George Washington remained the preeminent figure in American history. His rise to 　1　fame really began in July 1775, when he took 　2　of the newly formed Continental Army. He was already an international figure because of the 　3　he had played in the French and Indian War. However, the quarter of a century that loomed(迫近) ahead of that July day was to place him high in first ranks of the world's great. The problems that 　4　the new commander and his country were massive. Thirteen small colonies, with 　5　rich but yet undeveloped resources, had 　6　on armed conflict with the richest and most powerful empire in the world. It was an empire 　7　far-firing commerce supplied an 　8　of the weapons of war.
　　As 　9　of the small Continental Army who was 　10　to win independence for the colonies, Washington was an inspiring leader. He showed a remarkable ability to 　11　the best results with the 　12　material resources and untrained armed forces 　13　his command. He made 　14　this army an easily maneuverable force which 　15　the worst blows of its foe and even won significant victories in the first 3 years of the war. He thus 　16　the important alliance with France 　17　was to guarantee the achievement of American independence.
　　By the close of the Revolution the outstanding position of Washington in the minds of the American people was generally 　18　. More than any other American, he symbolized the Revolution and its triumphant 　19　; he had been its military leader for more than 8 years. No figure in American military or civil life commanded the same general respect and admiration 　20　were shown to him. At times, it was by his military ability that he had prevented the Revolution from collapsing.
______

A.guard 

B.save 

C.protect 

D.secure