British surrender at Saratoga The War Continues CHAPTER

British surrender at Saratoga The War Continues CHAPTER 6, LESSON #2

Gaining Allies France: Ben Franklin sent to get support from France. Secretly gave money to US. Victory at Saratoga convinced French that US might win. February 1778, France declares war on Britain: gives money, equipment, and troops to Americans. Spain: Did not form alliance with Americans. 1779: declared war on Britain, fighting them in Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida. Kept British troops occupied in the south.

Winter at Valley Forge Winter: 1777 – 1778 British troops ret warm and cozy in Philadelphia Washington's troops set up camp 20 miles away at Valley Forge. Colonial troops: Lacked food, clothing, shelter, medicine. Many died from disease, other deserted (left without permission). “No army has ever put up with such uncommon hardships with such spirit. Naked and starving as they are…we cannot enough admire the incomparable patience and fidelity [faithfulness] of the soldiery. ” -George Washington

Foreigners Help on the Battlefield Marquis de Lafayette Wealthy young Frenchman who believe in American cause. Provided funding as well as joined Continental Forces. Influenced French to give more aid to Patriots. Friedrich von Steuben Prussian military officer Valley Forge: trained Continental Army how to fight against the British. Juan de Miralles: Spaniard who persuaded Spain to give $ to US. Thaddeus Ko´sciuszko and Casimir Pulaski: Polish immigrants – helped build defenses.

Life on the Home Front Economy: Continental money wasn’t accepted everywhere. Printed too much which made it worth less. Couldn’t pay for war. Women: “Molly Pitcher” Her real name was Mary Ludwig. Brought pitchers of water to soldiers. When her husband collapsed during battle she took over his job. Left alone to take of homes/farms and families. Some fought in war (Molly Pitcher). Treatment of Loyalists: Thousands fought on the side of the British. Spied on Patriots. After the war: Shunned or victims of violence (if they didn’t flee to Britain.

Questioning Slavery Many started to question American “freedom” while still having slavery. 1778: Governor of New Jersey asked to free all slaves. Slaves in New Hampshire asked for freedom. 1780: Pennsylvania legislature passed a law to gradually get rid of slavery – the first legislature in the world to ever do so! “…that the name of slave may not be heard in a land gloriously contending for the sweets of freedom. ”

Stop Please answer the following questions: 1. What two European countries came to the aid of the Patriots? 2. Where did the Continental Army set up camp in the winter of 1777 -1778? 3. What hardships did they face? 4. What Frenchman joined the Continental Army? 5. Who trained the Continental Army to fight the British?