Chapter 6 The American Revolution (1776-1783)
Section 2 The War Continues
Essential Question
How did the United States gain allies and aid during the Revolutionary War?
After Saratoga – Gaining Allies
Saratoga was a turning point, Patriot victory now seemed possible
European nations, especially France saw that the Americans might actually win
Ben Franklin went to Paris, France to seek French support
The French gave to the Americans secretly, but were not their allies…..yet
France
After Saratoga, France openly announced their support of the United States
France declared war on Britain
Also sent money, equipment, and troops to aid (help) the Patriots
Spain
Other European nations helped as well, mainly because they hated the British
Spain did not recognize American Independence, but still declared war on Britain in1779
The Spanish forced the British out and captured forts at Mobile and Pensacola (Florida)
This diverted British troops from other fronts of the war
Winter of 1777-1778
Howe and the British spent the winter in comfort in Philadelphia
About 20 miles west, Washington set up his camp at Valley Forge
Washington and the army endured terrible suffering
Valley Forge
Lacked food, clothing, shelter, and medicine
Washington’s biggest challenge was keeping the army together
The Continental army build huts and gathered supplies from the countryside
Volunteers, including Martha Washington, made clothes and cared for the sick
Joseph Martin at Valley Forge
Joseph Martin, a young private from Connecticut wrote;
“Most of the men lacked blankets, shoes, and shirts.”
More of Valley Forge
Many men deserted (left without permission)
Some officers resigned
The army was falling apart
With strong determination, the Continental Army survived the winter
Conditions improved and new recruits joined
“The army grows stronger everyday”
April 1778, Washington told the troops of the alliance with France
Foreingers Help on the Battlefield
Among the leaders at Valley Forge was a French nobleman- the Marquis de Lafayette
Lafayette offered his help to Washington and became a trusted aide to him
Others also helped the American cause including polish engineer Thaddeus Kosciusko and cavalry officer Casimir Pulaski
More Help From Overseas
Prussian officer Friedrich von Steuben helped drill the Patriot troops at Valley Forge
Taught the soldiers military discipline
Turned the ragged group into an effective fighting force
Even with help, the Continental Army still needed large amounts of money to continue to fight the war
Life on the Home Front
Problems in the Economy
Getting money to finance the war was a major problem
Continental Congress had no power to raise money through taxes
Congress and the states printed hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of paper money
There was not enough gold or silver backing them and they lost value
This led to inflation
No one would take the money and Congress stopped making them
New Ways of Thinking
Ideals of liberty and freedom inspired the American Revolution
These same ideals caused some women to question their place and treatment in American society
Abigail Adams also stood up for women’s interests
Questioning Slavery
The ideals of the Revolutionary War led some white Americans to question slavery
Governor Livingston of New Jersey asked the legislature to free all enslaved people in the state
Livingston said slavery was “utterly inconsistent with the principles of Christianity and humanity”
Many other states attempted to end slavery
The issue (matter) of slavery would remain unsettled for many years
Treatment of Loyalists
Thousands of Loyalists fought for the British
Some spied on Patriots
Many fled the colonies
Those that remained faced difficult times
Shunned by neighbors
Became victims of mob violence
Essential Question
How did the United States gain allies and aid during the Revolutionary War?