The American Revolution

By: Matias Gowens

Tuesday, February 5, 13

The Battle Trenton

After the loss at Trenton, British In the late fall of 1776 the Washingtons General Cornwallis had a plan to army was beaten and chased across New capture Washington a hunter bags a York and into New Jersey. fox. On the morning of January Soon the term of service of 6000 men were Cornwallis had heard a gun shot, soon slated to end on December 31. To keep his after hearing the gun shot he had rank and to inspire his men he had a plan to surprise attack the Hessians (Germans hired realized they have been tricked and the Americans were attacking Princeton. by British) in Trenton. Washington's army After a tiring battle the British were sent to Trenton with 2400 men and 18 retreated back to Trenton, the cannons. Predawn on December 26 Continental army was far to tired so Continental army opened re, about two hours later the Continental army had won. they didnt the British. After this battle the morale of Washingtons army was When Washingtons army got home the very condent and proud. morale of the Continental army was very high, with the battle won they reclaimed land and helped build condence.
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The Battle of Saratoga

The british plan was to have Gen. Howe to move north up the Hudson River and have Gen. Burgoyne move south so the meet each other in the middle. On October 17, 1777 Gen. Howe did not get orders to move north, so the Continental army only had to ght one army instead of two. Once the battle started Baroness von Riedesel was trapped in a house not far from battle. Wounded Red Coats were pulled into the house, she had no choice but to help. Gen. Burgoyne sent to a letter to Gen.Clinton for reinforcements, but the letter was sent to late and Gen. Burgoyne was trapped in Saratoga and was forced to surrender to Gen. Gates. Gen. Burgoyne stepped up to Gates and said the fortune of war, General Gates, has made me your prisoner. Gen. Gates was far to generous and let Gen. Burgoynes army keep all the guns and ammunition and the right to go back to England, but Congress refused and kept then prisoner of war
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Winter at Valley Forge

Winter 1777, the British had captured Philadelphia and were still settle in New York, they were comfortable and warm. However, the Continental army were not that warm and were camped out between the Continental Congress in (New York) and Philadelphia, the worst place for the winter. This base was called Valley Forge, the long winter was terrible for the army. Washington told his men I will share my hardships and partake the inconvenience. The winter got so bad the Ofcers wives had to come and help, they knitted socks, shirts, and other sorts of clothing. Soon the armys supply had fallen and the army was more worried about surviving than getting their independence. Soon 2,500 men had died of exposure, malnutrition, and disease. At a time of such need Baron Von Steuben joined the Continental army on February, 1778. Washington realized his ability and put him in charge of training. He only spoke a little english he united the Prussian discipline to a American mind. He quickly changed them into a European style ghting force. Washington was so impressed that on March 28, he declared him inspector General.

Tuesday, February 5, 13

The Battle of Yorktown

On September 28, 1781 was the day the winner of the war would shine. Gen. Cornwallis was not really wanting to ght, he retreated to a port city and built fortications for its defense and waited for reinforcements. Gen. Washington was very condant that they were going to win. A French Fleet was coming with supplies, weapons, and troops for the American army. Baron Von Steuben sent a letter to Gen. Greene saying Cornwallis is fortifying himself like a bray General who must fall. The American army numbered about 16,000 troops, when the British army numbers about 7,000 troops. Comte de Grasse sealed the Yorktown Harbor so British Reinforcements couldnt come. On the night of October 16, Gen. Cornwallis tried to run away across the York River, but a storm came and forced him back. After a thirteen day siege, on October 17, General Cornwallis signaled the desire to surrender. On October 19, Cornwallis and his army became American prisoners of war.

Tuesday, February 5, 13

Treaty of Paris
John Jay, John Adams, and Ben Franklin went to Paris to make a peace treat with Britain. The three had to consult with French king Louis XVI and ministers about the terms of the treaty, because the French had given much help to the Americans. The French were really helping the Americans only because they wanted United States to be dependent on France. Jay, Adams and Franklin refused to be sidetracked off their goal or to be into a agreement that will weaken Americas position. September 3, 1783, Jay, Adams, and Franklin signed the Treaty of Paris, the document that ended the war and gave America full recognition. On January 14 1784, Congress ratied the document that redrew the map of North America. Under the term of the treaty the new borders for the United States went from the great lakes on the north to Florida on the south, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi river. America allowed British troops to go back to England, and would not persecute Loyalist, and would allow them to return to England too. America also said they will pay of any debt owed to Britain. After the treaty was signed a French diplomat said the United States will become the greatest empire in the world and that all citizens will speak English.

Tuesday, February 5, 13

Hessian Flintlock Musket

Materials: Iron, wood, brass. 111.76 cm The Hessian Flintlock Musket was used by the Hessians in the 18th century. The stalk is stamped 2dRtGB which is a 2nd Grenadier Battalion von Block. The side of the barrel is marked with four arrows, the tang is marked 2, 4 25. The crown and initials of King George the III are on the lock plate and was done following the hiring of German troops.

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Credits
www.nps.gov/museum/exhibits/revwar/image_gal/morrimg/muskethessian.html The Social Studies packet Ms. Tatasciore and Mrs.Write made.

Tuesday, February 5, 13