Battle of Trenton, Saratoga, Yorktown Notes

I. Battle of Trenton “Victory or Death”

A. December 1776, Washington’s troops down to 3,000 men B. Enlistments are up in 2 weeks, men will go home C. Thomas Paine writes “The American Crisis” on the top of a drum head.

Do not copy red “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country. But he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”

D. Washington needs a victory to motivate men to stay in the army. E. Cross the Delaware River on Christmas night. F. Surprise attack on the Hessians at Trenton G. January 3rd, wins a victory at Princeton, N.J.

II. Battle of Saratoga 1777

A. British hoped to capture NY and separate New England from the rest of the colonies. B. British 3 Pronged attack C. Benedict Arnold defeats British General Burgoyne and forces him to surrender at Saratoga D. Turning Point of the War – France officially enters the war

III. Valley Forge 1777

A. Washington’s army suffered starvation, lack of clothing, shelter and disease. B. Friedrich von Steuben – trained Washington’s army. C. Marquis de Lafayette - French aid to Washington D. Washington emerged from Valley Forge with a well-trained army.

IV. Battle of Yorktown 1781

A. British General Cornwallis was fighting against American troops under the command of General Lafayette B. Cornwallis was planning on help from the British Navy C. Washington and French troops under the command of Rochambeau marched from New York to Yorktown. D. French Admiral de Grasse used the French Fleet (Navy) to hold off the British Navy E. Cornwallis surrenders - Final Battle of the Revolutionary War

V. Treaty of Paris 1783

A. The colonies gain their independence from Great Britain B. The colonies agree to pay the debts they owe to Britain and France C. The colonies get the land between the Mississippi River and the Appalachian Mountains.