George Washington, a figure of unparalleled integrity and resolve, was the indispensable leader of the American Revolution and the bedrock of the nascent United States. Though not a profound political theorist, his steadfast character and military prowess inspired a ragtag Continental Army to persevere through brutal winters and countless setbacks, ultimately securing victory against the mightiest empire of its time. His greatest act of statesmanship, perhaps, was his voluntary relinquishment of power after the war, a truly revolutionary act in an age of monarchs and ambitious generals, setting a crucial precedent for a civilian-controlled government. Later, as the presiding officer of the Constitutional Convention, his calm demeanor and unifying presence were instrumental in guiding the fractious delegates toward a compromise that forged a lasting framework for the new nation, earning him the enduring title of "Father of His Country."