Who became commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775?

George Washington became commander-in-chief of the Continental Army in 1775.

The Second Continental Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775, after fighting had begun at Lexington and Concord. Congress selected Washington the next day, largely because of his military experience, political stature, and Virginia background. His appointment helped present the rebellion as a united continental cause rather than a conflict led by only New England.

Washington served without accepting a regular salary, although Congress reimbursed his expenses. He faced shortages of troops, weapons, clothing, food, and training throughout the Revolutionary War. His leadership included both battlefield decisions and the difficult work of keeping the army together.

Washington’s command ended when he resigned his commission in December 1783 after the Treaty of Paris recognized American independence. He later became the first president of the United States in 1789.