The History of~The American Revolution (Part 4:Turning The Tide)

It was a rebellion like no other, not only did the American Revolution bring about a brand new nation that is not run by a Monarchy, but also to bring a new age in our world where Monarchs would begin to lose their luster.

This is Part 4 of this 6 part wiki page series about the American Revolution. In this page we will talk about how the American Continental Army (ACA) had better luck in battles in New York State, and how cemented an alliance with France and how both nations help turn the tide of the war in America's favor.

## Turning the Tide

In 1777, things for George Washington and his forces were looking up for a while as they won key battles in (my native) New Jersey, but as the Brits were making their move on Philadelphia, things once again took a turn for the worse as Washington and his forces as they tried to defend their capital city but were defeated in many battles in Pennsylvania, forcing the Continental Congress to abandon Philadelphia and flee to a small town called "York", this also forced Washington and his forces to set up terrible winter quarters in a region called "Valley Forge" where Washington's forces were subjected to harsh conditions and with little to no provisions such as food, drinks, suitable clothing (including shoes) blankets and even suitable shelter. The war once again looked hopeless as some just gave up on the revolution, Washington (who's command had to this point come into question) tries desperately to keep his men (and the country) in the fight.

But, the ACA were actually more lucky against the British in New York State in 1777.

On May 24, American Colonel named "Return Johnathan Meigs" took a foraging party (of British loyalists) by surprise as Meigs' forces raided on the party as they killed 6 and captured 90. This event would be called "Meigs' Raid". But, the British would answer back as they took the American forts of Ticonderoga on July 6 and Ann on July 8. The Americans would also take a fort from the Brits, Fort Stanwix on August 23, a 20-day battle which resulted in over 500 casualties.

The British would also suffer somewhat of a defeat at the Battle of Oriskany on August 6, which forced British General Barry St. Leger to retreat from Fort Stanwix and back into British North America (modern-day Canada). Though the Brits would win the Battles of Staten Island and Setauket on August 22.

The Americans would gain the upper hand in New York State by September as British General John Burgoyne and his forces would run into problems regarding to supplies. On September 19, Burgoyne's forces retreated back to a town called "Saratoga", though they would win the Battle of Freeman's Farm but Burgoyne's problems would quickly mount.

So by October 7, at the Battle of Bemis Heights, Burgoyne faced unlikely odds which dwindled overtime as the Americans during the battle got better, eventually on October 17, Burgoyne had no choice but to surrender.

### French Aid

Knowing that the Americans can't fight and win against the British on their own, the Continental Congress has sent Benjamin Franklin to France on a diplomatic mission to secure an alliance with the French, but because things weren't looking so well for the Americans in the first stages of the war, King Louis the 14 was reluctant to extend his hand to the Americans, despite that he was also looking for a reason to fight against the Brits (as Britain and France had a centuries old rivalry with each other). But Louis wanted to be sure that the Americans can win this war, it wouldn't be until news about Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga reached France is when Louis finally agreed to an alliance with the USA.

During the winter of 1777-1778 is when the French arrived in the US. A Prussian general named.......uh......hmmm....

For easy reference, let's just call him "Baron von Steuben".

Throughout the first part of 1778, von Steuben not only brought the ACA suitable provisions, but also better military training. von Steuben taught the ACA how to shoot accurately and orderly, march in formation, and even better military discipline such as dealing out harsh punishments for those who disobey orders and/or abandon the revolution.

### Better than ever

Things were once again looking up for the US, and what is better is that Washington's "thorn on his side" William Howe was let go from his military duties by violating King George's orders, and was replaced by General Henry Clinton who happens to not be the most competent military officer as he would order his men to abandon Philadelphia, allowing the ACA to re-take the city as well as allowing Continental Congress to return to its main center of government.

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Americans would eventually get a handle on this revolution is when the Americans and the British were fighting (again) in (my native) New Jersey. On June 28, the ACA and the Brits would convene at Monmouth County Courthouse, with the newly trained ACA fighting the Brits under a now incompetent military officer, the battle was long, hard, and very, very hot.

Yes, hot. In fact so hot was the weather that day, that much of the estimated 1,600 casualties of this battle was from heat stroke (where the human body temperature would far exceed 100° F, if left unchecked it could kill).

This weather would also be the reason why the battle ended without a decisive victory for either side. But according to a lot of American historians, this is considered a major victory for the ACA as Washington and his forces were able to win many battles and compensate for their losses in the previous year. This would also force the Brits to re-think their strategy against the US as they would now focus on the south.

That we will save for later. In the next part of this series (click here) we'll talk about the hero of the New York state campaign; Benedict Arnold and how he infamously became synonymous with the word "traitor" in America. Until next time, this is JohnnyOTGS signing out.