The War Expands Chapter 7, Section 2

Help from Abroad The French were still bitter over their defeat at the hands of the British during the French and Indian War. French assisted the Americans in hope to weaken British control over the colonies. As early as 1776, France began to secretly aid the Americans.

France and Spain Enter the War After a victory at Saratoga, King Louis XVI of France publicly recognized American independence. In 1778, France signed two treaties of alliance with the Americans. In 1779, France persuaded Spain to ally with the Americans.

Foreign Officers European military officers from France, Poland, and the Germans states came to Washington’s aid. Marquis de Lafayette- 19- year old French commander. Friedrich von Steuben- German General.

Winter at Valley Forge In 1777-78 ,Washington and his army of 10,000 soldiers camped at Valley Forge. They had very little food, clothing, or supplies. Nearly one-fourth had died by spring. Many deserted. A Prussian soldier, Baron Von Steuben, arrived in February. He and Lafayette, helped further train the American troops. Patriotic Men and Women from around the nation send help and aid.

Frontier Fighting In 1775 Daniel Boone helped build the Wilderness Road, a trail into Kentucky. George Rogers Clark- persuaded Patrick Henry, to allow him to raise an army to capture British outposts on the Western frontier. Clark and his troops traded victories back and forth with British troops.

War on the Waves The war not only expanded into the western frontier, but also eastward to the high seas. As the American navy was small and weak, Congress supported American privateers to attack British vessels. John Paul Jones- inspired Americans by sailing across the Atlantic Ocean attacking British ships along the coast of Britain.