Answer: Improve
Explanation:
Catapult generally means to improve something drastically or propel them to greater heights than before. In this scenario therefore, the relevant meaning would be to improve because a person's rank improves when they are given a higher rank.
General Washington had fought in the French and Indian War but due to British politics and the need to subjugate the Colonies, he was not given a position in the British army. As tensions rose between the British and the Colonies however, his rank in the Continental army improved due to his experience with warfare.
