Shot Heard Round the World – Boston Tea Party to Lexington...
Transcript of Shot Heard Round the World – Boston Tea Party to Lexington...
Name__________________________________________________Date_______________Period_____Major Events of the American Revolution
Saratoga and Valley Forge
The Battle of Saratoga:
As it turns out, the Battle of Saratoga was the turning point in the
Americans' War of Independence. Actually, there were two battles
at Saratoga, New York. In the first Battle at Saratoga, the British
lost two men for every one American casualty (death). Neither side
won more ground. But in the second battle, British deaths were four
to every one American casualty. The rebels' (Americans) victory was huge!
1. Who won the battle of Saratoga?
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One of those fighting in Saratoga was Wentworth Cheswell, who was the
first African American elected to public office. The battle of Saratoga marked a turning point in the war
because the American victory helped Benjamin Franklin persuade the French government to supply
military assistance to the Americans. France sent soldiers to the United States to help the Americans
fight for independence.
2. What role did Benjamin Franklin play after the battle of Saratoga?
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3. Why was the battle of Saratoga considered the “turning point” of the American Revolution?
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The Winter of 1777-1778 at Valley Forge:
Despite the American victory at Saratoga, the war was
far from over. George Washington and his exhausted
army spent the winter at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania.
Here, Washington faced the problem of feeding his
12,000 troops and even faced threats to his leadership
from some of his officers. Long marches had destroyed the soldiers’ shoes, and warm blankets were
scarce (not many available). While several soldiers left and did not return, many suffered from
diseases such as pneumonia.
1. Who led the troops of the Continental Army at Valley Forge?
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Although no battle was fought at Valley Forge, it represented a major test for
the new Continental Army. Washington used this time to train and discipline his troops. Foreign
volunteers like Baron von Steuben from Germany and Marquis de Lafayette from France, helped train
the Continental Army. By the springtime, the army had become stronger and more confident.
Washington was now ready to lead his troops to victory and independence.
2. What hardships did the Continental Army face at Valley Forge?
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3. What effect did the winter at Valley Forge have on the Continental Army?
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