Lesson 16

 What advantages did the British army have at the beginning of the war?  More and better-trained soldiers, better supplies; mercenaries  What caused problems for the British army?  The colonies were far away from Britain, so it was hard for the British to get supplies.

 Why did Washington spend the winter of 1776 in Pennsylvania?  After the Battle of Long Island, his defeated troops had to retreat to New York.  What caused Washington to attack Trenton on Christmas night?  He knew that he could surprise the Hessians.

 What was the turning point of the war?  The American victory at the Battle of Saratoga.  Who led the Americans in their victory?  General Benedict Arnold  How was the winter of 1777 different for British and American soldiers?  The British spent the winter in the comfort of Philadelphia, while the Americans spent it in the cold and harsh conditions of their Valley Forge camp.

 What effect did Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben have on the Continental Army?  He trained the Continental army better ways to march and fight making them a stronger army.  Who led the American negotiations with France?  Benjamin Franklin  What caused the French to join the war in support of the Americans?  The American victory at Saratoga persuaded the French that the Patriots could win the war.

 Who gave food, money and guns to the Americans?  Bernando de Galvez, the governor of Spanish Louisiana The Continental Army was less trained than the British army. However the Americans won important early victories at Trenton and Saratoga.