Battle of Saratoga/Winter at Valley Forge

The British believed that by cutting New England off from the rest of the colonies they could end the war.

The British planned to attack the colonists from all sides and distract Washington from the main attack on Albany.

Washington's troops were ready for them in Albany. They set up cannons up on hills and could see the enemy coming before the attack.

The first battle was at Freeman's Field and the British won that, even though they had numerous causalities.

Burgoyne sent some 1,500 men on a mission to find food and scout out the American position. Winter was coming.

The British forces were detected by the Americans, however, and the resulting battle lasted all day.

In the end, the British were forced to retreat.

Within two days, General Gates’s troops had completely surrounded the British at Saratoga, Burgoyne had no choice but to admit defeat. 

The were stationed 20 miles from Philadelphia

 There was not enough food for everyone.

They did not have enough fuel for fires to keep the barracks warm.

They did not have enough fuel for fires to keep the barracks warm.

George Washington was successful at keeping this army together.

He persuaded soldiers not to leave.

This skill contributed to his rising status as a great leader.