Final answer:
George Washington allowed free African Americans to serve in the army because he believed in giving everyone the opportunity to fight for independence. It also helped to increase the size of the army and made use of the valuable skills and experience of African Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
George Washington allowed free African Americans to serve in the army for several reasons. Firstly, he believed that anyone who was willing to fight for the cause of independence should be given the opportunity to do so, regardless of their race. Secondly, the Continental Army was in desperate need of soldiers, and enlisting free African Americans helped to increase the size of the army. Lastly, Washington recognized that African Americans had valuable skills and experience that could contribute to the military effort, such as knowledge of farming and craftsmanship.
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