I’d like to clarify my perspective of some of those revolutionary heroes.
It seems that many lacked George Washington’s unique ability to be a succesful general, and follow it as a succesful leader.
Any suggested reading material is welcome. I’m looking at this as a starting point: Americanos: Latin America’s Struggle for Independence (Pivotal Moments in World History) by John Chasteen.
In Washington’s time Cato was well known along with Cincinnatus. Cato was a Roman of towering integrity who committed suicide rather than submit to Ceasar’s rule. Cincinnatus was drafted to be a military dictator and when his need was done he went back to his farm. Washington based leadership on these two men.