Why was George Washington chosen to lead the Continental Army? A. He was from Virginia, and New England needed Virginia’s help to win the war. B. His successes during the French and Indian War impressed Congress. C. He traveled to Philadelphia and personally asked Congress to choose him. D. His strong military record convinced Congress to choose him.

A. He was from Virginia, and New England needed Virginia’s help to win the war.

When the Second Continental Congress was considering a leader for the newly formed Continental Army in 1775, George Washington was a leading candidate for several reasons. Washington being a Virginian helped bring the Southern colonies into greater participation in the conflict against the British, which was crucial for a unified colonial effort. It was important to balance the influence and commitment of the different colonies, and New England, where the fighting had begun, needed the support of the Southern colonies like Virginia. Washington's appointment served to unite the colonies and ensure that the struggle for independence would be a joint effort involving all the American colonies. Virginia was the most populous and one of the wealthiest colonies, making its support vital. Furthermore, Washington did have military experience from his service in the French and Indian War, and he appeared at the Second Continental Congress in a military uniform, signaling his readiness to lead. However, the primary reason cited for his selection was the political advantage of engaging Virginia and the southern colonies.