At the Second Continental Congress in June, 1775, Washington arrived ready to fight for what he believed in. Of all the men present, it was Washington who possessed all of the qualities of a leader. Although he never commanded an army in his life, he was elected Commander-In-Chief of the Continental Army.
I beg it may be remembered by every gentlemen in this room, I do not think myself equal to the command I am honored with."
---- George Washington
The American Revolution begins (1775)
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American Revolution
Washington once fought side by side with the British; now he was fighting against them. As Commander-In-Chief, he was fearless and determined. He understood what was at stake and wanted to impress upon his men that the peace and safety of the country depended solely on them. Unlike the British, the Americans had no foreign allies to help them. Hoping to inspire his troops, he had them read the Declaration of Independence..
Turning Points
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Click image to see video of the Battle of Saratoga
There were hundreds of battles fought in the Revolutionary War; some more important than others. The Battle of Saratoga (Freeman's Farm), however, proved to be a turning point for the Americans. After victories by General Washington at Trenton and Princeton, and then Saratoga, the French were finally convinced that the Americans had a chance to win. They signed a Treaty of Alliance and commerce with the Americans and vowed not to cease fighting until the British granted the Americans their full independence.
The Last Major Battle of the War
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Click image to see Yorktown battle video
In what can only be described as the last major battle of the American Revolution, General George Washington devised a plan to rid Yorktown of British General Cornwallis and his troops. He began the seige on September 28th and Cornwallis surrendered on October 19th. Although the war didn't actually end until a year later, the entire world cheered this victory; even the British admired his leadership.