Compare the American volunteers with Britain’s professional soldiers. What were the differences in their backgrounds, training, and temperaments? What were the advantages and disadvantages of these differences?

George Washington is one of the most important figures in US history. How is he characterized in the text? What was his background, and what were his virtues? How did these attributes affect his leadership and the outcome of the war, if at all?

The book’s portrait of Washington is largely favorable. However, McCollough does level some criticism against him. What were some of Washington’s faults? How did they affect his leadership ability and military strategy? Use examples from the text to support your answer.