2. First Battles of General Washington
Washington’s leadership helped the Continental Army
continue to fight.
Americans were debating on which side to support-
the Continental Army, or the British army.
The British Army was better experienced, trained,
and armed.
3. The Continental Army’s Strengths And
Weaknesses
The Continental Army had disadvantages due to the
British Army.
They had no experience or training in war.
However, they did have some strengths, such as their
knowledge of land which helped them to plan attacks
against the British Army.
They also had a remarkable leader, General George
Washington.
4. Washington Leads His Soldiers
During springtime of 1776, Washington and his
soldiers compelled the British Army to leave Boston.
The British, however, refused to give up. They soon
defeated the Continental Army in the Battle of Long
Island, nearby New York City.
Washington and his army were forced to retreat from
the British.
Washington required a spy to eavesdrop on the
British, so he sent Captain Nathan Hale. Although,
Hale did not succeed.
5. Washington’s Worries
Washington was feeling trepidation due to his scarce
amount of soldiers, and Nathan Hale, who was
captured and hanged.
Although he still believed that the British could not
defeat him and his determined soldiers.
Washington desired to win a battle so that his
soldiers would keep fighting. He planned a surprise
attack on a rival camp in Trenton, New Jersey.
6. The Attack
Washington and his soldiers made their way across
the icy Delaware River on December 25, 1776.
With the element of surprise as their weapon, they
attacked German mercenaries, taking nearly 1,000 of
them captive.
This delighted Patriots who were thrilled of this
victory.
7. Two Armies
General John Burgoyne began to lead a British army
on in June of 1777 toward Albany, New York.
Though an army of Americans were ready and
waiting, anticipating Burgoyne’s arrival, prepared to
prevent the British attack nearby Saratoga, New
York.
Polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciuszko aided them in
this fierce battle.
8. Diverse Wars
A courageous officer, Benedict Arnold, was the
leader of many British attacks. The Americans were
successful and Burgoyne and his abundant amount
of soldiers had no choice but to surrender.
The French were now convinced that the Americans
could triumph over the British. They joined the
Americans in the battle against Britain, along with
several other countries, such as Spain, the
Netherlands, and Russia.
9. Good News And Bad News
The victory of Washington and his men at Saratoga
was uplifting news, though there was also concerning
news as well.
Washington’s army had failed during two battles in
Pennsylvania, and the British had Philadelphia
captive.
10. Harsh Conditions in Valley Forge
Washington tried to keep his army together, though
the conditions at Valley Forge were quite horrible.
Men had slept on the freezing ground, and many of
Washington’s soldiers had suffered death by disease.
Spring finally came along after all the difficult work
that Washington had done.
Their army now had more food, supplies, and they
were ready for battle.
11. The Continental Army Strikes Back
German soldier Baron Friedrich von Steuben joined
the army and helped Washington’s soldiers at Valley
Forge to train and prepare.
He taught them how to use their weapons, and how
to march together at the same pace. By the time he
was finished, the soldiers were well trained.
Due to their excellent and efficient training, they
fought well in their next battle.
With aid from France, and other men, including
Steuben and Lafayette, it appeared that the U.S.
could win.
