A Critical Time
Heavy fighting moved from New England to Middle colonies The summer of 1776 saw a long series of battles and American retreats Washington was pushed out of New York
At the battle of Long Island he volunteered to be a spy He was caught, tried, and condemned to death. His last words were “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”
Thomas Paine had retreated with the troops through New Jersey To raise morale, he wrote The Crisis Paine urged Americans to support the army Washington had it read to his troops and made plans for a bold attack
On Christmas night, Washington led 2,400 men across the river in small boats Early December 26, they attacked Trenton The Americans captured 900 Hessians
Washington then marched his men to Princeton where they drove the British away. 10 Days That Changed the World
During 1777 the British planned on taking Albany, NY, and gain control of the Hudson River John Burgoyne would lead troops south from Canada Lieutenant Colonel Leger, would move east from Lake Ontario General Howe would move north from New York City They would all meet at Albany
Burgoyne ran into trouble immediately Howe captured Philadelphia (the American capital) forcing the Continental Congress to flee Howe postponed his move north to Albany
General Howe’s plan deteriorated leaving General Burgoyne and troops with no help On Oct 17,1777 Burgoyne surrendered over 5700 British troops handed their weapons to Americans
The Battle of Saratoga convinced the French to help the struggling Americans In Feb 1778 France signed a treaty with the US France, Spain, and the Netherlands went to war with GB
Marquis De Lafayette, a French noble became a high ranking officer in Washington’s army Baron von Streuben, a German baron, helped transform the Continental Army
Patriots endured a horrible winter Challenged Washington to keep the Continental Army together Many men deserted (AWOL) When people learned of the conditions women collected supplies and went to camp to tend sick and wounded