Chapter 6 Section 2A Critical Time

Heavy fighting moved from New England to Middle colonies

The summer of 1776 saw a long series of battles and American retreats

Washington was pushed out of New York

Retreat from New York

At the battle of Long Island he volunteered to be a spy

He was caught, tried, and condemned to death.

His last words were “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country”

Nathan Hale

Thomas Paine had retreated with the troops through New Jersey

To raise morale, he wrote The Crisis Paine urged Americans to support the army Washington had it read to his troops and made plans

for a bold attack

The Crisis

On Christmas night, Washington led 2,400 men across the river in small boats

Early December 26, they attacked Trenton

The Americans captured 900 Hessians

Crossing the Delaware

Washington then marched his men to Princeton where they drove the British away.

An American Victory

10 Days That Changed the World

During 1777 the British planned on taking Albany, NY, and gain control of the Hudson River

John Burgoyne would lead troops south from Canada

Lieutenant Colonel Leger, would move east from Lake Ontario

General Howe would move north from New York City

They would all meet at Albany

A British Plan for Victory

Burgoyne ran into trouble immediately Howe captured Philadelphia (the American

capital) forcing the Continental Congress to flee

Howe postponed his move north to Albany

British Plan Ctd….

General Howe’s plan deteriorated leaving General Burgoyne and troops with no help

On Oct 17,1777 Burgoyne surrendered over 5700 British troops handed their weapons to Americans

Battle of Saratoga

The Battle of Saratoga convinced the French to help the struggling Americans

In Feb 1778 France signed a treaty with the US

France, Spain, and the Netherlands went to war with GB

Help From Overseas

Marquis De Lafayette, a French noble became a high ranking officer in Washington’s army

Baron von Streuben, a German baron, helped transform the Continental Army

Help From Overseas

Patriots endured a horrible winter Challenged Washington to keep the

Continental Army together Many men deserted (AWOL) When people learned of the conditions

women collected supplies and went to camp to tend sick and wounded

http://youtu.be/wtb9W3mPVtE

Valley Forge