Lesson 2: Fighting for Independence

Lesson Focus

After declaring independence, Americans faced a grueling war. This lesson explores the early military struggles, where George Washington's leadership was crucial in keeping the Continental Army from total defeat against the powerful British forces.

People to Know

George Washington, Robert Morris, Haym Salomon

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of the American victories at Trenton and Princeton, which saved the revolutionary cause from collapse.
• Compare the major challenges, from finances to troop morale, that both the American and British armies faced during the war.

In late 1776, Britain sent a massive army under the Howe brothers to crush the rebellion. After General Washington refused to surrender, his poorly trained army was defeated and lost New York City.
The British pursued the retreating Americans across New Jersey. As a result, the Continental Army shrank to only 5,000 soldiers through desertions and losses, pushing the Patriot cause to the brink of total collapse and forcing Congress to flee Philadelphia.

With morale dangerously low, Washington planned a daring counterattack. Inspired by Thomas Paine's The Crisis, his army crossed the icy Delaware River on Christmas night, 1776.
They surprised and captured over 1,000 Hessian soldiers at the Battle of Trenton. Days later, on January 3, 1777, he tricked General Cornwallis and won another victory at Princeton. These crucial wins revived American hopes and saved Washington's command.

Victory did not solve the army's severe money problems, as Congress could not levy taxes. It printed paper money called "Continentals," which quickly became worthless, making it hard to pay soldiers and buy supplies.
Fortunately, Robert Morris, the "financier of the American Revolution," and patriot Haym Salomon used their personal wealth and skills to secure loans. Their efforts provided the funds needed to keep the army fighting.

The Continental Army faced constant hardships, but Washington's leadership proved to be America's greatest asset. While British commanders often went home for the winter, Washington remained with his troops, sharing their struggles.
His unwavering dedication and resolve held the fragile army together when it was close to dissolving. Note that his ability to inspire loyalty was more critical than his battlefield record, making him essential to winning the war.

Britain's powerful military should have ensured a quick victory, but it faced significant hurdles. The war was unpopular back home, and its forces were stretched thin across a global empire.
British soldiers fought far from home for a cause many did not understand. In contrast, the Americans defended their own land using hit-and-run tactics and an effective spy network. This made it nearly impossible for Britain to conquer the vast territory.