General George Washington led the American army to victory during the Revolutionary War. While he lost more battles than he won, Washington employed a winning strategy that included victories at the Battle of Trenton in 1776 and Yorktown in 1781.

Revolutionary War Battles

Revolutionary War Battles

There were over two-hundred-and-thirty skirmishes and battles fought during the American Revolution. Of those, General Washington was present for seventeen, leading the Continental Army troops to victories, draws, and defeats.

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African Americans in the Revolutionary War

African Americans in the Revolutionary War

As the American Revolutionary ideal for liberty and equality did not yet apply to the thousands of enslaved people of African descent, African Americans were posed with a difficult choice in terms of what to believe and who to side with.

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Smallpox

Smallpox

The coming of the American Revolution made the spread of the dangerous smallpox disease significantly larger in scale. Washington had battled the disease as a teenager, and knew that its threat to the Continental Army was almost as dangerous as that of the enemy.

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George Washington, Spymaster

George Washington, Spymaster

George Washington served as the head of the Culper Ring, a network of spies that operated during the American Revolution, secretly providing information on British operations. Under his supervision, they made invaluable contributions to the war effort.

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Resignation of Military Commission

Resignation of Military Commission

Following the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, George Washington gave up power and resigned his military commission. This act, perhaps his greatest example of leadership, is of tremendous importance to American history.

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Primary Sources to Explore

What Did Washington Think of King George III?


Did George Washington go from supporter of King George III to rebel of the crown? Or did he always have negative feelings towards the royals?

The Life of William Lee


For two decades, William Lee was by George Washington's side, and forged a close relationship with him. He was with Washington throughout every moment of the Revolutionary War, and till his death.

Play Be Wasington

Select the Battle of Second Trenton or the Newburgh Conspiracy scenarios of our Be Washington Interactive and decide how Washington should handle different challenges he faced during the Revolutionary War. Listen to advisers and choose how Washington should respond. 

Play Be Washington
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