Caesar's Leadership Image example essay topic

Image is everything dealing with a country's leader. When one can boast the title of a great general, triumvirate, and the precursor of the imperial system in the Roman government, a leadership image is quick to follow. Campaigning into foreign lands was a big issue for Caesar. In order to procure more grandeur for the Imperialistic lands of Rome, Caesar's main duty as a conquering general was to establish more Roman colonies. In the case of the Gallic Wars, this meant direct invasion into the Celtic Gaul provinces. Caesar fashioned his leadership image in three major ways.

First, he was quick-witted and always in control of the army, the backbone of Roman superiority. Subsequently, Caesar was not afraid to retaliate with tactical maneuvers. Finally, Caesar commanded the respect and commendation of his army. Commencing with the coming of the Helvetti, Caesar immediately began to prepare his shoulders and his armies. Shouting commands, Caesar promptly appointed Titus Labienus, his lieutenant, to the command of the fortifications of the Province. (The Gallic Wars 1.10) This appointment was important because Caesar himself marched to Italy by force.

Once there, Caesar commanded his soldiers to separate into levies of two regions, and lead out to the Aquileia. The nearest route sent five more legions rapidly across the Alps into Further Gaul. (The Gallic Wars 1.10). Proof that his soldiers were very respectful can be found in the fact that when the Helvetti crossed the Saone River, into the areas of the Sequani and Roman protectorates, Caesar quickly dispatched his soldiers to the other side of the Saone. He set out for the camp with three legions and decided to conceal his men. Unexpectedly, Caesar attacked, demolishing the Helvetti forces.

Due to the discipline and structure of his soldiers, victory was short and effortless. (The Gallic Wars 1.12, 1.13) Caesar controlled his army with respectable domination. The Roman effort was so successful due to Caesar's judiciously tactful maneuvers and in-battle decisions. Caesar was very manipulative in the battle scenarios. He often staged a retreat (The Gallic Wars 1.23) to make the Helvetti think the Romans were retreating. This played an impacting role in the battles because Caesar observes the arrogance of the Helvetti and draws off his major forces, surprising the Helvetti, and attacking with a robust charge of the cavalry.

With this discreet scheme, the Helvetti, fearing their lives and compelled by humility, sent ambassadors to Caesar, begging for peace. His leadership image, now accentuated, provoked Caesar to demand hostages, their arms, and the slaves who had deserted them. (The Gallic Wars 1.27). Foolishly some 6000 Helvetti men tried to escape Caesar's acquittal. They were brought back before Caesar, who was very virtuous with his punishment. The Helvetti were condemned to rebuild the villages they burnt down.

A final developmental skill increasing Caesar's leadership image is his ability to command the total forces of the Roman Imperial Army. Without the militaristic aid Caesar needed, success and dominance was unfeasible. Unattainable, defeat would lead to a declivity of Caesar's social status. His ability to adequately command the Roman Imperial Army had more personal benefits as well. An increase of his leadership image was conveyed by his opportune position of being selected Caesar, the highest governmental title in all of the Roman Empire. In a time of corruption and struggle, suitable leadership qualities were hard to find.

Caesar utilizes his militaristic intellect, his respectable command of troops, and his insatiable thirst for conquest to become one of the most influential figures in history. Growing with each endowment of victory, Caesar's leadership image became a precedent for post-Gallic generals and leaders. Created through determination and success, Caesar forged a contemporary political and military career from his Roman pride..