George Washington Takes Command of the Continental Army

Colonial Settlement
Written By Tom Hand

When General George Washington took command of the Continental Army, the challenges he faced were formidable. Instead of one unified force, every colony had its own militia, each at various stages of development. Consequently, training was non-existent, discipline was lax, and the men were disrespectful to their officers. By comparison, the British Army was a force of well-equipped and well-trained soldiers, led by professionals, and far more numerous than the Continentals.

Tom Hand, creator and publisher of Americana Corner, discusses the challenges faced by George Washington when he took command of the Continental Army, and why it still matters today.

Images courtesy of National Portrait Gallery – Smithsonian Institution, Library of Congress, National Archives, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wikipedia. 

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Tom Hand
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