Struggles in the Middle States Aim: What battle marked the turning point of the war in the Patriots favor?

The British take New York After the Battle of Bunker Hill, Washington expected British General Howe to attack. Washington moved the newly formed Continental Army to New York City. There Washington continued to train less than 20,000 troops when Howe arrived with his army. Battle of Long Island (Aug. 1776) -Howe landed on Long Island with 34,000 troops and 10,000 sailors -British forces take over Long Island which gives them a strong hold in New York -In the battle more than 1,400 Patriots are killed and Washington is forced to retreat to Manhattan, into New Jersey and eventually Pennsylvania -During this battle Patriot Nathan Hale (a patriot spy) is captured and hanged as a traitor. WHY? “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country!”

The War continues… Battle of Trenton (Dec. 1776) Months of hard campaigning had taken its toll on the Continental army. In Dec.1776 Washington described his men as sick, dirty, and barely fit to fight. Washington needed to rally his troops Battle of Trenton (Dec. 1776) Washington and his men crossed the Delaware River on Christmas Eve to surprise attack Hessian(German) Troops guarding Trenton. On Christmas Day the Patriots surprised the Hessians and took them prisoner within the hour. This victory angered British General Charles Cornwallis, who vowed to retake Trenton

Why were these battles important to the Patriot cause? and continues … The Battle of Princeton (Jan. 1777) - Cornwallis planned to attack Washington’s camp. However Washington had prior knowledge of the plan and instead set a trap for the British. - Leaving the fires in the camp burning, Washington and his men left camp and marched around the British troops. - The patriots snuck up on the British and easily defeated them. Why were these battles important to the Patriot cause? Revived the Patriot troops and boosted their confidence and wish to fight on

The turning point of the War British officials were angry by the failure to end the colonial revolt. In 1777, General John Burgoyne proposed a new plan for victory. If the British could cut New England off from the rest of the colonies, he believed the war would soon end. Burgoyne’s 3 pronged attack -Burgoyne wanted three different armies to march on Albany, New York. 1. General Burgoyne would attack from eastern Canada 2. Captain St. Leger would attack from western Canada 3. General Howe would attack from NYC - Unfortunately, Howe was ordered by the King to attack Philadelphia - St. Leger was attacked by American forces in Upstate NY - Burgoyne was the only one to attack Albany, he was outnumbered

The turning point of the war The Battle of Saratoga (Oct. 1777) -Burgoyne’s troops were attacked in the town of Saratoga. - This victory is the turning point in the War Why is the Battle the turning point? It convinces the French that the Americans can possibly win the war Shortly after Saratoga, the French enter the war to aid the Americans!!!

Foreign Friends Marquis de Lafayette – help train the continental army The Americans were not only aided by the French. The Netherlands and Spain loaned money and foreign individuals offered help as well. Marquis de Lafayette – help train the continental army Friedrich von Steuben – help train troops to march, drill, and use weapons Thaddeus Kosciusko and Casmir Pulaski – helped build forts and train cavalry.

Valley Forge Conditions were harsh for the soldiers Although American morale was raised after the Battle of Saratoga, Washington’s troops had to spend the cold winter in a makeshift camp at Valley Forge. Conditions were harsh for the soldiers many slept on the frozen ground or in drafty tents soldiers without shoes wrapped bits of cloth around their feet many suffered frostbite and disease

Fighting on many fronts The War did not only effect white soldiers, but all colonists. Women and African Americans contributed to the war effort as well. Women in the War - took on added work at home - planted and harvested food -made shoes and cloth for uniforms Betsy Ross – sewed the original American flag Molly Pitcher – joined her husband on the battlefield, first bring water to the soldiers, then loading cannons

Fighting on many fronts African Americans - 5,000 joined the army. Some by choice, some not. - 2,000 joined the navy - All were commended for their bravery African American Patriots hoped that their actions would lead to freedom and end slavery forever. Did it?

Fighting on many fronts War on the Western Frontier - Most of the Indians aided the British because of ill feelings against the patriots - Spain aided the patriots Fighting at Sea - the newly formed continental navy was no match for the British - the most well known victory was when Captain John Paul Jones captures the British ship Serapis

Summary What battle was the turning point of the war? Why was it the turning point? How did women and African Americans contribute to the war effort?