George Washington was appointed commander in chief of the American forces by which body and at what key stage of the struggle with Britain?

Introduction / Context:
George Washington leadership of the Continental Army was central to the success of the American colonies in their War of Independence against Britain. However, he did not assume this role immediately after early protests. Instead, he was formally appointed by a specific body at a particular stage of escalating conflict. Understanding when and by whom Washington was made commander in chief helps clarify the timeline of the American Revolution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks when George Washington was made commander in chief of the American forces.

• The options mention the Boston Tea Party, the First Continental Congress, the Second Continental Congress, and the Declaration of Independence.

• Only one of these correctly matches the timing of his appointment.

• The appointment occurred before the formal Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Concept / Approach:
The colonists response to British policies developed over several years, including protests like the Boston Tea Party and meetings of colonial representatives in the First and Second Continental Congresses. The Second Continental Congress, which met in 1775 after fighting had already broken out at Lexington and Concord, assumed responsibility for the war effort and created the Continental Army. At this time, George Washington was chosen and appointed as its commander in chief.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the Boston Tea Party in December 1773 was a major protest but not the moment when a unified continental army was formed. Step 2: Recognise that the First Continental Congress in 1774 focused on petitions and coordinated resistance, not on appointing a military commander in chief. Step 3: Recall that fighting began in 1775, leading the Second Continental Congress to organise an army. Step 4: Remember that at this Second Continental Congress in 1775, George Washington was chosen and officially appointed commander in chief of the Continental Army. Step 5: Understand that by the time of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, Washington was already leading the army, so his appointment cannot have taken place on that date.

Verification / Alternative check:
Historical accounts of the American Revolution give a clear sequence: protests and tensions build, the First Continental Congress meets, armed conflict breaks out in 1775, the Second Continental Congress meets again, and then Washington is appointed commander in chief. Only after more than a year of war does the Congress adopt the Declaration of Independence in July 1776. This timeline is repeated in textbooks and confirms that the correct answer is the Second Continental Congress in 1775.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• In December 1773, after the Boston Tea Party, there was no Continental Congress yet, and no unified army had been created.

• The First Continental Congress in 1774 was primarily a political gathering that petitioned the king and coordinated colonial responses; it did not appoint Washington as commander.

• The Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776 occurred after Washington had already been leading the army for over a year, so his appointment could not have happened then.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students assume that Washington appointment must have occurred at the same time as the Declaration of Independence because both are major milestones. Others may not distinguish between the two Continental Congresses. A good way to avoid confusion is to remember that the fighting began in 1775, prompting the Second Continental Congress to form an army and appoint a general, and that independence was formally declared later, in 1776.

Final Answer:
George Washington was made commander in chief of the American forces At the Second Continental Congress in 1775.