With this letter of August 31, 1776, Washington reported his first defeat to Congress. Four days previously, British forces under General William Howe had defeated the advanced elements of Washington’s Continental ArmyContinental ArmyThe Continental Army was the army of the United Colonies (the Thirteen Colonies) in the Revolutionary-era United States. It was formed by the Second Continental Congress after the outbreak of the American Revolutionary War, and was established by a resolution of Congress on June 14, 1775.

What was Washington’s biggest defeat?

For George Washington, the greatest failure of his military career was the loss of New York to the British in the summer of 1776. Winning the city back from the redcoats became nearly an obsession after his troops left Valley Forge in the spring of 1778.

Where was Washington’s first defeat?

Fort Necessity: George Washington’s First Defeat.

What battles did Washington lose?





While he lost more battles than he won, Washington employed a winning strategy that included victories at the Battle of Trenton in 1776 and Yorktown in 1781.



Revolutionary War.

Start: April 19, 1775
Key Turning Point: Battle of Saratoga
Last Major Battle: Siege of Yorktown
End: September 3, 1783
Winner: The United States

Who did Washington defeat in 1776?

After about one month, on the night of December 25–26, 1776, Washington crossed the Delaware and defeated the Hessian garrison under the command of Rall at Trenton.

How many battles has George Washington lost?

General Washington fought in 17 battles in the Revolutionary War, winning 6 of the battles, losing 7 of them, and fighting to a draw in 4 battles. Other than the British surrender at Yorktown, the Washington’s wins, losses, and draws were less strategically significant than was the way that he fought.

Who did George Washington defeat?



Hessian mercenaries

A hero of the American Revolution, Washington is acclaimed for his daring surprise attack on British-aligned Hessian mercenaries on Christmas evening 1776. Led by Washington himself, the Continental Army triumphed by crossing the icy Delaware River and attacking the enemy camp in Trenton, New Jersey.



Who did Washington defeat in 1781?

On October 19, 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his army of some 8,000 men to General George Washington at Yorktown, giving up any chance of winning the Revolutionary War.

Was George Washington defeated by the French?

On July 1, 1754, the large combined French and native forces reached the Great Meadows. Washington gathered his troops and retreated into Fort Necessity where on a rainy July 3rd the French began firing on the surrounded English. Sensing the hopelessness of his situation, Washington agreed to surrender to the French.

Did George Washington defeat the French?

Washington began the war with the expedition to the French, ordering them to leave British-claimed territory. He ended the war when the French were quickly losing territory and in retreat.

What was the colonists first defeat?



Battle of Long Island



It was the first major defeat following the declartion of Independece by the Continential Congress. Washington and his army managed to evacuate from Brooklyn to Manhattan and escape destruction by the British but the battles fought in Manhattan also ended in defeat for American forces.

What Battle did Washington lose in New York?

During the American Revolution, British forces under General William Howe defeat Patriot forces under General George Washington at the Battle of Brooklyn (also known as the Battle of Long Island) in New York.

Did George Washington ever lost a Battle?

On this day in history, August 27, 1776, George Washington loses the Battle of Long Island, one of the most important battles of the American Revolution and the largest in terms of the numbers of men involved.

Who was George Washington biggest enemy?

General Washington’s Opponents

  • General Sir Henry Clinton. A career soldier, Clinton served as Great Britain’s commander in chief in America.
  • General Charles Cornwallis.
  • General Wilhelm Knyphausen.
  • General Thomas Gage.
  • General John Burgoyne.
  • Joseph Brant.
  • Major John André



Who did Washington defeat in 1781?

On October 19, 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered his army of some 8,000 men to General George Washington at Yorktown, giving up any chance of winning the Revolutionary War.

Where was Washington defeated 1777?

At the Battle of Germantown on October 4, 1777, during the American Revolution, British forces in Pennsylvania defeated the American Continental Army under General George Washington (1732-99).

What was the colonists first defeat?

Battle of Long Island



It was the first major defeat following the declartion of Independece by the Continential Congress. Washington and his army managed to evacuate from Brooklyn to Manhattan and escape destruction by the British but the battles fought in Manhattan also ended in defeat for American forces.