General George Washington was the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, leading the 13 colonies against Great Britain. He was present for 17 key battles! Learn how he kept his troops fighting through the harsh winter at Valley Forge.
Imagine you’re leading a group of brave but tired friends against the most powerful army in the world—that was the job of George Washington during the Revolutionary War!
This massive fight, which lasted from April 19, 1775, to September 3, 1783, wasn't just a quick argument; it was a long, tough struggle for the American colonies to become their own country, the United States of America! The colonists didn't want to be ruled by a king so far away anymore. They needed a super-leader, and that's when George Washington stepped up to command the Continental Army! He's often called the “Father of His Country” for a reason!
Mira says:
"Wow, leading an army when you’ve never commanded one that big before sounds super scary! But Washington was known for being brave and never giving up, even when things looked super tough, like that winter at Valley Forge. He kept his soldiers inspired!"
What Was the Revolutionary War For Kids?
The Revolutionary War was the big battle where the 13 American Colonies fought to break free from Great Britain. The colonists were angry because the King of England kept making them pay lots of taxes on things like tea, but they didn't get a vote or a say in the British government! This idea of “no taxation without representation” was a huge spark that lit the fire of the war.
When the fighting officially began in 1775, the colonists needed a general who could lead their volunteer fighters—the Continental Army. Even though George Washington had some military experience from the earlier French and Indian War, he had actually never commanded an entire large army before! Talk about learning on the job!
Mind-Blowing Fact!
Fun Fact: George Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of the Continental Army on June 14, 1775!
How Did Washington Keep the Army Together?
Winning a war like this wasn't just about having the biggest army—the British had way more soldiers and better supplies! Washington’s genius was in his strategy. He knew he couldn’t always win big, face-to-face battles, so he used smart moves to tire out the British and keep his own troops from quitting.
One of his most important jobs was being the symbol of the fight for independence. When soldiers believed in their leader, they were more likely to stick around, even when times were incredibly hard, like during the freezing winter encampment at Valley Forge in 1777-1778.
(April 1775 – Sept. 1783)
(Out of over 230 total!)
After the Delaware Crossing
Battle of Yorktown
Famous Washington Moves!
One of the most famous moments for kids learning about Washington is when he led his troops on a daring secret mission! On Christmas night in 1776, Washington guided his cold and tired army across the icy Delaware River to surprise the Hessian (German) soldiers fighting for the British in New Jersey.
This surprise attack led to big wins at Trenton and Princeton, which gave the struggling Continental Army a huge boost in morale and kept the dream of freedom alive!
💡 Did You Know?
Did You Know? George Washington used an amazing spy network called the Culper Spy Ring to get secret information from the British!
🎯 Quick Quiz!
What famous river did George Washington cross on Christmas night 1776 for a surprise attack?
Who Won the War and What Happened Next?
Washington's strategy, plus help from other countries like France, finally led to the last major battle: the Siege of Yorktown in 1781. The British forces, led by General Cornwallis, were trapped, and they had to surrender!
The war officially ended with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, where Great Britain finally agreed that the United States was a free and independent country! After winning the war, Washington did something totally unexpected for a successful general: he gave up his power and went home! This showed everyone he was dedicated to the cause of liberty, not just power.
- Washington's main roles during the war included: designing the overall strategy.
- Leading troops against the main British forces when possible.
- Choosing and guiding other generals.
- Making sure the army had supplies like food and blankets!
Because of his amazing leadership during the war, George Washington was later honored by being elected as the very first President of the United States in 1789! He truly was the indispensable man who helped win the war and then helped build the new country for kids like you to learn about today!
Questions Kids Ask About American History
Keep Exploring!
From crossing the icy Delaware to becoming the first President, George Washington’s story is one of incredible leadership! Next time you see a dollar bill, remember the general who kept fighting so that Americans could have their own country!
