Ch. 4.3 Struggling Toward Saratoga

Section Objectives1. Trace the progress of the war through the turning point at Saratoga and winter at Valley Forge.

2. Examine the colonial economy and civilian life during the Revolution.

• Valley Forge- Located outside Philadelphia, this was the site of the Continental Army’s camp during the winter of 1777-1778.

1. The War Moves to the Middle States• The British wanted to isolate New England by seizing New York City.

A. Defeat in New York• General William Howe and Admiral Richard Howe, sailed into New York with 32,000 British soldiers in the summer of 1776.

• Washington rallied 23,000 men to defend New York.• Most of the troops were untrained and had poor equipment, leading to an American defeat.• Washington’s men were pushed back into Pennsylvania, 8,000 left.

Battle of New York Video

http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/videos#washington-loses-new-york-but-saves-the-revolution

B. The Battle of Trenton• Christmas night 1776, Washington risked it all, he led 2,400 men across the Delaware River for a surprise attack on the Hessians (German mercenaries working for the British).• The attack was successful, more importantly it boosted the morale of the Continental Army.

C. The Fight for Philadelphia• General Howe begins campaign to take Philadelphia (American capital)

• Washington could not hold off the British and the Continental Congress fled the city.

Battle of Trenton Video

http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/videos#george-washington-makes-surprise-attack-on-trenton

D. Victory At Saratoga• General John Burgoyne (British)

• Burgoyne had a plan to meet up with General Howe in New York and isolate New England.• Swamps, gullies, and underbrush slowed down Burgoyne’s men, food ran low.• General Horatio Gates (American) a popular commander that led militiamen and soldiers from New York and New England.

• Burgoyne lost several hundred men each time their forces clashed.• Howe was unable to meet Burgoyne, he was occupied in Philadelphia.• Saratoga- New York, site of Burgoyne’s surrender to Gates in the fall of 1777. (October 17)

• This was a turning point, British war strategy changed dramatically.

• British kept their troops close to the coast where they had supply bases.

E. A Turning Point• The French had been sending the patriots weapons since 1776.• They were bitter from the French and Indian War.• Victory at Saratoga bolstered the French to make an alliance with America.

• The French recognized American independence, and would not make peace with Britain until they recognized American independence.

Battle of Saratoga Video

http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/videos#battle-of-saratoga-turns-the-tide-of-the-american-revolution

F. Winter at Valley Forge• Washington and his men braved the cold during the winter of 1777-1778.• Soldiers suffered from frostbite, limbs being amputated, and hunger.

• 2,000 soldiers died that winter out of 10,000. • What does this show about the American soldiers?

Valley Forge Video

http://www.history.com/topics/american-revolution/videos#george-washingtons-life-changing-battle

2. Colonial Life During the RevolutionA. Financing the War• Congress needed to pay for the war, printed paper money, this caused inflation.• inflation- An increase in prices or a decline in purchasing power caused by an increase in the supply of money.• Americans had to smuggle arms from Europe due to the British blockade an a lack of factories in America. • profiteering- Corrupt government

officials selling scare goods at high prices to make a profit.• Robert Morris and Haym Salomon led the effort to ensure American troops were finally paid. (1781)

B. Civilians At War• Wives had to manage shops, businesses, households, families, and some made ammunition.• 5,000 African Americans fought in the Continental Army, Native Americans fought for the British or not at all.• Why do you think Native Americans chose not to fight?