Chapter 8: America Secedes From the Empire Congress Drafts George Washington Washington was selected to lead the army forming in Boston He had an immense character and was a great leader for the troops Many people opposed Washington being selected Main Idea: George Washington was a strong and courageous military leader who could be trusted and refused to receive pay for his services Bunker Hill and Hessian Hirelings Americans were acting very conflicted. Some wanted to make things work with Britain while others were going into battles with redcoats War gradually increased with the siege of Ticonderoga and Bunker Hill, which was a large battle