1. Chapter 6 The American Revolution (1776-1783)
Section 2 The War Continues

2. After Saratoga
Saratoga was a turning point, Patriot victory now seemed possible
European nations, especially France saw that the Americans might actually win
Ben Franklin went to Paris, France to seek French support
The French gave to the Americans secretly, but were not their allies…..yet

3. France
After Saratoga, France openly announced their support of the United States
February France and the US worked out a trade agreement and an alliance
France declared war on Britain
Also sent money, equipment, and troops to aid (help) the Patriots

4. Spain
Other European nations helped as well, mainly because they hated the British
Spain did not recognize American Independence, but still declared war on Britain in1779
The Spanish governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Galvez raised an army
This army forced the British out and captured forts at Mobile and Pensacola
This diverted British troops from other fronts of the war

5. Winter of
Howe and the British spent the winter in comfort in Philadelphia
About 20 miles west, Washington set up his camp at Valley Forge
Washington and the army endured terrible suffering
Lacked food, clothing, shelter, and medicine
Washington’s biggest challenge was keeping the army together

6. Valley Forge
Due to snowstorms and damaged roads, it was hard to get supplies in
The Continental army built huts and gathered supplies from the countryside
Volunteers, including Martha Washington, made clothes and cared for the sick
Washington said no army had ever suffered “such uncommon hardships” with such “patience and fortitude.”

7. More of Valley Forge Many men deserted (left without permission)
Some officers resigned
The army was falling apart
With strong determination, the Continental Army survived the winter
Conditions improved and new recruits joined
“The army grows stronger everyday”
April 1778, Washington told the troops of the alliance with France
The Army celebrated with a religious festival and a parade

8. Help From Overseas
Among the leaders at Valley Forge was a French nobleman- the Marquis de Lafayette
Lafayette offered his help to Washington and became a trusted aide to him
Others also helped the American cause including polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko and cavalry officer Casimir Pulaski

9. More Help From Overseas
Prussian officer Friedrich von Steuben helped drill the Patriot troops at Valley Forge
Taught the soldiers military discipline
Turned the ragged group into an effective fighting force
Spaniard Juan de Miralles befriended the Patriot leaders and loaned money to the cause
Other Europeans who had recently moved to the United States joined the Patriot cause
Even with help, the Continental Army still needed large amounts of money to continue to fight the war

10. Money Problems Getting money to finance the war was a major problem
Continental Congress had no power to raise money through taxes
Some money came in from the states and other countries, but much more was needed
Congress and the states printed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of paper money
There was not enough gold or silver backing them and they lost value
This led to inflation
No one would take the money and Congress stopped making them

11. Changing Attitude
Ideals of liberty and freedom inspired the American Revolution
These same ideals caused some women to question their place and treatment in American society
Judith Sargeant Murray argued that women’s minds are as good as men’s
Therefore women should also get an education
Abigail Adams also stood up for women’s interests

12. Hopes For Equality
The ideals of the Revolutionary War led some white Americans to question slavery
Governor Livingston of New Jersey asked the legislature to free all enslaved people in the state
Livingston said slavery was “utterly inconsistent with the principles of Christianity and humanity”
Many other states attempted to end slavery
The issue (matter) of slavery would remain unsettled for many years

13. Treatment of Loyalists
Thousands of Loyalists fought for the British
Some spied on Patriots
Many fled the colonies
Those that remained faced difficult times
Shunned by neighbors
Became victims of mob violence   
Britannia offers solace and a promise of compensation for her exiled American born Loyalists.