1. The Trials of War, 1776 - 1778 War in the North:
Britain’s military vastly outnumbered the Patriots
Some Natives sided with the British
Victories at Saratoga:
The Battle of Saratoga was a turning point
France provided aid to the US (financial and military)
Financial Crisis:
State currencies were highly inflated
Robert Morris secured aid from Holland and France
Valley Forge:
Baron von Steuben – former Prussian military officer, helped train the American army

2. New York (Long Island) British held New York City for rest of the war
August 1776 – General Howe landed at Long Island, NY with an army of 32,000 men
Americans suffered 1,400 casualties and were in serious trouble of losing the war.
But Washington led an escape across the Hudson River back to Penn. – in the middle of the night and the British failed to end war right there
British held New York City for rest of the war

3. Trenton
After months of defeats, Washington needed to give Americans hope for victory
December 25, 1776: Crossed Delaware River overnight to attack Hessians at Trenton, NJ
Surprised Hessians - captured supplies, cannons, and ammo with no casualties
Boosted American morale and army recruitment

4. The Tide Turns
By 1777, British had given up trying to conquer New England
Believed more Loyalists in Middle and Southern colonies
Goal - isolate New England
British plan - send three armies to Albany, NY to cut off New England colonies
Army 1: Gen. John Burgoyne
Army 2: Gen. William Howe
Army 3: Col. Barry St. Leger

5. Saratoga However, only Gen. Burgoyne’s army moved toward Albany
Gen. Howe, instead moved to capture Philadelphia- thus splitting the British troops
Burgoyne was met by U.S. forces under Gen. Horatio Gates
Burgoyne and his 5,000 soldiers surrendered and were captured at Saratoga in Oct 1777,

6. Importance of the battle:
Saratoga
Importance of the battle:
British plan to divide colonies failed
Ben Franklin convinced France and Spain to join on the American side – providing much needed financial and military support
Saratoga was the TURNING POINT of the war

7. Valley Forge British captured American capital of Philadelphia
Winter 1777 – Washington’s army camped for 6 months at Valley Forge, PA
Lack of food, clothing, medicine, and shelter – miserable conditions
1/4 of 10,000 troops died during winter

8. Problems at home
British blockade stemmed the flow of goods in and out of the colonies
Getting supplies proved to be a challenge for the Continental government and army
Congress had no authority to impose taxes and so they started issuing currency without financial backing – causing massive inflation

9. The Path to Victory, 1778 - 1783 War in the South:
France wanted to weaken England and take sugar island
Spain was hoping to regain Florida and Gibraltar
Britain’s Southern Strategy:
The South contributed fewer individuals to war effort – fear of leaving slaves unattended
Philipsburg Proclamation – slaves that rebelled would gain protection and freedom from Great Britain
5,000 African Americans (free and slave) fought for Patriot Cause
The Marquis de Lafayette – instrumental in gaining French troops to America (Hamilton)
Guerrilla Warfare in the Carolinas:

10. The Path to Victory, 1778 – 1783 (Cont.)
The Patriot Advantage:
French aid
“Home-field advantage”
Leadership – George Washington
Treaty of Paris (1783)
Britain recognized US independence
US gained all land east of Mississippi River
US fishing rights off Newfoundland
Britain could pursue debts
American Loyalists were to be protected and their property was to be returned to them
Spain and France gained very little and France becames severely in debt