Learning Objective: Analyze how the Americans gained Allies..

Gaining AlliesVictory at Saratoga a turning point; US proved they might win

Bitter over defeat in French and Indian War France declared war on Great Britain in Feb, 1778

Sends supplies, troops, and funds

Why and how did Spain help the US?Declared war on Great Britain in 1778; do not form alliance with America

Helped in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida

Keeps British troops from fighting the Americans

Describe the importance of help from France and SpainForced British to fight a number of enemies on land and sea

British had to spread military resources over many fronts

Prevented British from concentrating their strength to defeat the inexperienced Americans

Valley ForgeConditions were harshLacked decent food, clothing,

shelter, and medicine– soldiers grow weak

Nearly ¼ die from malnutrition, exposure to the cold, or diseases

Men deserted (left without permission); officers quit

Help from Congress was slowSome help came from private citizens

Help on the BattlefieldUsing page 155, create a chart showing how

individuals from other nations helped the Continental Army

Marquis de LafayetteThaddeus KosciuskoCasimir PulaskiFriedrich von SteubenJuan de Miralles

SummaryPrior to the victory at Saratoga, France had

secretly been helping the Americans. Why might the French have kept secret the monetary support of the American Revolution?

How did Spain and France take different approaches to aiding the Patriots?

Activity suggestions: illustrate how France or Spain helped the Patriots, illustrate the conditions at Valley Forge, illustrate how a specific individual helped the Continental Army