1. VALLEY FORGE: 1777-78 Tom Howells

2. Background Information Revolutionary War well underway 1. Continental Army (Americans) are losing! 2. Had to abandon Philadelphia to retreat Washington seeks location to: 1. Prepare for battle in the spring 2. Camp for the winter Leads army to Valley Forge 1. Easily defensible in case of attack 2. Close to Philadelphia to put pressure on British

3. Conditions at Valley Forge Conditions on par with routine of soldiers 1. Not as bad as many make it seem Early Months: Supplies scarce but soldiers manage February 1778: Baron Friedrich Von Steuben arrives 1. Former member of Prussian Army 2. Teaches Continental Army fighting skills 3. Repositions latrines and kitchens to improve sanitation Arrival of warmer weather in spring brings disease 1. Typhoid, dysentery and influenza run rampant

4. Effects of Valley Forge Von Steuben’s training works! 1. Draw in first battle, but win second America signs alliance with France 1. British abandon Philadelphia Turning Point of Revolution 1. Americans begin to win battles 2. Valley Forge improves morale of soldiers 3. Americans fight harder than ever before

5. Bibliography Independence Hall Association. “History at Valley Forge.” Accessed October 27, 2014. http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge/history/ind ex.html EyeWitness To History. “The Continental Army at Valley Forge, 1777.” Accessed October 27, 2014. http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/valleyforg e.htm Hickman, Kennedy. About.com Education. “American Revolution: Winter at Valley Forge.” Accessed October 27, 2014. http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswars 16011800/p/valleyforge.htm