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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