Examine the importance of Washington’s military contributions to the achievement of US independence.

The question requires that the candidates consider the interrelationship between Washington’s military contributions and the achievement of US independence. Responses should assess the importance of his contributions to independence and not merely be a listing of his contributions. Candidates may offer equal coverage of his battlefield experiences, his overall strategies and his preparations of the troops. The importance of his contributions began before the actual Declaration of Independence, as he was made Commander in Chief in June 1775. Candidates may refer to the importance of his actions in forcing the British evacuation of Boston, his ability to escape defeats, his victories at Trenton and Princeton in the early part of the war and the final victory at Yorktown. They may also refer to his ability to keep the army together, for turning it into a professional army and for raising their morale. Some could argue for the importance of other commanders, while focusing on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

This question that required candidates to examine the importance of Washington's military contributions to the achievement of US independence produced few and weak responses with limited detail on Washington's military contribution.