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What was George Washington's role in the American Revolution, and what were some of his accomplishments in the war?

George Washington was very involved in the Revolutionary War. He was the commander-in-chief of the colonial army. George Washington’s leadership was essential to the eventual colonial victory.


George Washington made some brilliant moves. When the colonists had lost the first few battles of the Revolutionary War and were heading into the winter of 1776-1777 without a victory, he decided to attack the British at Trenton on Christmas night. He won that battle and another at...

George Washington was very involved in the Revolutionary War. He was the commander-in-chief of the colonial army. George Washington’s leadership was essential to the eventual colonial victory.


George Washington made some brilliant moves. When the colonists had lost the first few battles of the Revolutionary War and were heading into the winter of 1776-1777 without a victory, he decided to attack the British at Trenton on Christmas night. He won that battle and another at Princeton. This gave the colonists hope as the winter of 1776-1777 arrived.


George Washington was able to make good decisions as leader of the army. He was able to recognize good military leaders. When he was asked to name a replacement for General Gates who was not being successful, he appointed Nathanael Greene to lead the army in the South. He also was able to recognize British mistakes and capitalize on them. When the British moved their fleet to Yorktown, he repositioned his army to prevent an escape by land. He coordinated with the French navy to cut off an escape by water. This trapped the British fleet at Yorktown and led to their surrender that ended the Revolutionary War.


Under George Washington’s leadership, the colonists were able to defeat the British in the Revolutionary War.

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