Valley Forge in Pennsylvania - Research Paper Example

Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 Introduction Valley Forge is among the historical places that marked the American Revolution. This is evident from the fact that it was a site that played a vital role during the war.. During that period, the Continental army had lost a series of wars to the British army. To this end, winter season fast approaching and both armies put a break on the wars to look for a place to camp. Moreover, George Washington and his army spent a harsh winter at Valley Forge in the year 1777 -1778. Furthermore, during this period many of the Continental army perished due to starvation, lack of proper clothing to protect them from the cold and infectious diseases (Webstar 1305). Consequently, the Continental army was reduced to almost half its initial population. However, the conditions at the camp improved when congress sent food at the camp and hygiene standards were elevated. Moreover, the soldiers were drilled and when spring arrived, they were ready and eager to face the British army in the battle field. To this end, the continental army eventually fought with the British army even though they were at draw military wise. The Continental Army left the battle field in high spirits and confidence compared to the previous wars. The subsequent sections will elaborate on the reasons as to why General Washington’s Continental army decided to camp at Valley Forge. Moreover, the challenges they encountered during the encampment at Valley Forge will be discussed comprehensively. Furthermore, the drilling of soldiers by Steuben Baron that took place while they were at Valley Forge will be intricately discussed. Finally, the aftermath of the training process will be summarily discussed. Reasons for Camping at Valley Forge In the 18th century of 1777 George Washington, the general of continental army, moved with his army to the south of New Jersey. His objective was to defend Philadelphia city from the advancing forces of William Howe. Consequently, the two armies clashed at Brandywine on the 11th of September (Hickman 1). As a result, Washington’s army was defeated and flee the city. Washington’s army struck again at Germantown on 4th of October in order to regain initiative but was decisively defeated. Subsequently, with the cold weather approaching Washington moved his army to a winter encampment. To this end, he chose Valley Forge, 20 miles from Northwest city of Philadelphia. Evidently, the site would easily be defendable from surprise attacks. In addition, provision of food from local farmers would be easy. Challenges at Valley Forge In as much as Washington chose the best place for his soldiers to camp, they still encountered serious problems like lack of food and clothing. The soldiers had little to eat apart from fried dough called fire cakes. Furthermore, the soldiers wore tattered cloths and their accommodation was hastily built. The accommodation consisted of canvas walls and dirt floors that were smoky and cold. Furthermore, the cabins were ideal sites for the spreading of diseases that subjected the soldiers to bouts of cold (Miller 9). In addition, the local farmers were hesitant to give their food in exchange to the almost worthless soldiers. On the contrary, the farmers traded their produce with the British; located miles away Philadelphia; for liquid cash. Furthermore, the local farmers even continued to hoard food as they waited to earn higher profits in the spring season. Consequently, there were prevalent desertions and deaths from diseases and hunger. This led to a reduction of the continental army to almost one-half of the initial size (Miller 9). In addition, Washington was privately annoyed with the lack of strong commitment from his supposedly patriot fighters. Washington’s Leadership Qualities Questioned Washington’s leadership integrity and qualities were cast openly in doubt by his fellow army officers as well as part of the congress. To this end, they began comparing him to General Horatio Gates who had defeated the British army at Saratoga. However all these wrangles ceased especially when the conditions at the camp improved. Later on, Nathanael Greene became the quartermaster and things begun to improve. Greene immediately dispatched engineers to reconstruct bridges and roads between Lancaster and Valley Forge to enable better transport of food and clothing (Miller9). Furthermore, a baking company headed by Christopher Ludwig started operating at the camp. As a result, each soldier was given a pound of bread as promised by the then congress. Baron Steuben’ s Drill Commands Despite the fact that the continental army was well fed and clothed, there was the problem of indiscipline in the camp. Moreover, there were no strict rules that banned illegal activities like gambling, wandering from the camp and fighting. Furthermore, the continental army had less skills of warfare and they had no idea of marching in ranks or even moving on the battle field. Later on, all these changed with the arrival of Steuben Friedrich. Baron Friedrich had experience as a former staff member of the Prussian army Therefore, his training eventually brought technical knowledge to the continental soldiers which contributed to improving their military strength. However, before joining the continental army, Steuben had been discharged from the Prussian army due to unknown reasons. Later on he received the Baron title and became chamberlain although he ended up accruing debts. Consequently, he began seeking for employment to settle his debts that led to his eventual meeting with Benjamin Franklin. Evidently, Benjamin introduced Steuben to the French minister of war. The French minister of war recognised Steuben’s full potential owing to the fact that he was a former Prussian officer (Miller 9). Consequently, Steuben was introduced to General Washington by Benjamin through a letter. Washington accepted to offer him a chance to train the continental army. Subsequently, Steuben went on duty for General Washington’s army. Despite the fact that Steuben did not speak English, he still communicated with some officials since they could easily understand his French. Moreover, he got help from Nathanael Greene and Alexander Hamilton. The two helped Steuben in drafting a programme for training which later on was approved by the commander- in -chief. The training began with Steuben grouping the soldiers in lots of 100 (Gillon & Matson 168). Moreover, the trained soldiers worked outwardly into a brigade. In the process of training, he swore and yelled at the soldiers in French which he later noticed that was not working. Consequently, Steuben recruited Benjamin Walker to help him with the translation of French to English. Furthermore, Von Steuben began a system of progressive training. In addition, the training started with school of soldiers going through to the school of regiment. Each group had a commander who was responsible for the new people in training. In the 18th century, warfare was simple with no complicated weaponry. Moreover, combat was characterized by close range tactics and a rapid firing process. Furthermore, most of the regulations were composed of firing drills (Gillon & Matson 168). In addition, all Steuben’s regulations were easy compared to other foreign armies. Steuben developed another programme for sanitation in the camp by introducing camp layout. These became popular practice and for subsequent centuries. However, before Steuben introduced the sanitation programme, people in the camp relieved themselves anywhere and also left animal carcases all over the camp site to rot. To this end, Steuben introduced systematic changes by creating a plan for latrines, kitchen and a damping site. Moreover, the latrines and kitchen were on the opposite sides. Consequently, these changes brought order as well as improving hygiene in the camp. Impacts of the Drilling and Hardship at Valley Forge After a few months of training with Steuben, the Continental army was ready to face the British army for a battle. In the course of the preparation process, word reached General Washington that the British army was evacuating from Philadelphia. Consequently, Washington marshalled his soldiers and decided to pursue them. However, Washington was not sure whether to launch a full-scale war on the British army since they were on the move. Therefore, he decided to hold a meeting with his command staff (Gillon & Matson 168). The resolution arrived at the meeting was that Washington would pursue the British army and launch a full throttle attack. Consequently, the two armies met at Monmouth where the battle took place. Despite the soaring heat temperatures of over 100 degrees, the two armies fought desperately. Eventually, the British army decided to withdraw from the battle. As a result, the two armies were ended at a draw. However, the continental army left Monmouth with faith in their leader and confidence in their abilities. Moreover, the battle of Monmouth success was as a result of endurance and perseverance of what they went through at Valley Forge. Furthermore, the experience at Monmouth boosted the American’s morale considering the fact that they had initially lost in many battles. Conclusion To this end, Valley Forge was the camp for the military in Pennsylvania in 1777. Moreover, it became more than an ordinary camp because it played a big role in the American Revolution. Furthermore, it is associated with the sacrifice of the American soldiers who fought and struggled for freedom (Webstar 1305). However, no battle took place at Valley Forge but it was the ground that the Continental army trained at a time that dire need of support was necessary. In addition, Valley Forge provided needed support to the suffering American Continental army. Despite of the problems that they faced, the Continental army needed some sort of miracle to fight against the British army. Consequently, the Continental emerged strong after the training at Valley Forge. The endurance and commitiment gained during the Continental’s army tenure at Valley Forge strengthened their resolve in fight the British. References Gillon, Steven ., and Cathy . Matson. "Cengage Advantage Books: The American Experiment: A History of the United States - Steven M. Gillon, Cathy D. Matson - Google Books." Google Books. N.p., 1 Jan. 2012. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. . Hickman, Kennedy. "Valley Forge - American Revolution Winter at Valley Forge." Military History - Warfare through the Ages - Battles and Conflicts - Weapons of War - Military Leaders in History. About.com, n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . Miller, Marjorie , and P. Miller. "Pennsylvania Military Museum: Pennsylvania Trail of History Guide - Marjorie L. Miller, Arthur P. Miller, Arthur P. Miller, Jr., Arthur P Miller, Jr JR, Marjorie Lyman Miller - Google Books." Google Books. Stackpole Books, 1 Jan. 2005. Web. 21 Nov. 2012. . Webstar, Merriam. "Websters Guide to American History: A Chronological, Geographical, and ... - Google Books." Google Books. N.p., 1 Jan. 1971. Web. 25 Nov. 2012. . Read More