Progress of the War

Result of the Saratoga

The victory at Saratoga helped convince the French that they could safely enter the war on the side of the United States.

Which side had an advantage in location of the war?

the Americans

Which side had an advantage in the area of generals?

the Americans

Which side had an advantage in the area of supplies?

the British

mercenary

A person hired to fight for a foreign ruler, army, or cause.

Saratoga 1777

Both sides scored important gains during the second period of the war from 1776 to 1778. New York fell to the invading British. Washington won victories at Princeton and Trenton in his campaign in New Jersey. The British occupied Philadelphia, but met disaster in the north. When General John Burgoyne surrendered at Saratoga, the tide turned in favor of the colonists.

Battle of Trenton

By the end of 1776, the American cause looked very bleak after the British victories of the summer. Washington, however, proved his bravery and daring by a surprise attack on Christmas night, 1776, at Trenton, New Jersey. In a howling blizzard, Washington and his men courageously crossed the ice-choked Delaware River in open boats. Arriving on the other side, the Continental Army was able to surprise an unsuspecting army of Hessian mercenaries. The victory was complete—nearly one thousand Hessians were taken prisoner.

Result of the battle of New York

First, it showed Washington's skill as a military commander by keeping his men together and keeping their retreat organized. Second, it revealed the quality and determination of the American people. During this campaign, Nathan Hale gave his life as an American spy and spoke the immortal words that typified the feelings of this determined people to be free: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." After the British takeover, New York City was used mainly as a prison camp for the remainder of the war.

Valley Forge (1777-1778)

However, the winter of 1777- 78 at Valley Forge was a difficult one for Washington and the colonial army. The army's survival was a victory in itself, unifying the colonists for a final effort against the British.

What was significant about the battle of New York?

It proved the quality of chosen continental commander.

Why would the British want to control New York City?

It was seen as a key strategic location

The Important Battles

On paper, the colonial army led by George Washington was no match for the well-supplied, well-trained British regulars. The regular British army was also supplemented by German soldiers called Hessians. These soldiers were mercenaries, meaning they were hired by the British government and also hated by the Americans. However, the colonists had the advantage that they were fighting for their homes, in their own land, 3,000 miles from England. Moreover, Washington proved to be a capable and resilient leader while the British commanders were hesitant and sloppy. In 1775, Washington took command of an ill-trained militia army and successfully led them against the finest army of his day.

Which side had an advantage in professionalism of the army?

The British

Battle of New York

The British army retreated from Boston in March of 1776 after Washington used the Ticonderoga cannons to fortify the high ground around the city. However, in July of 1776, the British began a successful campaign to capture New York City because they viewed the city and the Hudson River as key strategic locations in New England. Washington's much smaller, less professional army was outnumbered. They fled and barely escaped. However, even this seeming defeat had several good effects upon the American cause.

Result of the battle of Trenton

The victory lit the dying embers of a discouraged army. It also supplied the Continental Army with badly-needed supplies. Shortly after the capture of Trenton, Washington defeated two British regiments near Princeton. Washington's daring, brilliant military offensive saved the dispirited American cause and breathed new life into the Revolution.

What was the reason for Washington crossing the Delaware River in winter?

To defeat the opposing army from an unprotected front.

Why was Princeton a different victory than Trenton?

Trenton was defended by mercenaries and Princeton was defended by British regulars.