George Washington served as commander in chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
The Second Continental Congress appointed Washington on June 19, 1775, and he formally accepted the command in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 3. He had military experience from the French and Indian War and was a prominent Virginia delegate to Congress.
Washington led the army through major hardships, including defeats around New York, the winter at Valley Forge, shortages of supplies, and disputes over pay and enlistments. His strategy emphasized preserving the army while seeking opportunities to weaken British forces.
His most famous wartime victory came at Yorktown in 1781, where American and French forces compelled the surrender of Cornwallis. Washington resigned his commission in Annapolis on December 23, 1783, reinforcing the principle that military power remained subordinate to civilian government.