Chapter 7-1 The Early Years of the War

I. Americans Divided

· The country was divided on whether or not we should have been at war

· Patriots – support the war and want independence

· Tories, or loyalists, do not support the war

· In general, most Americans did not support the war or were neutral

II. Creating an Army

A. The American army was called the Continental Army

B. George Washington was appointed commander of the army

C. The Continental Army had many weaknesses

1. Soldiers were limited (few in numbers compared to G.B), many were volunteers

2. Limited supplies – blankets, shoes, food, guns, ammunition

3. Inexperienced army

III. Struggle for Middle States

A. British want to take over coastal cities so their navy can land troops and supplies

B. British General Howe takes over New York with his army and Hessian mercenaries (professional soldier paid to fight for a foreign country)

1. This causes the Continental troops hardship and a state of discouragement

2. To lift the weary soldiers, Washington plans a sneak attack on the British in hopes of a quick victory

3. Washington’s army wins two victory battles at Trenton and Princeton

IV. Britain’s Strategy

A. British wanted to seize the Hudson River Valley, cutting off New England from the other states. This plan never fully succeeded.

V. Battles along the Mohawk

A. American General, Benedict Arnold, leads an army up the Mohawk River to chase British out of Fort Stanwix.

VI. Saratoga: A Turning Point

A. A series of battles occurred between August and October of 1777, these battles led to a British surrender and are known as the Battles of Saratoga

B. British troops were weakening and running out of supplies

C. Benedict Arnold leads a battle against General Burgoyne and the British surrender

D. These battles were a turning point, and European nations were beginning to think Americans might win the war for independence.

E. A few years later, Benedict Arnold betrayed his army by turning over an American fort to the British