The colonies are ready to fight for their independence against the British. But what happens if the British start defeating the colonial forces?
Washington and The Revolution
Geoge Washington used to fight for the British, before the American Revolution. So what convinced him to lead the Continental Army?
Washington's Allegiance
The British Leaders
The British had some very talented, high-ranking officers who fought against Washington's army, including William Howe and Charles Cornwallis.
Washington's Opponents
The Hessians
The British didn't fight alone - they relied on the help of paid German soldiers, known as the Heassians. The Hessains were led by Johann Gottlieb Rahl.
The HessiansVideo
How did George Washington Vote on Independence?
The vote for independence was held in July of 1776. Washington received the notification from John Handcock shortly after the results were determined.
Washington's Trunk Plate
This trunk plate was purchased for George Washington in 1776, just before the Battles of Trenton and Princeton.
How do you think Washington felt at the start of the war?
Primary Source: the Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia on July 2nd, 1776. Days later, it was read out loud to thousands of Continental soldiers in New York.
Primary Source: Thomas Paine (LoC)
Thomas Paine wrote his "American Crises," urging men to enlist to fight in the war. With his help, over 7,000 men had gathered to aid the Revolution.
Primary Source: Washington Crossing the Delaware
This famous painting is arguably one of the most recognized in American history, illustrating Washington crossing the Delaware River.
Primary Sources
Click the links to explore Primary Sources on the American Revolution
- The Declaration of Independence
- George Washington to Martha Washington, 1775
- General George Washington
- George Washington to Lund Washington, 1775
- American Crises by Thomas Paine
- Enlistment Form
- Washington Crossing the Delaware
- British Plan of New York, 1776
- The Battle of White Plains Map
- George Washington's Trunk Plate
Secondary Sources
Click the links to read Secondary Sources on the American Revolution
- The American Revolution
- American Revolution Resources
- Continental Army
- General Cornwallis
- Battles Washington Fought In
- Music in Battle
- Military Weapons
- The Declaration of Independence
- Why did George Washington join the Revolutionary War?
- Thomas Paine
- The New York Campaign
- The Battle of Long Isalnd
- The Battle of White Plains
Watch The Winter Patriots
Learn the Battles of Princeton and Trenton with this 30 minute film!
The Winter Patriots Home
Click the link to go back to The Winter Patriots Resources
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