Read the excerpt from “George Washington.” He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, "we should on all occasions avoid a general action, or put anything to the risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn." Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies—he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. Which is the central idea in this excerpt?
Answer
A
French allies helped the Continental army, led by George Washington, in their fight against the British.
B
As an army commander, Washington reported on his battle strategies to Congress.
C
Washington was the leader of the Continental army during the war against the British.
D
Washington’s battle strategies during the war led to the surrender of Cornwallis in 1781.
Explanation
The excerpt focuses on Washington’s strategy of avoiding a major battle, retreating when needed, and then striking unexpectedly. It explains that this approach, together with French aid, led to Cornwallis’s surrender at Yorktown in 1781, making D the central idea. The other choices mention details but do not capture the excerpt’s main point.
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