Ch 4.3 Struggling Toward
Saratoga
MAIN IDEA
After a series of setbacks, American
forces win at Saratoga and survive.
WHY IT MATTERS NOW
All types of Americans join the fight
for common ideals and freedoms.
Summer, 1776
Defeat in New York
• 32,000 British troops
overrun the city.
• 10,000 German
Hessian
mercenaries.
• Ill-trained rebels
retreat to
Pennsylvania.
Christmas, 1776
Battle of Trenton
• Washington
crosses Delaware
River into New
Jersey.
• Surprised Hessian
garrison, wins.
• Eight days later
wins Battle of
Princeton.
1777, Fight for Philadelphia
• Gen. William
Howe beats
Washington at
Brandywine, PA.
-Takes U.S.
capital of
Philadelphia.
-Continental
Congress flees.
1777, Victory at Saratoga
• Gen. John Burgoyne leads British
and allies south from Canada.
• Keeps losing to rebel militia.
• Surrounded at Saratoga
-surrenders to Gen. Gates.
Early French Alliances
• Since 1776, been
sending weapons.
• Recognize
American
independence and
sign treaty, Feb.
1778.
• No peace until
Britain recognizes
U.S.
Winter at Valley Forge
• Continental Army winter camp (17771778).
• 20% died of cold and hunger.
Financing the War
• Sells bonds to investor and
foreign governments
• Prints paper money, cause
inflation (rising prices).
• Smuggling through naval
blockade.
• Profiteering- sell scarce goods
for profit.
Civilians at War
• Women
-manage homes and businesses.
-follow troops; wash, cook, mend, and
fight.
• African-American
-escape to cities or frontier.
-5,000 serve in Continental Army
• Native Americans
-Most stay out of conflict.