THE WAR CONTINUES1776-1781

The Patriots Gain New Hope

After victories in Canada and New York, British troops thought the war would soon end

They settled in New York City to rest for the winter and left new Jersey in the hands of German mercenaries (Hessians)

British delay allowed Washington to gather reinforcements

Battle of Trenton

On Christmas night in 1776, Washington and 2400 soldiers crossed the Delaware River and attacked the Hessians

Patriots were short on supplies but ready to fight

Captured 900 Hessians with just 5 American casualties

Battle of Princeton

Washington and his troops march to Princeton

One night the Patriots kept their campfires burning for the British to see

They left camp in the dark and circled behind British troops

The Patriots attacked the next morning

Battle of Saratoga

Fought in 1777 A series of battles that took place in and

around Albany , New York. Major Victory for the Continental Army Considered the turning point of the

Revolutionary War

Turning Point

1st victory in the war in over 2 years Major victory – Convinced many

Americans that they had a chance to win the war

Convinced European countries that America had a chance of winning

After this battle, the country of France decides to publicly recognize America as an Independent Country

How the French Help

France declared war on England France send troops, navy ships, and

supplies Eventually France convinces Spain to join

in the war as well to help America Bernardo de Galvez was the governor of

Spanish Louisiana and a key ally to the Patriots on the western frontier

Only problem, it will be 6 months (during winter) before the French can arrive and help out

The Waiting Game

During the winter of 1777-1778, the American troops must survive to receive French help

Washington takes them to Pennsylvania, at a place called Valley Forge

¼ of Washington's army died at Valley Forge of starvation, disease, and frostbite

“We stayed because of Washington…We loved him…We would sell our lives for him”

Winter at Valley Forge

Friedrich von Steuben was a veteran Prussian army officer who came to Washington’s aid

He spoke no English He taught them American troops basic

military skills Turned the Continental Army into a well

trained group of soldiers

The War at Sea

Americans had only 5 ships No match for the British Navy Instead of fighting large battles, they

would attack individual British ships John Paul Jones was a brave and clever

sailor who captured many British supply ships

Americans used fewer than 100 ships British lost more then 200 ships

Battle of Yorktown

Over the next 3 years, the tide of the war turns in favor of America (due to the French help)

In 1781, the remainder of the British Army is surrounded at Yorktown, Virginia

After a short battle, Lord Cornwallis surrenders to Washington

This is the final battle of the Revolutionary War, but the hardships for America have just begun