George Washington's Continental Army: Winter At Valley Forge

Valley Forge December year of 1777 Washington and his army arrived at Valley Forge. Valley Forge was used for a winter camp for Washington and his army. Valley Forge was a cold place to live, not a lot of food, and not a lot of clothes, bad housing all these things are bad but soldiers stay with their army. Valley Forge would you have quit me I would not quit because There were a lot of people sick but not a lot of dying, Washington is getting help, and I’m not a summer soldier freedom is worth fighting for.

Composed of successful farmers and traders, the nation’s members participated in key battles such as Oriskany and Saratoga. Having heard of the unfortunate event of the soldiers at Valley Forge, Oneida Chief Shenandoah sent a group of his tribe’s members with food to help feed the starving troops attending under General George Washington during the hard winter of 1777-1778. The Oneidas, including Polly walked four hundred miles from central New York to Valley Forge in the bitter cold, carrying with them nearly six hundred bushels of white corn to feed General George Washington’s starving troops. Even so, Polly Cooper did much more for the American troops then carry corn, she also carried pails of water, and poured amounts into the soldier’s throats, to quench their thirst across the

Valley Forge is a place where Washington trained the colonists to fight with the British soldiers, even though it is cold, disease spreads, lack of food, bad equipments, and people dying, but for our better future we have to stay and train to become a better and confident soldier. According to The American Crisis by Thomas Paine, he told us that Although things are bad in Valley Forge we still have to fight for our country and break away from the horrible king that charges us a lot of money. According to the text Thomas Paine wrote that “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.” This shows that King George is treating them badly and they have

The leaders had many moments to shine in this battle. The “commanders” of the Patriot militia were James Johnston,

He goes on to explain the living conditions he had to endure and his lack of sleep. “It was utterly impossible to lie down and to get any rest or sleep on account of the mud” Martin recalls, “and can say in sincerity that I never lay down to sleep a minute in all that time” (Martin 77). The fighting at Fort Mifflin allowed Washington and his troops to withdraw to winter quarters at Valley Forge. It was too late in the season for the British to follow them.

Valley Forge atop such a high plateau was near completely cut off from supply routes making food, clothing, and weaponry very scarce. Soldiers were treated to the worst conditions possible at Valley Forge. Many were near naked and many were starving to death. Also dieses such as Dysentery and Typhus ran rampant at Valley Forge. These conditions alone accounted for the lives of hundreds of American soldiers that winter.

The American Revolution, when 13 American colonies waged war against the most powerful country in the world, Great Britain, for their independence. Soldiers who fought in the war and risked their lives to gain the freedom we have today, is just one of the many prime examples of prevailing hardships in battle. George Washington proved to be exemplary just like many others heroic patriots, like Henry Knox and Nathaniel Greene, when triumphing over the British soldiers with what little strength they had and defeating them. Their victory was more than enough proof on why they deserved independence. David McCullough’s 1776, describes and educates us about events which happened before the war and foreshadows up to the revolution. We learn about the hardships thrown at George Washington and the Continental army whose intentions switched from equal rights to complete emancipation. Battles throughout the Revolutionary War, like the Battle of Bunker Hill, are well known, but McCullough shows the reader how the Continental army continues to strive on even when victory is not in their favor.

Though trouble and doubt we will prevail. This happened in the winter between 1777-1778. Valley Forge is a place about eighteen miles northwest of Philadelphia. A lot of soldiers are leaving when we need them to fight. Victory seemed a long way off; in fact for many, it seemed unlikely. Even though that has happened I have decided to not re-enlist for three reasons which are: conditions, health, and results of war.

“Every thought is a battle, every breath is a war and I don’t think we are winning anymore”. The depressing thoughts in which were made up of dying and not surviving were going through the minds of all the soldiers at Valley Forge as well as mine. The need of food, clothes, and weapons were needed. The wanting to win and return home to our families were mutual between all of us as well. Since the summer of 1775, George Washington has withdrawn from Boston and retreated to New York City after the American Revolution. Recently, he had been unable to stop the British when Howe marched his army into the capital of Philadelphia. Washington had a very hard time trying to keep us in his army. Some of them had signed on for one year or two, but others left or simply deserted us. The question is simple, whether or not you would stay and fight for your country or leave with honor and your dignity. My choice was obvious, staying to fight for my country. There are many reasons surrounding my choice, including the fact that the supplies were provided for us in order to live and fight through the terrible seasons, the encouragement we needed, and the conditions we faced.

The battle details include three main engagements: The Battle of Dorchester Heights, Long Island, and Trenton. McCullough interestingly focused on the military tactics and maneuvering and less emphasis on the politics around these events. Even the actual signing of the Declaration of Independence is treated as a minor detail compared to the strategies of what Washington will do

December 1777 at Valley Forge. Valley Forge is George Washington’s winter camp. Valley Forge is a difficult place to live. The continental army is who stays in the camp. The army is not doing so good at this time but there is still a chance of winning. If you were a soldier would you quit? If I was a soldier I would not quit because there are a lot of sick people but not dying people, the conditions are bad but brave soldiers stuck with it, and I do not want to be a summer solder because freedom is worth fighting for.

The Non-Fiction Historical Book 1776 By David McCullough is a historically accurate and in depth view of The American Revolution; starting from The Battle of Bunker Hill, Boston, Brooklyn, New York, Fort Washington, and ending its Analysis at the Battle of Trenton in 1776. There are many fascinating features, trends, themes, and characteristics used in 1776 that make the book a fluent and enjoyable read. Also the book gives a very detailed and informative account of the battles and military life from the Battle of Boston to the Battle of Trenton. Finally the author, David McCullough, of the book as many other works and experiences that tell the reader why and how 1776 is such a credible source

“Many historians consider the Battle of King's Mountain on October 7, 1780 to be the turning point in America's War for Independence.” (hankla)

“1776” is a story of war. This book chronicles the year 1776 and the different battles that took place during the year. Instead of exploring the political changes the year oversaw, Pulitzer Prize winner, David McCullough explores in a different perspective on the battles that occurred during the year. From battle strategies, to the lives of Major Generals, McCullough takes you through the story in a more realistic and factual perspective. “1776” offers an intimate look into the military aspects of the revolutionary war which creates a more lively and engaging literature. McCullough opens the book in London, where King George III appears on behalf of his people to announce war with the North American colonies. American patriots sought to overthrow British government that overexerted its power and pressed the American colonists, which manifested in the former taxes and troops. The American colonists began to protest and riot, which increased tension, eventually leading to the Battle of Lexington and Concord,

The Battle of Trenton is widely regarded as a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. With enlistments in the Continental Army about to expire at the end of the year, General George Washington risked everything in harsh winter conditions to advance across the Delaware River and execute a surprise attack on Hessian troops in Trenton, N.J. An evaluation of the moments that led up to the battle, the setting, area of operations, the Continental and Opposing forces, along with the use of intelligence will reveal the major factors that led to the outcome of the battle. An analysis of the battle will illustrate how Washington devised an offensive plan that demonstrated many of the principles of war still utilized in military operations today.