Saratoga, Valley Forge, and the Roles of Women and African Americans Coach Kuntz United States History

Battle of Saratoga -In 1777, General Burgoyne’s army began marching from Canada to Albany, New York. -To slow Burgoyne's army, Patriots cut down trees and dammed up streams to block the route. -In Saratoga, New York, on October 17, 1777 George Washington’s army and the Green Mountain Boys surrounded Burgoyne’s army. Burgoyne was forced to surrender -1,000 British soldiers were captured or wounded. -Outcome: Turning point of war—Proved that the Americans COULD defeat the British and convinced Europeans to send aid to the US-- France agreed to help US & become an ally

Aid From Europe -In 1776, Congress sent Benjamin Franklin to Paris, France. -Franklin’s mission was to convince France to give the Americans weapons, supplies, and to declare war on Britain. -France King Louis XVI WOULD NOT declare war on England unless he was sure the Americans could win. -February 1778- France signed a treaty with America recognizing it as a country and agreeing to provide military aid. -Later, Netherlands and Spain also joined the War against England.

The Suffering of Washington’s Army -During the winter of 1777-1778, Washington’s Army suffered through the long, cold winter at Valley Forge. -11,000 soldiers marched into Valley Forge and set up a makeshift camp there. -Due to a lack of food, clothes, and supplies and diseases killed nearly 2,000 soldiers. -However, fresh supplies, warmer weather, and Baron von Steuben training Washington’s men made Valley Forge a turning point in the war.

Women’s Role -When men went off to fight the war, women had extra work at home (1) planting/harvesting, (2) making shoes, blankets, uniforms, (3) making cannons and guns for the army. -Many women went to the frontlines in battle to (1) care for the wounded, (2) wash clothes, (3) cook, (4) and some even took part in battle. -Betsy Ross is credited as sewing the first American flag

Women’s Role (Cont.) -Women during this time began to think differently about their rights. -Women who had taken charge of farms or their husbands’ businesses became more confident and willing to speak out. -Still, most men in Congress did not agree that women should be treated equally.

African Americans’ Role -By 1776, 500,000 African Americans lived in the colonies. -At first, Congress refused to let African Americans join the army. -The British offered freedom to male slaves who joined their army and served the king. -George Washington was afraid slaves would fight for the British army, so he asked Congress to allow free African Americans to enlist.

African Americans’ Role -5,000 African Americans served in the American army and 2,000 served in the navy. -African Americans formed their own special regiments or served in white regiments as drummers, fifers, spies, and guides. -Many slaves fled to the British, while other black Patriots hoped that the revolution would bring an end to slavery. -During the revolution, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania outlawed slavery. Other states began to debate the slavery issue.