As commander of the continental army, George Washington _______________. a) had no shortage of Americans willing to volunteer to fight the British b) had no previous actual military experience c) was admired, respected, and trusted by nearly all Patriots d) saw Congress leave all important military decisions up to his judgment

Understanding the need for a single army to be able to fight on equal terms against British forces, the Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, uniting all colonial forces under a single command. Almost immediately after its creation, delegate John Adams nominated George Washington as commander of the Continental Army. Washington was their most experienced senior officer, and was widely admired, respected and trusted by almost all Patriots. Coming from Virginia, it was believed that a southerner leading northern soldiers would be a uniting factor as well. Washington humbly accepted the post on June 15, and two weeks later was already engaged in his first major combat against the British in Boston. Washington would remain the commander in chief of the Continental Army through the American Revolutionary War, which ended in September 3, 1783.