The American Revolution Part 3 Desperate Days

Most of the early battles of the revolution had taken place in the New England states. However, by mid-1776 a large fleet arrived in New York’s harbor. General Howe and the redcoats had arrived. Here, the Continental Army suffered some of its worst defeats in the war.

The Middle States of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania were host to several key battles of the Revolution.

The War in New York The Americans only have 20,000 poorly-trained troops, and no navy. Some troops were put on Manhattan, while others were put on Long Island. Washington had led his forces south from Boston to New York. The British had 34,000 troops, and 10,000 sailors.

The Americans are soundly defeated at Long Island The Americans are soundly defeated at Long Island. 1,400 were killed, captured, or wounded. Many retreat to Manhattan, and to avoid capture, Washington goes north. More battles are fought, and Washington has to retreat across the Hudson River to New Jersey. The British chase him all the way to Pennsylvania.

The Bravery of Nathan Hale At this time, a young spy named Nathan Hale, was captured by the British, after having been turned in by one of his own relatives who was a loyalist. Before being hung by the British, it was reported that he said, “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Would you have had the courage Nathan Hale had?

New Hope for Americans By December of 1776, things are looking grim for the United States. Washington described his troops as, “so thinly clad as to be unfit for service.” Daily, soldiers were abandoning the army. “I am wearied to death. I think the game is pretty near up.” George Washington wrote to his brother. In another pamphlet, “THE CRISIS” Thomas Paine again used his pen to urge and inspire Americans.

“These are the times that try men’s souls “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Grateful for Paine’s inspiring words, Washington had The Crisis read aloud to his troops.

Thomas Paine’s The Crisis

Washington Tries a Bold Move By the end of 1776, many of the soldiers enlistments would expire. Washington absolutely had to have a victory to boost morale. He decided that an attack on Trenton, New Jersey might do the trick. On Christmas night led his troops across the icy Delaware River into New Jersey from Pennsylvania.

Washington Crossing the Delaware December 25, 1776

Early on December 26, the Americans surprised the Hessian troops guarding Trenton, and took most of them prisoner. An American summed it up by saying, “Hessian population at 8:00 A.M. – 1,408 men and 39 officers. Hessian population at 9:00 A.M. – 0.” The British tried to capture Washington, but the Americans win another victory at Princeton giving new hope to the country.

Washington at the Battle of Princeton January 1777

A New British Strategy Tired of not being able to crush the rebels, the British come up with a new strategy. Three different armies are going to march to Albany, in New York, and capture the region, and the Hudson River. This would then cut New England away from the rest of the country.

As part of the plan, General Howe’s army in New York City was supposed to march north to Albany. However, King George wanted the glory of capturing the American capital city of Philadelphia. Philadelphia is captured, and American forces are also defeated in battles at Brandywine and also Germantown. General Howe’s army stays the winter in Philadelphia.

The British capture Philadelphia and American troops suffer losses near the city at Brandywine and Germantown.

Brandywine Germantown

The second army was pushed back by Benedict Arnold at Fort Stanwix, New York. The third army led by General Burgoyne was weighted down, and traveled slowly. The Americans did whatever they could to slow them down. In the small village of Saratoga, the British were surrounded, and in an embarrassing defeat, had to surrender.

The humiliating British defeat at Saratoga helped bring France into the war.

A Powerful Ally The victory at Saratoga boosted Americans, and ended the British threat to New England. We had been hoping France, Britain’s major enemy would help us out. Their king did not want to get involved unless there was a chance of us winning. Saratoga proved that we had a very good chance, so France decided to help us.

A Terrible Winter at Valley Forge The army spent a terrible winter at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania. Soldiers lived in damp and drafty huts. Many had to sleep on the ground. Some soldiers stood on guard wrapped in blankets, and tied pieces of cloth on their feet for protection. Frostbite, sickness, and disease were widespread. Americans sent whatever help they could.

The Winter of 1777 at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

Help From Abroad Volunteers from around Europe came to the United States to help in the cause. Some helped build forts, while others trained cavalry or troops on horseback. Friedrich von Steuben, taught Americans how to march, and be organized. He even taught them how to properly use their bayonets instead of using them to cook over the fire!

Even though he had lied about his background, George Washington was so impressed with what Friedrich von Steuben was able to accomplish with his troops, that he gave him a promotion!

The Marquis de Lafayette, a 19 year old soldier from France, was almost like a son to George Washington.

By the spring of 1778, there is renewed hope and optimism among the troops: “The army grows stronger every day. The troops are instructed in a new and so happy a method of marching that they will soon be able to advance with the utmost regularity, even without music and on the roughest grounds.” A New Jersey Soldier