Valley forge In the winter of 1778, Washington’s troops endured a horrific winter at Valley Forge (about 20 mi outside of Philly) while waiting for French aid. Lack of food, lack of supplies (shoes, coats), the spread of small pox, freezing temperatures, and fighting amongst soldiers were only a few issues that Washington had to confront. The greatest challenge became keeping the cont. army together.

The Marquis de Lafayette Lafayette was a French aristocrat and military officer who fought for the US in the AR. He also later fought in the French Revolution. He stayed with Washington and his troops at Valley Forge, where became a confidant to Washington and served as the connection between the French and Continental armies. He was crucial to securing French support during the war and assuring the recognition of America as a sovereign nation after the war.

Friedrich von Steuben Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben was a Prussian- born military officer who assisted Washington in managing and training the troops at Valley Forge. He demanded order, discipline, comradery, and cleanliness from the Continental soldiers. His war strategies, methods, and tactics were used in American warfare through the War of 1812, but have influenced many parts of contemporary warfare. He was Washington’s Chief of Staff in the final years of the war.