1. Battle of Long Island British won – they greatly outnumbered the colonists Nathan Hale went behind enemy lines to spy, was caught and hanged. His final words were “I regret that I have but one life to give for my country.” Battle of Trenton Washington led army across the Delaware River on Christmas night in 1776 Surprised and defeated the British

2. Battle of Saratoga *Colonists won *Surrounded General Burgoyne and his troops *General Burgoyne surrendered on October 17, 1776

3.  The Continental Army spent the winter of 1776 in Valley Forge  Men were leaving the army  Spirits were low: they were cold, hungry and not well-trained  Lafayette helped Washington train the army during that winter and it helped turn the tide of the war.

4.  Victory at Saratoga made European nations realize that colonists might win the war In February 1777 France announced support for the colonists working out a trade agreement and an alliance.  France declared war on Great Britain  France sent money, equipment and troops to help the Americans

5.  Spain declared war on Great Britain in 1779 Attacked the British at Natchez, Baton Rouge, and Pensacola

6.  Marquis de Lafayette French An Aide to Washington at Valley Forge  Friedrich von Steuben Prussian Drilled the Continental Army in Valley Forge and turned them into a REAL army

7.  Juan de Miralles Befriended many Patriot leaders Loaned money to the Patriot cause

8.  The spirit of Independence led women to want more freedom and recognition  Many also wanted an end to slavery  Loyalists were persecuted by their neighbors—a few even hung as traitors