American Allies

Mary hays “Molly Pitcher” She carried water to tired soldiers during a battle Also worked as a nurse Took over firing a cannon during battle after her husband was wounded

Women in the war Martha Washington as well as many other wives followed their husbands to army camps cooked and served as nurses for sodiers Deborah Sampson dressed as a man, enlisted and fought in several engagements

Help from abroad Starting in 1776 the French began to secret aid to the United States They hoped to seek revenge on the British for their loss in the French and Indian War They avoided publically allying with the United States until American forces proved they could win battles After Saratoga, King Louis XVI signed alliance treaties with the US France then started sending much needed supplies, funds ($), and troops

Help from Spain 1779 Spain allied with the US too, they also wanted to hurt their rival Britain Spanish governor Louisiana, General Bernardo de Galvez acted quickly capturing British strongholds all across the South, such as Natchez, Baton Rouge, Mobile, and Pensacola Spain and France entering the war caused Britain to have to spread their military resources all across the country. They were also forced to fight at sea and on land.

Marquis de lafayette 19 year old French nobleman who volunteered to serve in Washington’s army Moved up ranks in Washington’s army, given command of an army division Bought soldiers warm clothes with his own money, called “the soldier’s friend” Convinced the French King to send 6,000 troops

Baron von Stuben German officer that helped turn inexperienced American troops into soldiers that could compete with the British Started with a model group of 100 soldiers Some of the techniques included bayonet charging

Francis Marion aka “the Swamp fox” American Military Officer Led the South Carolina Militia against the British Taught Guerilla Warfare tactics to American soldiers and effectively used them against the British Considered the “father” of modern guerilla warfare Credited with the lineage of the United States Army Rangers