American Revolution: The War Continues

The War Continues

Multiple Choice

Where did the Continental Army spend its harshest winter?

• Valley Forge

• Hidden Valley Ranch

• Philadelphia

• Hatch Valley

Gaining Allies

Like Ben Franklin, many Americans were excited by news of the victory at Saratoga in October 1777. Even more, Saratoga marked a turning point in the war. The European nations, especially France, realized that the Americans might actually win their war against Great Britain. 

Gaining Allies

Now was the time for the Americans to seek support from Great Britain's rivals. By late 1777, Benjamin Franklin had been in Paris for a year He was trying to get the French to support the Americans' fight for independence. With his skill and charm, Franklin gained many friends for the United States. The French had given the Americans money secretly, but they had not fully committed to an alliance. 

Poll

Do you think the U.S.A. will ask France or Spain for aid in their war with Britain?

• Yes

• No

France

News of the American victory at Saratoga caused a shift in France's policy. Realizing that the Americans had a chance of defeating Britain, the French openly announced support for the United States. In February 1778, the French and the Americans worked out a trade agreement and an alliance. France declared war on Britain and sent money, equipment, and troops to aid, or help, the American Patriots. 

Multiple Choice

To aid some one is to

• shoot at them

• steal from them

• help them

• remain neutral

Spain

Other European nations also helped the American cause. They did so mostly because they hated the British. Although Spain did not recognize American independence until after the Revolution, Spain declared war on Britain in1779. The Spanish governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Gilvez (GAHL.ves), raised an army. Gdlvez's soldiers forced British troops from Baton Rouge and Natchez. Then the army captured British forts at Mobile in 1780 and Pensacola in 1781,. Gdlvez's campaign through hundreds of miles of wilderness diverted British troops from other fronts of the war.

Franklin Memorabilia

The World's First Celebrity While serving as America's first ambassador to France, Benjamin Franklin was greatly admired by the country's nobles and thinkers. After all, he was a man of great charm and many talents-- philosopher, writer, printer, scientist, inventor, politician, and diplomat. Much like a singer or movie star today, Franklin , became so popular in America and Europe that his likeness appeared on many items-medallions, rings, watches, and small boxes. Fashionable ladies even adopted a hairstyle that resembled the famous fur cap that Franklin wore. 

Open Ended

How do you think Franklin used his personality and talents to benefit the American cause?

Winter at Valley Forge

Word of the French-American alliance did not reach the United States until the spring of 1778. Meanwhile, British general Howe and his forces spent the winter in comfort in Philadelphia. Washington set up camp at Valley Forge, about 20 miles (32 km) to the west of the British. Washington and his troops endured a winter of terrible suffering. They lacked decent food, clothing, shelter, and medicine. Washington's greatest challenge at Valley Forge was keeping the Continental Army together.

Winter at Valley Forge

Because it was difficult to get supplies delivered due to snowstorms and damaged roads, the Continental Army built huts and gathered supplies from the countryside. Several volunteers-including Washington's wife, Martha-made clothes for the troops and cared for the sick. Washington declared that no army had ever suffered "such uncommon hardships" with such "patience and fortitude."

Winter at Valley Forge

Joseph Martin, a young private from Connecticut, spent the winter at Valley Forge. "We had a hard duty to perform," he wrote years later, "and little or no strength to perform it with." Most of the men lacked blankets, shoes, and shirts. Martin made a pair of rough moccasins for himself out of a scrap of cowhide, which hurt his feet. 

Winter at Valley Forge

Not surprisingly, many men deserted, or left without permission, while the Continental Army was camped at Valley Forge. Some officers resigned. The army seemed to be falling apart.

Multiple Choice

Deserted means

• to sign up for service

• making something sweet to eat

• leaving without permission

• turning land very dry

Winter at Valley Forge

Yet with strong determination, the Continental Army survived the winter. Conditions gradually improved and new soldiers joined the ranks in the spring. "The army grows stronger every day," one officer wrote. "There is a spirit of discipline among the troops that is better than numbers." 

Winter at Valley Forge

Help From Overseas

Among the leaders at Valley Forge was a French noble, the Marquis de Lafayette (rau"feeoEHT). Lafayette was filled with enthusiasm for the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence and he rushed to join the battle for freedom. Lafayette wrote: "The future of America is closely bound up with the future of all mankind."

Help From Overseas

Juan de Miralles (mee.RAH.yays) arrived in Philadelphia in 7778 as a representative of Spain. At his urging, Spain, Cuba, and Mexico sent financial aid to the colonies. Miralles befriended many Patriot leaders and loaned money to the cause.

Help From Overseas

Other Europeans who had recently moved to the United States also joined the Patriot cause. In fact, almost two-thirds of soldiers in the Pennsylvania regiments were foreign born.

Even with the help of foreign nations like France and Spain, the Patriots would find it difficult to defeat the British. The Continental Army still needed large amounts of money to continue to fight the war. 

Fill in the Blank

What happened at Valley Forge to change the course of the war? hint: who trained the troops?