Question

1. how was the continental army formed, initially?

over time, local militias formed to protect colonists from harassment by british troops.
it was composed of british soldiers who deserted englands army.
colonists were drafted by their local governments and forced to serve.
george washington traveled around the colonies enlisting soldiers.

Explanation:

The Continental Army was initially formed from local militias. These militias had been established over time to protect the colonists from harassment by British troops. The other options are incorrect. It was not composed of British deserters. Colonists were not initially forced to serve in this way at the start of its formation, and George Washington's role as commander - in - chief came after the army was already in the process of being formed from these existing local militias.

Answer:

Over time, local militias formed to protect colonists from harassment by British troops.