The Revolutionary War Battles, Generals

Review Slide  Up until 1776, most of the fighting centered around what area?  What are some disadvantages of the Patriot army? Advantages?  By mid-1776 fighting is going to shift into the middle colonies.

Battle of Long Island  General Howe was leading the British Army in 1776  34,000 troops, 10,000 sailors  His Plan:  March from Boston to New York City and conquer it  Battle of Long Island – Washington v. Howe  More than 1,400 Continentals were killed, wounded or captured.  The rest retreated to Manhattan (20,000 troops)

Nathan Hale  Washington eventually crossed into NJ and then made his way to PA.  He gained information about British troops and needed to transport it.  Nathan Hale, a young CT officer, volunteered to transport it.  Hale was stopped by British officials, searched, and then hung at the gallows.

Battle of Trenton  Washington’s troops were sick and tired  Had no money, food, or clothing  Washington decided to win they would need a surprise attack.  Battle of Trenton – Washington v. Hessians  On Dec. 25, 1776 (Christmas) he crossed the Delaware River and surprised the Hessians who were celebrating Christmas and were easily able to defeat them.  Hessians – soldiers from Germany who fought on the British side.  More men enlisted on the Patriot side

Burgoyne’s Plan  In 1777, General John Burgoyne presented a new British plan for victory.  He thought the British should cut off New England from the rest of the colonies.  His plan called for 3 different British regiments to march to Albany, NY and crush the Americans.  This would allow them to control the Hudson River and stop colonial supplies.

What Really Happened  Burgoyne’s plan called for General Howe to move to Albany.  However, King George wanted Howe to take Philadelphia.  Howe captured Philadelphia in the Battles of Germantown and Brandywine.  He decided NOT to go to Albany.  This allowed George Washington to stay at Valley Forge for the winter.  ONLY Burgoyne went to Albany

Battle of Saratoga  Battle of Saratoga – Burgoyne v. Gates  Patriots surrounded the British forcing Burgoyne to surrender 1/3 of the British army.  This was the turning point of the war.  Results  Ended the British threat to New England.  Boosted American spirits  Convinced France to become an ally to the Americans.  Ally – work together to achieve a common goal.

French Aid  The French were eager to defeat the British because they were still upset about the French and Indian War.  In February of 1778, France became the first nation to sign a treaty with America.  Recognized the new nation and agreed to provide military aid.  Also, the Netherlands and Spain later join against Britain by providing loans to the patriots.

Famous Foreigners  Marquis de Lafayette – young French noble who trained Patriot soldiers.  Became a close friend of Washington’s  Freidrich von Steuben – Prussian who helped to drill Washington’s troops  Thaddeus Kosciusko – A Polish engineer who helped build forts and other defenses.  Casimir Pulaski – A Polish man who helped form and train the cavalry  Cavalry – troops on horseback

Valley Forge  Continentals suffered through the winter of at Valley Forge.  Conditions: cold, damp, no homes, slept on frozen ground, no shoes, suffered from frostbite and other diseases  Women sent food, ammunition, warm clothes, medicine and more  As spring came, Von Steuben taught them to march and drill.  With Washington and Von Steuben, the spirits were renewed.