What happened in 1776 to George Washington?

After crossing the icy Delaware River on Christmas Day 1776, Washington led his forces in an attack upon the Hessian garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. Washington’s lightning attack surprised the Hessians and led to the capture of almost two-thirds of the 1,500 man force – at the cost of zero American combat casualties.

Why was the Winter 1776 1777 Significant?

The particularly severe winter of 1777-1778 proved to be a great trial for the American army, and of the 11,000 soldiers stationed at Valley Forge, hundreds died from disease. However, the suffering troops were held together by loyalty to the Patriot cause and to General Washington, who stayed with his men.

What happened in 1776 and why is it important?

By issuing the Declaration of Independence, adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the 13 American colonies severed their political connections to Great Britain. The Declaration summarized the colonists’ motivations for seeking independence.

What happened in 1777-1778 in the American Revolution?

The six-month encampment of General George Washington’s Continental Army at Valley Forge in the winter of 1777-1778 was a major turning point in the American Revolutionary War.

What war happened in 1776?

Revolutionary War
In the first eighteen months of armed conflict with the British (the conflict would not become a “war for independence” until July 4, 1776), Washington had begun to create an army and forced the British army in Boston to evacuate that city in March 1776.

What happened in the winter of 1776?

“Six months after the Declaration of Independence, the American Revolution was all but lost. A powerful British force had routed the Americans at New York, occupied three colonies, and advanced within sight of Philadelphia (from Washington’s Crossing by D.H. Fischer).”

Who won the Revolutionary War?

the Americans
After French assistance helped the Continental Army force the British surrender at Yorktown, Virginia, in 1781, the Americans had effectively won their independence, though fighting would not formally end until 1783.

Who founded America in 1776?

The Second Continental Congress issued the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776. Under the leadership of General George Washington, the Continental Army and Navy defeated the British military securing the independence of the thirteen colonies.

What major event happened in 1777?

October 7, 1777 – The Battle of Saratoga results in the first major American victory of the Revolutionary War as Gen. Horatio Gates and Gen. Benedict Arnold defeat Gen. Burgoyne, inflicting 600 British casualties.

What did George Washington do in 1775?

The Continental Congress commissioned George Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army on June 19, 1775. Washington was selected over other candidates such as John Hancock based on his previous military experience and the hope that a leader from Virginia could help unite the colonies.