Chapter 7 Section1 Overview

Creating an Army Everyone in the colonies was split over the war…colonists..Native Americans…families..African Americans. Difficult to raise an army. Militias were untrained and undisciplined. It was difficult to get men to stay long. No supplies for the men. Wives came to camp to help

Washington’s Main Goal British thought if they one a decisive victory the colonists would just give up! Washington just wanted to survive. He needed to keep soldiers in the field and win a few small battles here and there.

Battle for New York For months the British and the Americans fought for New York. Finally GW was forced to retreat through New Jersey. By December, the army crossed over the Delaware River and were in terrible condition. Poor clothing, no food, shoes...low spirits

Enlistments were ending Jan 31 st. Washington thought his men needed a victory to lift their spirits. On Christmas Night…they marched all night long to cross the Delaware River and surprise the Hessians who had been celebrating the holidays. (if you know what I mean) Captured the Hessians and ALL of their food and supplies!! They had another victory at Princeton 8 days later.

These victories proved GW was a far better General than the British thought! The American Army began to attract new recruits!!! P.S. It didn’t look like this

Saratoga: A Turning Point British General Burgoyne runs into the powerful Continental Army led by Horatio Gates near Saratoga New York.

Burgoyne’s Army Starving…out of food and supplies. Had to break through American fortifications to get to New York Moved through heavy rain to get to an old army camp at Saratoga. By the time they arrived they were wet and exhausted.

Gate’s Army Built mud walls on ridge to slow down Burgoyne’s troops Had Benedict Arnold In September…charged the British and inflicted heavy casualties. In October…fought British again “like a madman” Stopped when he took a bullet in the leg. Americans force Burgoyne to retreat

Gates army bombards Burgoyne’s army day and night without stopping. Burgoyne surrenders….the series of battle is called The Battle of Saratoga.

Benedict Arnold Recovers from his wound and marries a Loyalist. Begins to feel he has not received enough recognition for his heroic actions at Saratoga Influenced by bitterness and his wife he betrayed his army. He agrees to turn an American fort over to the British. Plot is discovered before it can be carried out and he escapes but is considered a traitor

Saratoga: A Turning Point Made Europeans believe Americans just might win their independence. France finally commits to help America after they show they can win at Saratoga.