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.