Do you feel like the movie gave you a better understanding of The Battle of Trenton?

Entry Assignment Tell me about your Fall Break. Explain.

Key Battles of the Revolution Social Studies

Battle of Long Island Brooklyn, New York Officers-George Washington (Continentals) and General Howe (British) First major battle after the Declaration of Independence was signed. (First major battle in the history of the United States) Major early blow to morale of Continental Army and cause for Independence. (Decisive Victory for British)

Trenton Christmas Night 1776 Washington risked everything Americans were weak and discouraged. Follow this victory with another at Princeton.

Effects from Trenton and Princeton Made British Victories in New York seem less decisive Increase in Army enlistments Spirit and cause for Independence grew once again Much needed supplies

What is this quote telling you about the importance of Trenton and Princeton? “ A few days ago the Americans had given up the cause for lost. Their late successes have turned the scale and now they are all liberty mad again.” -British Soldier in his diary.

Brandywine and Germantown British Parliament wanted Howe to Crush Continentals (Take Albany, NY part of a three prong attack). Howe triumphed and took Philadelphia (Capital) but the rebel army remained intact and morale still strong. Americans put up a strong resistance. Continental Congress flees Philly.

Battle of Saratoga General Burgoyne (British) vs. General Gates (American) Burgoyne’s troops were worn down from trek through forest. Huge American victory that prevented Britain from putting a wedge between New England and the Middle Colonies. TURNING POINT OF THE WAR (Convinced France and Spain to aid the Americans)

Valley Forge Winter Camp while the British spent the winter in Philadelphia. Lacked food, clothing, and Shelter. (Harsh Winter) Army was left battered, bloody, and beaten ready to quit. Washington felt if help didn’t arrive soon the men would all leave or desert camp. (Went from 11,000 to 2,800). Estimated 2,000 deaths. Freidrich von Steuben arrived and transformed the army into an effective fighting force.

War in the South Lost the battles but won the south Nathanial Greene was perhaps GW best general. (Strategy- Keep fighting and avoid crushing defeats.) Weaken Cornwallis’s Army and forced them to Yorktown hoping for reinforcements.

Battle Of Yorktown French Blockaded Yorktown preventing supplies from NY. Last major battle of the Revolutionary War. Cornwallis had no choice but to surrender. British realized they could not defeat the CAUSE. Surrender Field in Yorktown.

Questions 1.Why were the battles of Trenton and Princeton so important to Americans success? 2.Why is Saratoga considered the Turning point of the war? 3.Why did Cornwallis eventually surrender to the Americans in Yorktown? 4.What crucial mistake does Howe make that prevents the British from ending the War?