Battle of Long Island When the British were finally forced out of Boston in March 1776, George Washington knew they would soon return. The most strategic place would be New York City. Sure enough, a large British fleet arrived off the coast of New York in July. The British asked Washington to surrender, but he replied that, Those who have committed no fault want no pardon. The British overwhelmed the Continental Army. Washington and the Continental Army were forced to retreat to Pennsylvania. Thomas Paine and the Crisis Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet, Common Sense, that moved many American colonists toward independence. After the loss at the battle of Long Island, Paine published The Crisis, reminding Americans that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. These are the times that try men s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will in the crisis shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Patriot Gains American Revolution Part 2 Washington read Paine s encouraging words to his troops. Battle of Long Island Washington needed more troops, so he took African Americans as more soldiers. In southern states, whites feared revolts; they didn t want to give guns to African Americans. Every state except South Carolina enlisted African Americans. About 5,000 joined the Patriots.
American Victories in New Jersey The British were in New York for the winter of 1776-1777. They left some troops in New Jersey, at Trenton and Princeton. Across the Delaware River, Washington saw a chance to catch the British off guard. They captured 900 Hessians at Trenton. Hessians - German soldiers fighting for British army. Washington called the victory glorious. The British sent reinforcements under General Charles Cornwallis, but Washington led his troops away. One British soldier wrote A few days ago [the Americans] had given up the cause for lost. Their late successes have turned the scale now they are all liberty mad again. A British Plan for Victory The British, under the control of General Burgoyne, wanted to take Albany and control the Hudson River. Before Albany, they took control of Philadelphia, forcing the continental congress to withdraw. The British, however, did not make many advances toward Albany thanks to the Patriots. The Battle of Saratoga At Saratoga, Burgoyne and the British forces faced serious trouble. British forces from the west and south had not arrived. American troops under the command of General Horatio Gates blocked his path. The British surrendered. A patriot band played Yankee Doodle. 5,700 British troops handed their weapons over.
Gaining Allies News of the American victory at Saratoga caused a shift in France s policy. The French announced support for the United States. France declared war on Britain and sent money, equipment, and troops to aid the American Patriots. A Difficult Winter Washington set up camp at Valley Forge, 20 miles to the west of where British were staying. Washington and his troops endured a winter of terrible suffering, lacking decent food, clothing, and shelter. His greatest challenge at Valley Forge was keeping the Continental Army together. Most of the men lacked blankets, shoes, and shirts. Some men deserted and left the Continental Army. Volunteers including Washington s wife, Martha made clothes for the troops and cared for the sick. Washington declared no army had ever suffered such uncommon hardships, with such patience and fortitude. In 1778, Washington told his troops of the Patriots alliance with France. Help From Overseas Marquis de Lafayette, Casimir Pulaski, and Friedrich von Steuben helped Washington discipline his army at Valley Forge. They gave the troops supplies, a new attitude, and military tactics to fight the British with. Battle of Yorktown After secretly communicating with the spies up in New York City, Washington marches north to stop the British fleet from attacking the French fleet. In the south, Nathanael Greene had taken over command of the American Continental Army in the South. At the same time, the British Army under General Charles Cornwallis was retreating to Yorktown. The British Army was now surrounded at Yorktown. They were outnumbered by the French and American troops. For eleven days the American forces bombarded the British. Cornwallis surrendered and signed the British surrender called the Articles of Capitulation. Cornwallis himself didn't show up to surrender. He sent General Charles O Hara instead. George Washington at Valley Forge with his troops Cornwallis surrenders to Washington.
The first official flag of the United States. Each star represents one of the original 13 colonies. There are also 13 stripes. Designed and sewn by Betsy Ross, a Quaker. 1777
Questions 1. Thomas Paine wrote what two famous books? 2. Why was the south weary about enlisting African Americans into the Continental Army? 3. Define Hessians. 4. Who was General Cornwallis? 5. Why did George Washington cross the Delaware River after retreating to Pennsylvania? 6. What are the Articles of Capitulation?