Why was the Battle of Valley Forge significant?

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Military Training at Valley Forge
Despite the harsh conditions, Valley Forge is sometimes called the birthplace of the American army because, by June of 1778, the weary troops emerged with a rejuvenated spirit and confidence as a well-trained fighting force.



Keeping this in view, why was Valley Forge so important?

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.

Likewise, why was the Battle of Yorktown significant? Significance of the Battle of Yorktown: The significance of the conflict was that Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington as French and American forces trapped the British at Yorktown. The British surrender at the Battle of Yorktown ended the American Revolutionary War.

Subsequently, one may also ask, why was Valley Forge a turning point in the war?

Barely a week later, they forced the British from the field in the Battle of Monmouth. The Valley Forge encampment proved to be a turning point in the Revolutionary War, testing the mettle of George Washington and his troops and paving the way for their ultimate victory in the war for American independence.

Why was the Battle of Monmouth significance?

The Battle of Monmouth (or Battle of Monmouth Courthouse) was an important American Revolutionary War battle, fought at Monmouth, New Jersey on June 28th, 1778. It was here that the Americans intercepted the British forces who were trekking from Philadelphia. In 1777, British forces had captured Philadelphia.

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How did Valley Forge get its name?

Valley Forge received its name from the iron forge that was constructed along Valley Creek, next to current PA 252, in the 1740s. A sawmill and grist mill had been built by the time of the encampment, making the area an important supply base for the American fighters.

What did they eat at Valley Forge?

Rations would consist of beef, pork or salt fish; bread (or flour); peas, beans or vegetables; milk, rice, Indian meal; beer or cider; molasses; candles; soft and hard soap; and rum and whiskey was also authorized, however rarely issued. Both British and American soldiers were severely underpaid.

What is the history of Valley Forge?

Valley Forge is the location of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington. Valley Forge was a naturally defensible plateau where they could train and recoup from the year's battles while winter weather, impassable roads, and scant supplies stopped the fighting.

When did Valley Forge end?


After failing to retake the city, Washington led his 12,000-man army into winter quarters at Valley Forge, located approximately 18 miles (29 km) northwest of Philadelphia.

Valley Forge.
Date December 19, 1777 – June 19, 1778
Location Valley Forge, Pennsylvania 40°05′49″N 75°26′21″WCoordinates: 40°05′49″N 75°26′21″W

Was Valley Forge a battle?

While the British occupied Philadelphia, Washington and his army hunkered down for a harsh winter at Valley Forge. No battle was fought there, yet, it was the turning point of the Revolutionary War.

Where is Valley Forge located?

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania, United States

How many died in the Revolutionary War?

Throughout the course of the war, an estimated 6,800 Americans were killed in action, 6,100 wounded, and upwards of 20,000 were taken prisoner. Historians believe that at least an additional 17,000 deaths were the result of disease, including about 8,000–12,000 who died while prisoners of war.

How many soldiers survive Valley Forge?

Number of soldiers that arrived at Valley Forge on December 19, 1777. (I've found estimates of 10,000 11,000 and 12,000.) Number of soldiers that deserted during the encampment at Valley Forge. (I've found info that varies from "many" to "over 2,000.")

Who fought in Valley Forge?


On December 19, 1777, commander of the Continental Army George Washington, the future first president of the United States, leads his beleaguered troops into winter quarters at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Things could hardly have looked bleaker for Washington and the Continental Army as 1777 came to a close.

Who won the battle of Saratoga?

Americans win more than a battle at Saratoga. British general and playwright John Burgoyne surrenders 5,000 British and Hessian troops to American General Horatio Gates at Saratoga, New York, on October 17, 1777.

What diseases were at Valley Forge?

Small pox, typhoid or typhus (known as putrid fever), pneumonia, and dysentery were some. Most of the troops were inoculated for small pox at Valley Forge, but these men were usually on an inactive status because they were quarantined.

What were the turning points in the Revolutionary War?

The Battle of Saratoga - Sept & Oct 1777. The Battle of Saratoga, comprising two significant battles during September and October of 1777, was a crucial victory for the Patriots during the American Revolution and is considered the turning point of the Revolutionary War.

What is the Forge?

The "Forge" is a grueling, 96-hour, cumulative training exercise that puts week-seven trainees in a patrol base as they encounter a multitude of combat and logistical scenarios. It emphasizes battle drills, tactical operations, and numerous foot patrols.

How was smallpox at Valley Forge?


In February 1777, while encamped at Morristown, Washington became convinced that only inoculation would prevent the destruction of his Army. Fewer than 1% of the Soldiers died from being inoculated, and the program was so successful in controlling smallpox that he repeated it in the Valley Forge winter of 1778.

What difficulties did the Patriots face at Valley Forge?

The difficulties that the Patriots faced at valley forge was; illness, harsh weather, lack of supplies. How might weather conditions affect the outcome of a battle? The effect on weather conditions to outcome in a battle is that the soldiers could fight harder to make their suffering worthit.

Was there a cannibalism at Valley Forge?

Apparently, during their stay at Valley Forge, Washington and his troops were stranded without supplies and forced to resort to cannibalism in order to survive. Washington relished the taste of human meat, having one man killed each day to satisfy him even after supplies came through.