Lesson 3: The War Deepens

Lesson Focus

As the Revolution intensified, it pulled in European powers and divided American society. We'll explore why France offered support and examine the difficult choices faced by women, African Americans, and Native Americans during the deepening conflict.

People to Know

Marquis de Lafayette, Baron von Steuben, John Burgoyne, Abigail Adams

Learning Objectives

• Identify key reasons why France decided to support the American colonies in their fight for independence.
• Describe the varied roles and difficult choices faced by women, African Americans, and Native Americans during the war.

In 1777, the British planned a three-pronged attack to divide the colonies. General John Burgoyne was to advance south from Canada, but his supporting armies under General Howe and Barry St. Leger failed to join him. Howe went to Philadelphia instead, and St. Leger was delayed. This critical failure of coordination left Burgoyne’s army isolated and exposed in upstate New York, allowing American forces to prepare for a major confrontation.

Following the failed British plan, General Horatio Gates and his American troops surrounded General Burgoyne's isolated army. Unable to advance or retreat, Burgoyne surrendered his entire force at Saratoga in October 1777. Note that this victory was the war's crucial turning point. It convinced France that America could win, leading to a formal alliance that provided the Americans with money, troops, and naval support, which they desperately needed to continue the war.

Despite the victory at Saratoga, Washington's army endured the brutal winter of 1777–1778 at Valley Forge with little food or supplies. A quarter of the soldiers died from disease and exposure. However, Baron von Steuben, a Prussian officer, implemented a rigorous training program that instilled discipline. With his help and the encouragement of the Marquis de Lafayette, the Continental Army emerged in the spring as a more professional and effective fighting force.

The Revolution created a deep split within American society, acting as a civil war. About one-third of the population, known as Loyalists or Tories, remained loyal to Britain. This led to bitter conflict between neighbors, as Patriots often persecuted Loyalists, seizing their property or tarring and feathering them. As a result, when the British army withdrew from cities, an estimated 100,000 Loyalists fled the United States, many resettling in Canada.

The war prompted many women to take on new and active roles. While women like Abigail Adams managed farms and businesses, others directly aided the war effort. Sarah Osburn served as a cook and laundress, Mary Ludwig Hays (Molly Pitcher) fought at a cannon, and Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a male soldier. Despite their vital contributions and pleas for equality, the Revolution did not significantly change women's political or legal rights.

African Americans and Native Americans faced difficult wartime choices. Many African Americans, like Jehu Grant, joined the Continental Army hoping to gain freedom. In contrast, most Native American groups, including four nations of the Iroquois Confederation, sided with the British, who they believed would protect their lands from American settlers. This alliance led to brutal frontier fighting and, ultimately, the displacement of many Native Americans after the war.