 However, in the midst of that defeat, a legend was born, especially among those who witnessed it. I like to compare it to an up-and-coming athlete who has some incredible performance, and regardless of whether their team won, you realize that one day they're going to be something special. Well, this was Washington's big moment. It was as if the world was put on notice about him. George Washington, once the reckless provincial who started a war, had demonstrated indomitable courage in the face of certain death.