Asked by: Caiping Krippendorf
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Why did George Washington decide to camp at Valley Forge for the winter?

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George Washington chose to make the winter camp at Valley Forge for several reasons. First, it was close to Philadelphia where the British were camping for the winter. He could keep an eye on the British and protect the people of Pennsylvania. Valley Forge was also a good place to defend if the army was attacked.


Simply so, why did George Washington spend the winter at Valley Forge?

As he fought to maintain his position as the Commander-in-Chief, Washington received key support from several officers. General Henry Knox wholeheartedly agreed with his choice of Valley Forge as the army's winter encampment and built fortifications on its hills to defend against British attacks.

Also Know, what did the winter at Valley Forge reveal about the American patriots? It showed that the Americans were not "summer soldiers or sunshine patriots," that they were in the war to win at all costs, and that hey were willing to sacrifice greatly for their cause.

Accordingly, why was George Washington forced to make camp at Valley Forge?

General George Washington and his weary troops arrived at Valley Forge, Pennsylvania six days before Christmas in 1777. Washington picked the spot because it was close enough to keep an eye on British troops sheltering in Philadelphia, yet far enough away to prevent a surprise attack on his own Continental Army.

When did Washington camp at Valley Forge?

1777,

Related Question Answers

Iru Guckenheim

Professional

What were the problems at Valley Forge?

At Valley Forge, there were shortages of everything from food to clothing to medicine. Washington's men were sick from disease, hunger, and exposure. The Continental Army camped in crude log cabins and endured cold conditions while the Redcoats warmed themselves in colonial homes.

Carrodilla Jilyuk

Professional

Who helped Washington at Valley Forge?

When American troops faltered, Baron von Steuben helped whip them into shape. The baron wore an eight-pointed silver star on his chest, etched with the word Fidelitas. “Squad, halt!” he shouted—some of the few English words he knew. He walked among the 100 men in formation at Valley Forge, adjusting their muskets.

Jessi Villarta

Professional

For what is Valley Forge remembered?

Valley Forge was where the American Continental Army made camp during the winter of 1777-1778. It was here that the American forces became a true fighting unit. Valley Forge is often called the birthplace of the American Army.

Shondra Firvida

Explainer

Why is George Washington a good leader?

Washington had the power of knowledge. He served in the Virginia militia and campaigned with the British army prior to the Revolutionary War, learning military discipline and tactics. Washington was known as an honest man amongst his peers. His peers respected his integrity.

Poul Pujner

Explainer

How many soldiers did George Washington have at Valley Forge?

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. They remained there for six months, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778.

Fei Etzel

Explainer

What was the Valley Forge encampment?

Valley Forge is the location of the 1777-1778 winter encampment of the Continental Army under General George Washington. Here the Continental Army, a collection of disparate colonial militias, emerged under Washington's leadership as a cohesive and disciplined fighting force.

Cyndy Arralde

Pundit

How many died in American Revolution?

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.

Melquiades Steinfort

Pundit

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.

Primo Knocke

Pundit

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.

Aza Villena

Pundit

Who won the battle of Valley Forge?

When Washington's army marched out of Valley Forge on June 19, 1778, the men were better disciplined and stronger in spirit than when they had entered. Nine days later, they won a victory against the British under Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Monmouth in New Jersey.

Theodorus Sakin

Pundit

Where is Valley Forge located?

Valley Forge National Historical Park, Pennsylvania, United States

Lester Aradas

Teacher

Who were the leaders at 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.

Dari Carreiro

Teacher

Who owned Valley Forge?

William Penn's land grant in 1681 led to plantations, which displaced the Indians. In 1699, the Pennsylvania Land Company of London bought the land that later became the north side of Valley Forge National Historical Park; the majority of it was subsequently purchased by two families, the Pawlings and the Morgans.

Donata Sisternas

Teacher

How did Washington's soldiers leave Valley Forge?

Ready to move against the retreating British, Washington abandoned Valley Forge on June 9 by crossing the Schuylkill River and setting up camp a mile away. He ordered work parties to clean up the old campgrounds, filling the latrines and burying all garbage.

Jeffery Mordziensk

Teacher

Oralee Agranenko

Reviewer

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.

Elio Leazkue

Reviewer

Did George Washington pray at Valley Forge?

Washington in Prayer. We do not say that he did not pray at Valley Forge, there simply is an open question as to how he did so and if he actually was witnessed in prayer. There are a number of artists who represent Washington kneeling in prayer, some in the snow, some in the grass of a glade in the woods.

Irimia Haimi

Reviewer

What was the United States worst defeat of the war?

On May 12, 1780, the Americans suffered their worst defeat of the entire Revolution. The battle of Charleston, or as it would come to be known, the Siege of Charleston, took place over the course of six weeks. It started March 29, 1780.

Amr Penninggers

Reviewer

What year was the battle of Yorktown?

September 28, 1781 – October 19, 1781