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Declaring independence was a radical and dangerous step for the colonies. They risked invasion from Britain, whose overwhelming military power they could not resist. It was an even more dangerous step for Washington. He was elected supreme commander of an army that did not exist: it was simply a collection of unruly militiamen. It was likely to fall apart at any minute for lack of supplies and manpower. This would have left Washington a general without an army, and the most conspicuous traitor in all of the colonies.

Given this danger, Washington was reluctant to take command. Certainly he wanted glory, and certainly he believed in his cause. But though Washington clearly sought command of the army, he took it knowing that he may not have been up to the job. There was simply no one else around who was more qualified, and Washington knew it. He believed it was his duty to lead, that not leading would amount to abandoning his fellow Americans. He was ambitious, but ambitious in service of a cause in which he deeply believed. As he put it to himself, "Can a virtuous man hesitate in his choice?"

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