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Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Chapter 6 Section 2: A Critical Time Set Question: Looking at the painting of Valley Forge below what were some of the challenges faced by Washingtons Army when they spent the winter of 1777-1778 there? (2 complete sentences) Slide 2 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Objectives Discover the results of fighting in the Middle States. Understand why the Battle of Saratoga was a turning point in the American Revolution. Learn how foreign nations and volunteers helped the Americans. Slide 3 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Terms and People Nathan Hale Connecticut officer and American spy who was executed by the British mercenary soldier who is paid to fight for a country other than his or her own alliance formal agreement between two powers to work together toward a common goal Marquis de Lafayette French noble and high- ranking officer in Washington s army Slide 4 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Terms and People (continued) cavalry units of troops on horseback Friedrich von Steuben German baron who helped train the Continental army Slide 5 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time How were the early years of the war a critical time? In 1776, Americans declared their independence. But they were not yet free. First, they had to defeat one of the world s most powerful nations. Declaration of Independence Slide 6 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time As the Continental Congress met in Philadelphia, a large British fleet landed in New York. The fleet was commanded by Sir William Howe. Howe gathered his forces on Staten Island and prepared to attack the Continental army. Slide 7 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time George Washington expected the attack. But his troops were no match for the British. AmericansBritish 20,000 poorly trained volunteers No navy Little equipment; few supplies 34,000 professional soldiers Navy fleet; 10,000 sailors Well equipped; fully supplied Slide 8 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time In a series of battles and American retreats, the British drove Washington from New York, across New Jersey, and into Pennsylvania. Americans British Slide 9 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Spirits were low, and many soldiers deserted. To boost morale Thomas Paine wrote another pamphlet, The Crisis, urging Americans to fight for their cause. Slide 10 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Though his army was battered, Washington rallied his troops for a surprise attack. On Christmas night, Washington crossed the Delaware, slipping into New Jersey. His army defeated Hessian mercenaries and British troops in two key battles. Battle of Trenton Battle of Princeton Slide 11 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Slide 12 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Another American victory soon followed. The British had planned to push toward Albany, New York, from three directions. British Albany, New York New England They hoped to cut New England off from the rest of the colonies. British Slide 13 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Two forces never arrived. The third, coming from Canada, was led by British general John Burgoyne. Americans led by General Horatio Gates surrounded Burgoyne s troops at Saratoga, New York. Battle of Saratoga After suffering heavy losses, Burgoyne surrendered. Slide 14 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time The Revolutionary War, 17751777 Slide 15 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Battle of Saratoga The Battle of Saratoga proved to be a turning point for the Americans. ended British threat to New England lifted Patriot spirits convinced Europeans Americans could win Slide 16 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Soon after Saratoga, France agreed to support American independence. United States France forms an alliance with the Americans Eager to weaken Britain, France took the war to Europe, forcing the British to fight on many fronts. Slide 17 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time European volunteers from many nations made key contributions to the Patriot cause. Poland Thaddeus Kosciusko Military engineer Poland Casimir Pulaski Cavalry expert France Marquis de Lafayette Officer in Washington s army Slide 18 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Friedrich von Steuben, a German baron, helped train American troops and build the Continental army into a more effective fighting force. Slide 19 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Despite Patriot advances, the winter of 17771778 was difficult. Washington and his troops faced terrible hardships at Valley Forge. They had little warm clothing, and almost no food. Many died. Yet spring finally came, and the army slowly regained strength for the battles ahead. Valley Forge Slide 20 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Slide 21 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Slide 22 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Slide 23 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Slide 24 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Closing Questions 1.What battle is known as the turning point of the Revolution? 2.After the battle that is considered the turning point what European country decides to help the Revolution? 3.Where does Washington house his army during the winter of 1777-1778? (use pages 179-184 if needed) Slide 25 Chapter 6 Section 2 A Critical Time Section Review Know It, Show It QuizQuickTake Quiz