The Founding of the Continental Army

In 1775, the rebellious Americans had to form a standing army to protect their rights and defend themselves against occupying British forces. On June 14, 1775, shortly before the Battle of Bunker Hill in Boston, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution that authorized the creation of an army that represented unity between the thirteen colonies, called the Continental Army, and appointed Gen. George Washington as its commander-in-chief. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of its inception, this lecture features historian Holly Mayer, Ph.D., exploring the Continental Army’s founding.