun Yat-sen (November 12, 1866 – March 12, 1925), Father of ROC (1911), overthrew imperial China.
However, ROC died prematurely, and was taken over by Red China (PRC). The young America becomes the world most powerful nation. The two leaders each overthrew their old imperial system (Qing dynasty, and mighty British), but the results cannot be more different.
There are a few reasons why ROC did not last long, for example, the mainland China was a large country, too large to change for Dr. Sun, while, the thirteen state colony is relative easy to change. There are some other reasons why the outcomes are so drastically different. Being a political leader, SYS offered governing principles based on Three People’s Principles (nationalism, democracy, and the livelihood of the people). The principles became at best a propaganda tool, besides, they had never been practiced; lack of financial resources (the country is too big, no western, or the Russian is able to cover the need of the entire country; other reasons may be geopolitical: a near-by communist country, Soviet Union, was eagerly trying to expand their Communist ideology.
Here in this article we concentrate first on American Revolutionary: 1.) Important battles occurred in the colony (North of Virginia) that led to establishment of the new republic, 2.) George Washington – who he is and his unique character that earned him respect from American people (be recognized as the father of the new republic), and finally, 3.) The French connection, another important factor that explains how the USA quickly severed tie with British, and was recognized by the major powers.
Lastly, the discussion focuses on comparison, offers explanations why the outcomes are so much different: 1.) Type of leadership: Military leader (successes in military, then led Constitutional Convention) vs Political leader (SYS who valued nationalism, also has to rely on military leaders’ support); 2.) Approach to define the campaign for a new nation; 3.) difference in financing schemes; and most importantly, 4.) that ROC had a bad neighbor who was eager to expand their Marxism ideology.
1 Key battles in American Revolutionary War against British
Three important battles are mentioned, as follows here:
1 Battle at Fort Ticonderoga in May, 1775 allows siege of Boston to be ended in 1776. Henry Knox’s surprising transport artillery to Dorchester Heights overlooking Boston. British general William Howe realized that his troops could not defend the town (Boston), and soon decided to leave.
2 Batter of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775 proved they could hold their own against the superior British Army. Washington took command of the Colonist army just two days earlier (June 15, 1775).
3 Battles of Trenton and Princeton during the final days of 1776 and early days of 1777 are known as the first successes won by the Revolutionary general George Washington in the open field, which restored American morale and renewed confidence in Washington.
More details on each battle is detailed in the following paragraphs.
1.1 May 10, 1775, Fort Ticonderoga
New York | May 10, 1775. The capture of Fort Ticonderoga was the first offensive victory for American forces in the Revolutionary War. It secured the strategic passageway north to Canada and netted the patriots an important cache of artillery.
Fort Ticonderoga's capture marks the first American victory in the war, valuable not only for its strategic significance, but the artillery it contained was vital to breaking the siege of Boston in 1776.
In 1775, Colonel Henry Knox led a complex operation to transport 59 cannon and other weaponry from Fort Ticonderoga in New York to Boston, Massachusetts.
Knox's plan involved dismantling the cannons, transporting them by boat and ox cart to Lake George, and then hauling them the rest of the way by sledge and oxen. Knox arrived at Fort Ticonderoga in December 1775 and began disassembling the guns. He built 40 special sleds and gathered 80 yoke of oxen to pull them. The cannon were loaded onto flat-bottomed boats and transported down Lake George before the lake froze over. The remaining journey was made over rough trails by sledge and oxen.
The cannons were used to fortify Dorchester Heights and break the standoff at the siege of Boston. The capture of Boston, also known as the Siege of Boston, was significant in the American Revolution because it marked a major early victory for the colonists, demonstrating their ability to sustain a military campaign against the British, boosted American morale, established George Washington as a respected military leader, and solidified Boston as a vital center for the patriot movement, effectively removing British control from the city throughout the war; this all contributed to the growing confidence of the colonists in their cause for independence. Knox and his men arrived outside Boston on January 25, 1776.
1.2 June 17, 1775, Battle of Bunker Hill
The American patriots were defeated at the Battle of Bunker Hill (June 17, 1775), but they proved they could hold their own against the mighty British Army (also strong Navy power from Canada). The fierce fight confirmed that any reconciliation between England and her American colonies was no longer possible.
During the Battle of Bunker Hill, Knox demonstrated his ability to command artillery, firing cannons at the British troops. After the battle, Knox was tasked by General George Washington to bring cannons captured from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston (Dorchester Heights or Cambridge, December 1775), a crucial move that helped turn the tide of the siege. He was finally able to report the arrival of the weapons train to Washington on January 27, 1776.
1.3 December 25, 1776 Washington Crossing, and Battles of Trenton and Princeton
Washington crossed Delaware River December 25, 1776, 6 PM. The site is 9 miles from Trenton. The British were not prepared for the attack on Christmas Day, 1776 because they didn't expect an attack in the winter and underestimated the American threat. The battles at Trenton and later at Princeton were known as first successes for Americans, which restored confidence in Washington’s leadership.
The Hessians, who were stationed in Trenton, felt confident that the Patriots were farmers, not professional soldiers. The Hessians didn't fortify Trenton, even though they were warned of an impending attack. The crossing took place during a severe winter storm of sleet and snow. The Hessian troops were exhausted from constant perimeter attacks by the Hunterdon Militia and the Pennsylvania Militia.
A series of false alarms and the storm led the Hessians to believe an attack was unlikely. On Christmas Day, George Washington led a surprise attack on Trenton. The Americans quickly overwhelmed the Hessians, capturing nearly 1,000 men at the cost of only four American lives.
The battles occurred over a span of nine days (December 26, 1776–January 3, 1777) and are notable as the first successes won by the Revolutionary general George Washington in the open field. The victories restored American morale and renewed confidence in Washington’s leadership. Nathanael Greene commanded part of Washington's army in the December 1776 Battle of Trenton and the January 1777 Battle of Princeton, both of which were victories for the Continental Army. Henry Knox was in charge of logistics in the critical crossing of the Delaware River that preceded the December 26, 1776 Battle of Trenton.
2 George Washington, the person
George Washington became the commander of the Continental Army (the colonist army) on June 15, 1775 when he was appointed by the Second Continental Congress. During the early revolutionary war against the British, he was criticized being indecisive at the beginning, but by learning on experience, he grew the leadership and gained respect gradually. Battles of Trenton and Princeton were probably the lowest points in his career.
His success may be due to the following factors:
Participated Militarily: With military background, grew leadership based on military experience from real past battles.
A few good people around him: Greene, Knox, Jefferson (Declaration of Independence), and Ben Franklin (diplomat at France).
Help from French: Obtained military, financial, diplomatic help from French, see below French Connection.
Public perception: His character, integrity, and dignified demeanor were highly respected by the American people, contributing to his revered status.
Demonstrated democratic values: George Washington advocated for the title "Mr. President" for the nation's chief executive because he believed it was more democratic than other proposed titles, such as "His Excellency" or "His Highness". The Constitution prohibits titles of nobility. He served only two terms (only Roosevelt’s 4 terms, but during the war times).
A unifier: People with opposite minds can work together. In George Washington's cabinet, the opposing figure to Thomas Jefferson was Alexander Hamilton; while Washington aimed to unify the nation, his cabinet included Jefferson, a Democratic-Republican, and Hamilton, a Federalist, who held significantly different political views, particularly on the role of the federal government and economic policy. Jefferson favored a weaker central government and prioritized agrarian interests, while Hamilton advocated for a strong federal government and economic development. Jefferson served as the Secretary of State, while Hamilton was the Secretary of the Treasury.
Key points about why Washington deserves the title "Father of his Country":
I) Presidency: As the first President, Washington set important precedents for the office, including the peaceful transfer of power after serving two terms.
II) Presided over Constitutional Convention: Washington presided over the Constitutional Convention where the U.S. Constitution was drafted. Delegates unanimously elected Washington as president of the Constitutional convention on May 14, 1787. George Washington did not personally "propose" the Constitutional Convention, but he was a strong advocate for revising the Articles of Confederation and played a crucial role in pushing for the convention to happen, ultimately being elected to preside over it as its president; effectively making him a key figure in the convention's formation and success.
III) Military Leadership Achievements: He led the Continental Army to victory against Great Britain in the Revolutionary War, which was crucial in establishing American independence. In 1976 he was promoted posthumously by Congress to the rank of "General of the Armies," making him the highest ranking officer in the United States military history.
3 French Connection, in addition to Military help
French and British were two largest powers in the colonial America. The French and Indian War was the North American conflict in a larger imperial war between Great Britain and France known as the Seven Years' War. The French and Indian War began in 1754 and ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. With the two being at war with each other, it is no wonder that French helped the America against the British during the American revolutionary period.
France helped the American colonists gain independence through a variety of means, including:
Military support: France provided the Continental Army with troops, naval support, arms, ammunition, uniforms, and supplies. The French navy played a key role in the British surrender at Yorktown, which effectively ended the war.
Financial support: France provided the colonists with about 1.3 billion livres of money and goods.
Diplomatic support: France's support for the colonists was motivated by a desire to weaken its rival, Great Britain. France also welcomed the Declaration of Independence and Benjamin Franklin, who became America's first foreign ambassador in Paris.
Individual volunteers: French citizens like the Marquis de Lafayette, Pierre Charles L'Enfant, and others joined the American army. Lafayette became a major general in Washington's command and became a fast friend of Washington. L'Enfant later went on to design Washington, DC.
Treaty of Amity and Commerce: This treaty promoted trade between the United States and France and recognized the United States as an independent nation. Signed in Paris on February 6, 1778, this treaty recognized the United States as an independent nation and promoted trade between the two countries. It was one of the first treaties negotiated by the United States, and was signed alongside the Treaty of Alliance, which created a military alliance against Great Britain. The two treaties, along with a secret clause allowing other European nations to join, are sometimes known as the Franco-American Alliance.
More Evidences of more America-French Connections
During the America revolutionary period, French indeed help gain independence from the British. The connections last longer even 10 years (French Revolution), or even 100 years (Statue of Liberty) after the period.
French Revolution
It is widely accepted that American Revolutionary might have influenced French’s Revolution in 1789, as the success of the American colonists in overthrowing British rule inspired French citizens to believe that similar change was possible against their own oppressive monarchy, and the ideas of liberty, equality, and popular sovereignty espoused by the American revolutionaries were readily adopted by French revolutionaries.
Statue of Liberty
A gift from the French people commemorating the alliance of France and the United States during the American Revolution. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
4 Two Very Different Outcomes
With internal (for example, Greene, Knox) and external (i.e., France) help, Washington was able to establish a new republic in the original 13 colony states, and later turned it into a world power. On the contrary, Dr. SYS has to oppose a large empire, the republic he established (ROC) did not last long after replacing the previous regime, i.e., the Qing dynasty. Instead, it was driven out of the mainland, and re-settled in a small island, Taiwan. The much reduced government is still called ROC (but the territory it governs had reduced drastically).
The outcomes are so much different. Let’s compare the two revolutions 1776 by GW and 1911 by Dr. SYS, and the comparison may provide reasons why the drastic differences.
4.1 A military leader vs A Political one
These two leaders came from very different background: Dr. Sun was trained as a medical doctor, while GW was trained as a military officer. Sun is a political/spiritual leader without hands-on military experience. Sun relied on a few Southern warlords at the time, one of them is Chiang Kai-Shek, who rescued Sun when a Southern warlord revolted against Sun.
Huang Xing (黃興) or Huang Hsing was a Chinese revolutionary leader and politician, and the first commander-in-chief of the Republic of China. As one of the founders of the Kuomintang and the Republic of China, his position was second only to Sun Yat-sen. Together they were known as Sun-Huang during the Xinhai (辛亥) Revolution. Huang Xing was a key figure in the revolutionary movement alongside Sun Yat-sen, and his death significantly weakened the revolutionary forces during a crucial period of the uprising against the Qing Dynasty; his military leadership and organizational skills were greatly missed.
Although Charles Lee was generally acknowledged at the Second Continental Army to be the most capable candidate for the command of the Continental Army, the role was given to George Washington. Lee recognized the sense of giving the position to a native-born North American, but expected to be given the role of second-in-command. He was disappointed when that role went to Artemas Ward, whom Lee considered too inexperienced for the job.
As a political leader, Sun’s power often is often dependent of the military leaders who are loyal to him. Unfortunately, there may military personalities, warlords, which complicated Dr. Sun’s work. GW, even his second-in-command had some complaints under GW, GW’s will can generally implemented without difficulty.
4.2 Three People’s Principles vs Constitutional Convention (including Declaration of Independence)
SYS promoted Three People’s Principles (nationalism, democracy, and the livelihood of the people). In which Nationalism targeted specifically the Qing dynasty, which made of different race than the Han majority. Uniform Race (nationalism) maybe not a generally accepted pre-condition for a nation. Nationalism can be often misused. For example, PRC later used Nationalism as main reason to re-unite Taiwan (ROC).
GW was assigned by the Continental Congress as the military leader. After success in gaining the independence from the British, he presided over Constitutional Convention to plot the future of the newly form country 1787. Before that, Declaration of Independence announced, debated, and formally announced/approved on July 4, 1776.
That is, the purpose of a nation was debated by the Continental Congress, while Sun’s ideal (purpose) of a nation is too specific/narrow (nationalism), not based on general principles of nation governing.
4.3 Difference in Financing the Wars
It takes financial power to wage war against a political entity. It appeared that the colony is full of resources, people talents and financial power.
Here we list just a few who directly, indirectly, actively, passively assisted the colony against the British.
Benjamin Franklin
Publisher, statesman, entrepreneur, inventor, land speculator. By his early 40s, he was one of the wealthiest Americans. Franklin was on a diplomatic mission in France in 1777, negotiating military and financial support for the war, when the British captured Philadelphia [4].
George Washington
GW accumulated vast acreage—more than 50,000 acres by his death—by shrewd speculation in frontier land he surveyed. He declined a salary, asking only to be reimbursed for his expenses.
John Hancock
Hancock led protests against British taxation and organized boycotts of British goods. After the Boston Tea Party, he shipped all the tea in his warehouses back to England, at his own expense. Hancock, who employed hundreds, grew in popularity as he supported the town’s poor, bankrolled the nascent independence movement and spent at least £100,000 outfitting an artillery company.
Robert Morris
With no banks in the British colonies, Continental currency had no backing and had become virtually worthless. After Congress asked Morris to become superintendent of finance, he immediately set up the first Bank of the United States.
While Sun Yat-sen didn't have a single dedicated "banker" to finance his revolution against the Qing Dynasty, he primarily relied on financial support from overseas Chinese communities, particularly in Southeast Asia, through networks like the "Heaven and Earth Society" (Tiandihui), as well as gaining backing from influential Japanese individuals who provided both political and financial assistance; notably, Miyazaki Torazō played a key role in connecting Sun with Japanese supporters.
Overseas Chinese communities:
Sun heavily relied on donations from Chinese living abroad, who were often members of secret societies like the Tiandihui (天地會), which provided crucial funding for his revolutionary activities.
Japanese support:
Japanese figures like Miyazaki Torazō (宮崎滔天) facilitated connections with influential Japanese politicians who contributed financially to Sun's cause.
Soviet’s support:
Soviet Union provided financial assistance to Sun Yat-sen and the Kuomintang Party (KMT):
Whampoa Military Academy headed by CKS
The Soviet Union provided funds to help Sun reorganize the KMT and its army. Sun also established the Whampoa Military Academy with Chiang Kai-shek as the superintendent, 1924.
Sun-Joffe Manifesto 1923
The Soviet Union pledged military and political aid to the KMT in exchange for Sun's agreement to certain terms. These included recognizing Soviet rights to the Chinese Eastern Railway and allowing a continued Russian presence in Outer Mongolia.
The Soviet Union's support of Sun Yat-sen was part of its commitment to helping revolutionary parties in other countries. The Soviets believed that a bourgeois democratic revolution in China would weaken the capitalist system and destroy Western imperialism.
4.4 Geopolitics: America had helpful French, ROC had Russia, a Bad Neighbor
GW had helpful French; Soviet Russia supported ROC (Sun) initially, but later the Soviet favored CCP, which later formed PRC. As a result, ROC was ousted from the mainland, and turned the whole China into a Red country.
French help due to British and French animosity
During the American Revolutionary War, France actively supported the American colonists against Great Britain because of a long-standing animosity between the two European powers, essentially seeing the American rebellion as an opportunity to weaken their rival, Britain, by aiding the colonists with troops, supplies, and naval support; this alliance proved crucial to the American victory. AI
Soviet helped SYS establish Whampoa Military Academy (CKS), then turned to assist PRC to oust ROC
1923 era Soviet and ROC
As mentioned, the Soviet Union's support of Sun Yat-sen (established Whampoa Military Academy, see 1923 in the last Section) was part of its commitment to helping revolutionary parties in other countries. The Soviets believed that a bourgeois democratic revolution in China would weaken the capitalist system and destroy Western imperialism.
1945 – 1949 Soviet and PRC
Soviet Russian, after WWII (1945), turned their helping hands to CCP (later established PRC). The Soviet gave the weapon the Soviet obtained from Japan and Germany to CCP. The transfer according many Sino-Soviet studies has greatly enhanced the CCP military capability, and led to eventual success ousting ROC from the mainland.
Concluding Remarks
GW and SYS were both founding fathers. GW was a military leader, who later turned a statesman (widely respected leader). The country he created not only lives well today, but also becomes a major world power. SYS was a medical doctor, who turned a political leader (respected, but not widely by his people). The country he created disappeared from the mainland in 1949.
Due to successes in military, GW became the first president of the independent country USA. With the spirit disclosed (We the people) in Declaration of Independence, fully debated Constitution framework under his watch, and French’s help, GW’s country eventually became a world power. Dr. SYS proposed Three People’s Principles, in which Nationalism (民族主義) aimed to take the country back from the Manchurian’s (满清) rule, and to establish a country dominated by Han (漢) people under Five Power Constitution (五權憲法). SYS’s political framework, a combination of the Western democracy thoughts and Chinese traditions, had never gone through rigorous debating; and up to now (2024), had never been truthfully and smoothly implemented. Moreover, SYS’s Nationalism, as a mean to construct a new nation based on Han majority, is fundamentally difficult to implement in a multi-ethnic country, and peace-loving world. Today’s Nationalism, such as PRC’s中華民族偉大復興 (The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation) places preference for one group over the other, can easily leads to political disaster like Nazi’s in the past.
However, it is the geopolitics (壊鄰居，共産思潮) that heavily determined the outcomes of these two republics. America was lucky, they had help from French (both America and French faced a common opponent, which made it easier to be friendly with each other). ROC failed because its neighbor Soviet Union helped PRC (ROC’s political opponent; both PRC and Soviet are Marxism believers) and kicked ROC out of the mainland.
References
[1] George Washington on Wikipedia
[2] Bart McDowell, The Revolutionary War, National Geographic Society, 1967
[3] David McCullough, 1776, Simon and Schuster, 2005
[4] History.com
[5] Battlefields of the American Revolution, 2024 USPS, Celebrate America 250, 1776-2026
[6] "How the US Army was born," Sunday Morning, CBS News, June 15, 2025
11/23/2024