6-2 Notes: The War Continues

Gaining allies Benjamin Franklin tried to persuade France to support the colonies French at first gave money secretly, refused to openly support Victory at Saratoga helped to convince France to openly support the colonies Feb – France, Coloniest work out trade, military alliance Spain declared war on the United States in 1779 Netherlands fought as well, and most importantly lent money to the Americans

Winter at Valley Forge Winter – Washington and his army set up camp at Valley Forge, 20 miles west of British army in Philadelphia Terrible suffering – Lack of decent food, water, clothing, shelter Many men deserted, or left the army without permission; many officers declined Troops persevered – Built huts, gathered supplies from countryside, oftentimes by force April Continental Army celebrates news of alliance with France with parade and religious celebration

Key figures from overseas Marquis de Lafayette – French nobleman who believed in ideals of the Declaration of Independence, became a trusted aide of Washington “The future of America is closely bound up with the future of all mankind” Friedrich von Steuben – Prussian military officer, drilled Patriot forces at Valley Forge, teaching them the discipline required to fight the British army Juan de Miralles – Representative of Spain who convinced leaders in Spain, Cuba, and Mexico to send financial aid to the colonies

Money problems Continental Congress had no way to pay for the war as they could not impose taxes Congress began printing hundreds of millions of paper money to pay for expenses Money quickly lost its value as there was more paper money than actual gold and silver to back it up This caused inflation, which occurs when money loses its value Eventually Congress stopped printing the money because people refused to use it

Life on the home front With more men away at war, women began to take jobs normally reserved for men, such as running farms (Abigail Adams) and businesses (Betsy Ross) No one knows who sewed the first American flag, but many believe it was a Philadelphia woman named Elizabeth Ross Inspired by the ideals of the Declaration, many began to rethink their position in society Judith Sargeant Murray argued that women and men deserved equal education Abigail Adams attempted to influence her husband John to little avail

Loyalists Some Loyalists spied on and informed the British Many fled to Britain, Canada, Florida (controlled by Spain at this time), or west of the Appalachian Mountains Loyalists who stayed in the colonies were often shunned or assaulted by Patriots Loyalists who actively helped the British often were tried as traitors and even executed occasionally

Slavery Ideals of the Revolution inspired some to question the institution of slavery Many also believed that slavery was inconsistent with Christianity 1778 – Governor William Livingston of New Jersey asked the legislature to free all enslaved people in NJ Enslaved Africans in New Hampshire asked the legislature for their freedom