1. The Early Years of the War
Chapter 7 sec. 1
The Early Years of the War

2. Americans Divided Most Americans did not support the war
20% were loyalists
40% were neutral
40% were patriots

3. Native Americans were divided
Those that sided with the British feared that if the Americans won they would take more N.A. land
The N.A.s that lived with and traded with the colonists supported the patriots
African Americans fought on both sides
Many slaves ran away to fight for the British in hopes of gaining their freedom

4. Creating an Army G.W. was the commander of the Continental Army
Originally started with 1 year enlistment- later lengthened by Congress
Never more than 17,000 men
Soldiers needed everything – lacked blankets, food, shoes, and gun/ammo
Women followed the Army around where they help by the 3 Cs

5. Struggle for the Middle States
In July of 1776, British Gen. Howe arrived in NY with a large army, including 9,000 Hessian mercenaries.
For several months the British and American armies fought for control of NY
Washington was eventually forced to retreat
In December, the American army crossed the Delaware River into Pennsylvania
The Continental Army was in terrible condition

6. Thomas Paine encourages the nation
After witnessing the harsh conditions & low morale of the troops on their retreat from NY, Paine published The American Crisis

7. Washington takes Trenton
To encourage his men, G.W. needed a victory
Late on Dec. 25th, 1776, G.W. rowed his men across the Delaware River and marched in bitter cold conditions to Trenton, N.J. where they surprised the Germans
The Patriots won the battle and gained some much needed supplies

8. Britain’s Strategy
To win the war, the British wanted to cut New England off from the other states by seizing the Hudson River Valley
(Read pages 196 – 199)
Burgoyne
St. Leger
Howe