The Trials of War, 1776 - 1778 War in the North: Britain’s military vastly outnumbered the Patriots Some Natives sided with the British Victories at Saratoga: The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point France provided aid to the US (financial and military) Financial Crisis: State currencies were highly inflated Robert Morris secured aid from Holland and France Valley Forge: Baron von Steuben – former Prussian military officer, helped train the American army

New York (Long Island) British held New York City for rest of the war August 1776 – General Howe landed at Long Island, NY with an army of 32,000 men Americans suffered 1,400 casualties and were in serious trouble of losing the war. But Washington led an escape across the Hudson River back to Penn. – in the middle of the night and the British failed to end war right there British held New York City for rest of the war

Trenton After months of defeats, Washington needed to give Americans hope for victory December 25, 1776: Crossed Delaware River overnight to attack Hessians at Trenton, NJ Surprised Hessians - captured supplies, cannons, and ammo with no casualties Boosted American morale and army recruitment

The Tide Turns By 1777, British had given up trying to conquer New England Believed more Loyalists in Middle and Southern colonies Goal - isolate New England British plan - send three armies to Albany, NY to cut off New England colonies Army 1: Gen. John Burgoyne Army 2: Gen. William Howe Army 3: Col. Barry St. Leger

Saratoga However, only Gen. Burgoyne’s army moved toward Albany Gen. Howe, instead moved to capture Philadelphia- thus splitting the British troops Burgoyne was met by U.S. forces under Gen. Horatio Gates Burgoyne and his 5,000 soldiers surrendered and were captured at Saratoga in Oct 1777,

Importance of the battle: Saratoga Importance of the battle: British plan to divide colonies failed Ben Franklin convinced France and Spain to join on the American side – providing much needed financial and military support Saratoga was the TURNING POINT of the war

Valley Forge British captured American capital of Philadelphia Winter 1777 – Washington’s army camped for 6 months at Valley Forge, PA Lack of food, clothing, medicine, and shelter – miserable conditions 1/4 of 10,000 troops died during winter

Problems at home British blockade stemmed the flow of goods in and out of the colonies Getting supplies proved to be a challenge for the Continental government and army Congress had no authority to impose taxes and so they started issuing currency without financial backing – causing massive inflation

The Path to Victory, 1778 - 1783 War in the South: France wanted to weaken England and take sugar island Spain was hoping to regain Florida and Gibraltar Britain’s Southern Strategy: The South contributed fewer individuals to war effort – fear of leaving slaves unattended Philipsburg Proclamation – slaves that rebelled would gain protection and freedom from Great Britain 5,000 African Americans (free and slave) fought for Patriot Cause The Marquis de Lafayette – instrumental in gaining French troops to America (Hamilton) Guerrilla Warfare in the Carolinas:

The Path to Victory, 1778 – 1783 (Cont.) The Patriot Advantage: French aid “Home-field advantage” Leadership – George Washington Treaty of Paris (1783) Britain recognized US independence US gained all land east of Mississippi River US fishing rights off Newfoundland Britain could pursue debts American Loyalists were to be protected and their property was to be returned to them Spain and France gained very little and France becames severely in debt