The American Revolutionary War

Continental Army

• The original enlistment term for the Continental Army was one year.

American Revolutionary War

• The phrase "These are the times that try men's souls" was written by Thomas Paine.
• The Continental Army captured nearly 1,000 prisoners and supplies in the Battle of Saratoga.
• The goal of British General John Burgoyne was to march on Albany, New York, and split the colonies.
• British General John Burgoyne surrendered to General Horatio Gates on October 17, 1777.
• The Battle of Saratoga proved to be the turning point of the Revolutionary War.

George Washington's Leadership

• George Washington's leadership affected the battles of Trenton and Princeton.

Start of the War

• The Battles of Lexington and Concord fired "The Shot Heard Round the World".

War Between Empire and Colonists

• The war between the empire and its rebel colonists was testing the ideas of liberty and self-governance.

British Offer

• On September 11, 1776, the British commander offered a pardon to those who surrendered and pledged allegiance to the British Crown.
• In response, the Americans led by John Adams rejected the offer.

Continental Army's Moves

• After capturing more territory in New Jersey, Britain moved into New York.
• The Continental Army withdrew to Valley Forge.

Valley Forge

• There were around 11,000 men in the Continental Army at Valley Forge.
• The soldiers' clothes were tattered and worn out.
• Around 2,000 soldiers had no shoes.
• 4,000 men were declared unfit for duty due to disease, hunger, and exposure.
• The troops at Valley Forge were assisted with food and supplies by the local population.
• A quarter of Washington's army at Valley Forge died due to harsh conditions.
• Friedrich Wilhelm Baron von Steuben helped train the American soldiers at Valley Forge.