1. A Critical Time
1776

3. Why it Matters
Now we have proclaimed independence, now what? We must fight the powerful British army! George has a lot of work ahead

4. British Strengths
American Strengths
Large Population
Knew land formation
Formed Government
George Washington
Strong Navy (No. 1)
Fighting what they believe in
Organized Military
Experienced Military leaders
Support of most citizens

5. Retreat from New York
June 1776 British fleet sail into New York under General Howe
Washington was expecting the British fleet
Washington has 20,000 poorly trained soldiers vs. 34,000 trained British soldiers
August 1776 the British drove Washington out of Brooklyn in the Battle of Long Island
Washington leaves New York City with British chasing

6. “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”
Nathan Hale
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”

7. Surprises for the British
December 1776
British is preparing to take over Philadelphia
Patriots been on run and spirits were low
Many Patriots Deserted.

8. Thomas paine writes “The Crisis”
“These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman”
It worked

9. Washington led 2400 men across the river in small boats
Crossing the Delaware
December 1776
Washington led 2400 men across the river in small boats
Attacked Trenton
Victory!
Washington captures 1000 Hessians!
Trickery wins for Americans
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12. Saratoga: A turning point
British General John Burgoyne planned on cutting New England off from the rest of the states
Carrying baggage of his finest personal stuff and supplies running short
General Gates had 6000 men surround Burgoyne and his British force at Saratoga
Burgoyne surrenders on October 17, 1777
Turning Point of War

13. Results of the Battle
Ended the idea of an easy victory for British
Ended threat of British in New England
Lifted American’s spirit
Helped convince Europeans that Americans had a chance of winning which encouraged France to enter into war with Britain and help Americans.

15. French Alliance
Encouraged by Ben Franklin, France enters into war with Britain and to help the Americans
This means fighting on two fronts
Which front do you think Britain is going to place most effort?

16. European Volunteers
Marquis de Lafayette

17. Thaddeus Kosciusko
Helped build forts including West Point

18. Baron Von Steuben German that helped train the Continental Army
Prussian nobleman named Baron Friedrich von Steuben showed up in Valley Forge on Feb. 23, 1778, and taught the Continental Army to use bayonets for killing, not cooking

19. Valley Forge
winter
Built Valley Forge in Pennsylvania
Out in the cold without sufficient food and clothing
British snug in Philadelphia dancing and partying
Women collected food, medicine, warm clothes and ammunition to help soldiers including Martha Washington
Continental Army survives but is considered the low point of the war.
Why do you think Washington wanted to stay camped outside of Philadelphia during this harsh winter?