After July 4, 1776
A. General Howe (British) pushed the Continental Army out of New York, across the Delaware River into Pennsylvania 1. Howe stopped chasing to spend the winter in the warmth and comfort of New York 2. He set up garrisons in New Jersey – small military camps 3. George Washington had about 2400 troops – in desperate need of supplies
B. December 25, 1776 – Washington crossed the Delaware River to attack a small garrison guarded by 900 Hessians. Very cold, high winds, ice in the river C. December 26 – marched into the camp and Hessians caught by surprise and surrendered - all 900
1. Boosted morale of the Continental Army 2. Secured Washington’s reputation as a leader 3. Gained much needed supplies D. January 3, 1777 – Captured another garrison at Princeton, New Jersey
A. British plan in June 1777 for 3 forces to meet in Albany, New York. They hoped to divide the colonies and then conquer them one –by-one
1. Army coming from Lake Ontario was pushed back by militias 2. General Howe went to Philadelphia instead 3. General John Burgoyne and 7000 troops marched slowly south from Canada. The slow march enabled bands of militias to fire at his men. He lost over 1000 redcoats along the way.
1. Militia outnumbered the redcoats 2. Burgoyne had to surrender 3. Results: A. France recognizes America’s independence B. France sends supplies and money C. France declares war on England
A. Washington and Continental Army pushed back by Howe. 1. Decided to stay the winter at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 2. Very harsh winter: No food, not enough clothes (cold), no money died - hunger, disease, and cold
B. Women (led by Martha Washington) – tried to relieve the suffering Cooked, sewed uniforms, made bandages and nursed the sick C. many troops simply went home 1. there was fear of mutiny 2. they started out with 11,000 troops 3. they left Valley Forge with 4,000
1. German military advisor 2. Drilled and trained the troops with strict discipline June 19, 1778 – army left better trained and prepared to fight Whatever won’t kill you will only make you stronger!!!
A. France – 1. After Saratoga, extended aid to America 2. June 1777 – declared war on England 3. Sent – money, gun powder, muskets, troops, ships, etc. 4. Lafayette – 19 years old – made a general
B. Germany – Baron von Steuban – drill master C. Poland, Holland, and Spain also helped America
British General Cornwallis had to retreat and decided to set camp on the peninsula of Yorktown in Virginia (Peninsula – land surrounded by water on 3 sides) 2. He was hoping for supplies from a British ship
3. When the Continental Army (Washington) heard of where Cornwallis was, they rushed to the scene 4. 16,000 American and French troops cornered Cornwallis and French ships sail in from behind and prevent a water retreat. Cornwallis could only surrender his army of 6000 The war was over.
1. officially ended the war 2. set America’s boundaries as: The Mississippi River to the Great Lakes and Canada, to Spanish Florida