Great Britain Almost Wins the War
Defeat in New York
A Pep Talk and Surprise Victories
The Tide Begins to Turn
100
Germain planned to capture New York City and then move north to destroy the rebellion in Massachusetts.
What was the British plan for winning the war?
100
Who led the Americans at the Battle of New York?
General George Washington
100
Who was the author and what was his work that inspired Washington's troops on Christmas Eve?
Thomas Paine, THE CRISIS
100
What was the initial military strategy of both the British and the Americans?
Both sides initially aimed to defeat the enemy in a single decisive battle
200
This boosted the morale of the troops and unified the colonies behind the cause of independence
What was the Declaration of Independence?
200
Who commanded the British at the Battle of New York
General William Howe
200
The army faced harsh winter conditions, including freezing temperatures, snow, and icy waters crossing what river?
The Delaware River
200
How did Washington's strategy change after the defeat in New York?
Washington shifted to a defensive strategy, focusing on avoiding large battles and wearing down the British
300
The Declaration raised hopes and questions for this group. They wondered if the principles of equality applied to them.
Who were enslaved African Americans?
300
Why did the British victory at Brooklyn, New York, surprise Washington?
Washington expected the British to continue their attack and force a surrender, but Howe decided to halt the offensive.
300
The Hessians were caught off guard by the surprise attack and were unprepared to fight due to this
Christmas Feast
300
Germain created a 3 pronged attack aimed to control the Hudson River Valley to accomplish this goal
cut off New England from the rest of the colonies
400
Why were African Americans initially banned from the Continental Army?
Washington did not want the army to become a haven for enslaved people who might escape.
400
What was Washington's strategy after the defeat at Brooklyn?
Washington ordered a retreat to preserve his army and continue the fight.
400
The victories at Trenton and this battle boosted the morale of the Patriots and renewed their hope for independence.
Princeton
400
This battle was the turning point in the war and encouraged the French to openly support America.
What was the Battle of Saratoga?
500
How did the British strategy of offering freedom to enslaved people who fought for them impact the war?
Thousands of enslaved people escaped to fight for the British, weakening the American cause.
500
What challenges did the Continental Army face during the winter of 1776-1777?
The army faced harsh winter conditions, food shortages, and low morale as many soldiers' enlistments ended.
500
"Victory or Death!”
What was the password for Continental soldiers during the attack on Trenton?
500
Washington's strategy prevented the British from achieving a decisive victory
What was avoiding major battles and using hit-and-run tactics