The Early Years of the War Chapter 7 sec. 1 The Early Years of the War

Americans Divided Most Americans did not support the war 20% were loyalists 40% were neutral 40% were patriots

Native Americans were divided Those that sided with the British feared that if the Americans won they would take more N.A. land The N.A.s that lived with and traded with the colonists supported the patriots African Americans fought on both sides Many slaves ran away to fight for the British in hopes of gaining their freedom

Creating an Army G.W. was the commander of the Continental Army Originally started with 1 year enlistment- later lengthened by Congress Never more than 17,000 men Soldiers needed everything – lacked blankets, food, shoes, and gun/ammo Women followed the Army around where they help by the 3 Cs

Struggle for the Middle States In July of 1776, British Gen. Howe arrived in NY with a large army, including 9,000 Hessian mercenaries. For several months the British and American armies fought for control of NY Washington was eventually forced to retreat In December, the American army crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania The Continental Army was in terrible condition

Thomas Paine encourages the nation After witnessing the harsh conditions & low morale of the troops on their retreat from NY, Paine published The American Crisis

Washington takes Trenton To encourage his men, G.W. needed a victory Late on Dec. 25th, 1776, G.W. rowed his men across the Delaware River and marched in bitter cold conditions to Trenton, N.J. where they surprised the Germans The Patriots won the battle and gained some much needed supplies

Britain’s Strategy To win the war, the British wanted to cut New England off from the other states by seizing the Hudson River Valley (Read pages 196 – 199) Burgoyne St. Leger Howe