In all revolutions, men and women emerge across nations to challenge governments and bring about change in their countries. Many are calling on their people to challenge what they see as an unjust regime. However, sometimes leaders rule, not for the sake of their compatriots and revolutionaries, but for the personal benefit they can achieve through their support. One example is Major General Charles Lee, second in command of the Continental Army, who had initially been seen as a huge contributor to American freedom. Although combat-experienced, Lee proved to be not only an unpleasant and uncooperative individual, but also a traitor to the American people, when he believed all hope was lost. It was once stated that "there can be no greater mistake made than for the leaders of a revolution to choose as military commanders those whose tastes and habits are formed by an entirely different organization of things" ( Headley 157). General Lee became the perfect example. Born in 1732 and raised in England, Lee was fourteen when he joined his father's regiment, the 55th Foot. In 1754, Lee joined the 44th Regiment and went to America to fight in the French and Indian War. During his time there, he befriended the Seneca Indians and was given the name Ounewaterika, or "boiling water", because of his temperament. By the age of 27, Lee had been promoted to major of the 103rd Regiment. However, in 1772, Lee left Britain, accusing George III of destroying English freedom, and set off to start a new life in America. Arriving at the height of the protest, Lee quickly became interested in affairs between America and Britain. Due to its popular opposition against the government...... middle of paper ......od/americanrevolutio1/p/American-Revolution-Major-General-Charles-Lee.htm>Langguth, AJ Patriots: The men Who started the American Revolution. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1988. PrintMoore, George H. “Mr. Lee's Plan – March 29, 1777.” The betrayal of Charles Lee, Major General, second in command of the American Army of the Revolution. New York: Charles Scribner, 1860. Internet Archive: Library of Congress. Internet. December 15, 2013. Nelson, Paul David. “Charles Lee.” American National Biography Online. Oxford University Press, February 2000. Web. December 15, 2013. Sheer, George F and Hugh F. Rankin. Rebels and red tunics. Cleveland: World Pub. Co, 1957. PrintWheeler, Richard. Voices of 1776. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell Company, 1972. Print.