George Washington
George Washington was a Virginia planter-aristocrat who had commanded colonial forces during the French and Indian War and possessed more experience than any other American-born officer available. He was an advocate of independence and was admired and respected by almost all Patriots. This made him the unanimous choice as commander in chief of the Continental Congress. Even though he was not a brilliant military commander, he was an amazing war leader who, with the help of foreign military experts, succeeded in holding together an army of fewer than 10,000 men. Washington was a symbol of stability for the army and the people.