Lesson 7

Bellringer: What was the role of women in the Revolutionary War?

Timelines

• What has happened?

• What is happening?

Continuation of the War• 1776; American morale was down

– Had pushed British troops out of Boston– But then the British had taken New York– Americans were camped on the other side of

the Delaware River

Crossing the Delaware

• Then Americans take offensive as 1776 comes to an end: Washington takes offensive and crosses Delaware River on Christmas night, capturing 1000 Hessians (“Crossing of the Delaware”)

• December 25, 1776 Surprise attack by Washington

• Cross would lead to an American attack on Trenton, New Jersey

Battle of Trenton– Americans attack New

Jersey– Battle of Trenton was a

huge boost for American morale

• The surprise attack allowed the Continental Army to capture almost all the Hessian troops they encountered

• 22 fatalities, 83 serious injuries, and 896 captures, while the Americans suffered only two fatalities and five injuries from war wounds

Battle of Trenton

• Continental Army moved back to Pennsylvania following the victory with new found confidence

• Battle proved the American troops could beat a European Army and helped enlistment in the Continental Army

War Continues– Battle of Princeton, NJ; January

1776, following the British defeat at Trenton, General Cornwallis sends his troops out of Washington to Princeton, NJ

• Washington learns of the upcoming attack and begins planning

• Washington opts for another surprise attack, destroying a bridge to delay the British troops

• Washington outmaneuvers the British and the Americans claim another victory

• Casualties– British: 18 killed, 58 wounded

and 200 missing– American: 6 or 7 officers and 25

to 30 enlisted men killed

America Takes NY

Americans take the Lead

– Americans gained control of New Jersey– British still controlled New York– British plans for 1777 were to capture the

capitol of Philadelphia then the area around the Hudson River

British Moves

British Moves

– 1777; Saratoga Campaign was Britain’s plan to take Albany, NY and the Hudson River

• General John Burgoyne’s march to Albany was slowed by guerilla attacks from the Americans

• Lost the Battle of Bennington along the way• British were running out of men and supplies• Burgoyne surrenders after the Battle of Saratoga in

October– Huge turning point for the Americans

British Move to Philly

– Philadelphia Campaign was General Howe’s plan to capture and occupy the capitol

• Because Howe’s troops were focused on Philadelphia, they were unable to aid Burgoyne at Saratoga

• After an initial American victory, Howe’s troops captured the city and the Continental Congress had to flee

Fighting Stalls

– Washington camped his troops at Valley Forge, 20 miles from Philadelphia, December 1777 for the winter

• Intense training• Losses for Americans due to exposure

– Although the Americans lost Philadelphia, the tide was beginning to turn in the war

Timeline

• Continue from where you left off

Questions

• What was so crucial about the Battle of Saratoga?• Why would the British want to capture

Philadelphia?

– Using notes, create a map showing the major battles and movements of troops

• Put map on PowerPoint for students to use• Include colors, key, compass, and title

– Include years and summaries on back