A Critical Time Unit 6 Section 2 B

A Critical Time The Battle of Saratoga marked a major turning point in the war. The American victory ended the British threat to New England and destroyed British hopes of an easy victory.

A Critical Time Perhaps more importantly, the Battle of Saratoga helped convince Europeans that the Americans had a chance of winning.

A Critical Time Soon after Saratoga, France agreed to openly support American independence. In February 1778, France officially formed an alliance with the U.S.

A Critical Time An alliance is a formal agreement between two powers to work together toward a common goal.

A Critical Time France was eager to weaken Britain. Even before Saratoga, the French had secretly supplied money and arms to the Americans. France became the first nation to sign a treaty with the United States.

A Critical Time The Netherlands and Spain also went to war with Britain. By carrying the fight to Europe, the allies forced Britain to wage war on many fronts.

A Critical Time A number of Europeans volunteered to serve with American forces. A French noble, Marquis de Lafayette, became a high-ranking office in Washington’s army, and they became close friends.

A Critical Time Volunteers from Poland also made contributions. Casimir Pulasky led and trained cavalry, which are units of troops on horseback.

A Critical Time A German baron, Friedrich von Steuben, helped train the Continental army. Steuben had served in the Prussian army. Before Steuben arrived, American troops were often poorly trained and undisciplined.

A Critical Time Steuben taught the soldiers how to march, how to improve their aim, and how to attack with bayonets. He helped transform the soldiers into a more effective force.

A Critical Time Vital means necessary; of great importance, while transform means to change from one thing or condition to another.

A Critical Time Washington’s army suffered through the cruel winter of 1777-78 in a hastily built camp at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. Meanwhile, some 22 miles away, British officers in Philadelphia danced the winter away in a merry round of parties and balls.

A Critical Time The 11,000 Continental soldiers were not sufficiently fed, clothed or housed. At any one time, about soldier in four was sick with chills, fever or worse. Because food was scarce, the soldiers mainly ate thin soup and dry bread patties.

A Critical Time When Americans learned about conditions at Valley Forge, they sent help. Women collected food, medicine, warm clothes and ammunition. Even George Washington’s wife went to Valley Forge to tend the sick and wounded.

A Critical Time By the spring of 1778, the army at Valley Forge was ready to resume the fight. The army grew stronger every day. Washington and his staff planned new campaigns against the British.

A Critical Time The End