The entire central part of Pennsylvania was a pivotal part of the American Revolution.

It was that the capital center of Philadelphia was central to the British objective of crushing the rebellion, and the surrounding areas were swarming with Rebel activity. In December of 1776, General Howe proposes to send a 10,000 man force against Philadelphia, in order to break the middle colonies.

Washington hands the British a surprise on Christmas and subsequent days with a successful attack on the Hessian garrison at Trenton. Washington follows up with another victory on January 3rd at Princeton. Although roused by this attack on their German allies, the British continue on their plan to attack and occupy Philadelphia.

The Americans suffer the worst winter of the entire war in Morristown, New Jersey in 1777. Depravation and a winter far worse than that of 1778 at Valley Forge.

Meanwhile the British are occupying the city of Philadelphia, along with the support from loyalists. The Continental Congress is forced to assemble at various places in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.

Washington frustrated, decides to hold out the winter of 1778 at a little known place of Valley Forge. Washington's army is suffering terribly. They have no provisions, desertions are high, and moral is at an all time low, the worst during this 3 years.
Washington pleads with the Continental Congress for provisions, a suitable delivery system of supplies, and back pay for him men. Congress offers empty promises, and does not deliver. Washington is frustrated and prays daily for intervention to alleviate the suffering of the troops.

Washington's prayers are partially answered in the arrival of a stocky Prussian, by the name of Baron Frederick von Steuben. Baron von Steuben takes the winter and instilled discipline and drill into the frail army, making it into an effect fighting force.

In the spring Washington receives even greater news. Benjamin Franklin, has convince King Louis of France to lend supplies, troops and money to the American cause. France  has been at odds with her English counterpart, and the opportunity to weaken the British empire, appeals to the French. France openly declares war on England in June of 1778, joining a host of other countries ( notably Spain and Holland) in a belligerent state against England.

Washington has survived another year, despite the capture of Philadelphia, but in return, he has garnered the help of France, as well as the perseverance of Baron von Steuben, which has taken another cold winter and transformed a rag tag army into a suitable fighting force.
 
 
 

Click on the 76 flag to return to the Northern Battles page

Click on the Betsy Ross flag to return to the Southern Battles page
 
 

                                                       Return to homepage