what war did george washington help win?
American Revolutionary War
entailment
 The American victory was an enormous morale boost to the fledgling nation . More important , it convinced France to enter the war in alliance with the United States , openly providing money , soldiers , and munitions , as well fighting a naval war worldwide against Britain . 

entailment
 The French responded by attacking and capturing Washington at Fort Necessity in July 1754 . However , he was allowed to return with his troops to Virginia . Historian Joseph Ellis concludes that the episode demonstrated Washington 's bravery , initiative , inexperience and impetuosity . These events had international consequences ; the French accused Washington of assassinating Jumonville , who they claimed was on a diplomatic mission . Both France and Great Britain were ready to fight for control of the region and both sent troops to North America in 1755 ; war was formally declared in 1756 . 

entailment
 This success was more than offset by the failure of the expedition to the Hudson , in which General Burgoyne surrendered his army after the Battles of Saratoga , in October 1777 . News of Burgoyne 's surrender greatly changed the war , because it ( and the Battle of Germantown , fought after the British occupied Philadelphia ) was a major factor in France 's decision to enter the war as an American ally in 1778 . 

entailment
 Washington 's Continental Army , also newly funded by $ 20 @,@ 000 in French gold , delivered the final blow to the British in 1781 , after a French naval victory allowed American and French forces to trap a British army in Virginia , preventing reinforcement by Clinton from the North . The surrender at Yorktown on October 19 , 1781 , marked the end of major fighting in continental North America . Cornwallis failed to appear at the official surrender ceremony , and sent General Charles Oharrow as his proxy ; Washington then assigned his role to Benjamin Lincoln of equal rank . 

entailment
 Though substantial combat had ended , the war had not , and a formal treaty of peace was months away , creating tension . The British still had 26 @,@ 000 troops occupying New York City , Charleston and Savannah , together with a powerful fleet . The French army and navy departed , so the Americans were on their own in 1782 – 83 . Money matters fed the anxiety — the treasury was empty , and the unpaid soldiers were growing restive , almost to the point of mutiny . At one point the mutineers forced an adjournment of the Congress from Philadelphia to Princeton . Washington dispelled unrest among officers by suppressing the Newburgh Conspiracy in March 1783 , and Congress came up with the promise of a five @-@ year bonus . 
