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Unit 2 – Chapter 6 – Section 2
Washington and Howe Square off in New York How had 34,000 well trained troops and ships to
ferry them ashore. Washington had fewer than 20,000 poorly trained
soldiers and no navy. In August of 1776 the British drove
Washington out of Brooklyn. In September of 1776 the Continental Army
had to abandon NYC. Nathan Hale – “I only regret that I have but
one life to lose for my country.”
Low Morale – Under relentless pursuit, Patriot spirits are
low, and soldiers are deserting. To raise morale, Washington used
Thomas Paine’s new pamphlet The Crisis. Washington then began a plan for a bold
attack.
On Christmas night, 1776, Washington led 2,400 men across the river in small boats.
Soldiers huddled in the boats as splashing water froze to their faces.
The poorly clothed soldiers marched in the swirling snow.
Early on the 26th of December they attacked Trenton from two sides, achieving complete surprise.
The battle at Trenton brought an American victory as they captured nearly 1000 Hessian Mercenaries fighting for British.
Washington also devised a plan of escape. Quietly leaving their camp they surprised the British soldiers and heavily damaged a British force near Princeton.
Burgoyne wanted to end the ‘rebellion’ by cutting off NE from the rest of the states.
The British Plan Drive toward Albany, NY in three directions. Trouble for Britain
King George ordered an attack on Philadelphia at the same time Burgoyne initiated his plan.
American Troops cut off British troops coming through the Mohawk Valley.
An American Victory Burgoyne led British through Canada and recaptured
Ticonderoga and pushed south. American General Horatio Gates assembled 6,000 men
ready to fight in the small village of Saratoga, NY. The Americans surrounded the British and, after heavy
casualties, Burgoyne surrendered. A turning point for two reasons:
Ended hope of easy victory for Britain Convinced Europeans that Americans Could win this war.
Soon after Saratoga, France allied with Americans France wanted to weaken Britain. Even b/4 Saratoga France secretly supported
Americans. When victory became a real possibility, France made
their alliance known. Joining France were their allies Spain and
Netherlands. France, Spain, and Netherlands carried the fight to
Europe and the Caribbean, forcing Britain to wage war on multiple fronts.
A number of Europeans volunteered to serve with American forces. Lafayette – High ranking officer in
Washington’s army. Kosciusko – A Polish engineer who took charge
of building fortifications. Pulaski – Led and trained cavalry units. Von Steuben – Leader in Prussian army taught
Americans to march in formation, better aim, attack with bayonets.
A tale of two armies The British wintered in Philadelphia, dancing the winter
away with many parties and balls About 22 miles away, in valley forge, the Continental
army struggled through the winter with insufficient clothing and little food.
About midwinter the American people became aware of the conditions at Valley Forge and delivered food, medicine, clothing and ammunition.
Despite the woes of winter the Continental Army used the winter to strengthen for the battles ahead. Steuben’s drills sharpened soldiers skills and discipline.
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