The Continental Army’s transformative experiences at Valley Forge reshaped it into a more unified force capable of defeating the British and winning American independence during the remaining five years of the war. 

What was so important about the winter of 1777 in Valley Forge?

Valley Forge was significant not only for the reshaping Washington’s army, but for the dedication, endurance, and resilience demonstrated by the Americans in their cause for Independence.

What was the most important thing to know about Washington’s winter at Valley Forge?

Disease at Valley Forge



Cold and starvation at Valley Forge were not even the most dangerous threats: diseases proved to be the biggest killer. By the end of the six-month encampment, some 2,000 men—roughly one in six—died of disease.

Why was the winter at Valley Forge considered a turning point in the American Revolution?





We rightly regard Valley Forge as the turning point because it tested the nation as it would not be tested again for another fourscore and several years. George Washington’s small and fractious army limped into its bleak Pennsylvania encampment after defeats at Brandywine, Paoli and Germantown.
24 янв. 1986 

What are some important facts about Valley Forge?

The army at the Valley Forge Encampment constructed over two miles of breastworks, 6 redans, and 5 redoubts. 25 bake ovens were built to supply the army daily with 10,000-12,000 loaves of bread. There were approximately 1,300 huts in the encampment along with other shelters and sheds for supplies and animals.

What happened at Valley Forge and why was it important?

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.

What are some facts about the winter at Valley Forge?



Due to shortages of food, lack of proper hygiene, sanitation, and medical knowledge of the time, over 2,000 soldiers perished during the winter. From scurvy to smallpox, dysentery, and other maladies, one out of every six soldiers that marched into Valley Forge in December did not march back out in June.

What was the significance of winter at Valley Forge quizlet?

Starvation, disease, and exposure killed nearly 2,500 American soldiers by the end of February 1778. No battle was fought at Valley Forge. Yet, it was the turning point of the Revolutionary War. It was here that the Continental army was desperately against the ropes — bloody, beaten, battle-weary — and ready to quit.



What were 2 reasons for choosing Valley Forge?

Robert Middlekauff, in The Glorious Cause (1982), states that Washington chose the site because it was “well located strategically, easily defended, and out of the way of civilians.” North Callaghan’s biography of Henry Knox highlights its subject’s military acumen by claiming that “the winter quarters which Washington

What does Valley Forge symbolize?

The name of Valley Forge has come to stand, and rightly so, as a patriotic symbol of suffering, courage, and perseverance. The hardcore of continentals who stayed with General George Washington during that bitter winter of 1777–1778 suffered much.

Why was the winter of 1776 to 1777 significant?

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.

What happened at Valley Forge 1777?



They remained there for six months, from December 19, 1777 to June 19, 1778. At Valley Forge, the Continentals struggled to manage a disastrous supply crisis while retraining and reorganizing their units. About 1,700 to 2,000 soldiers died from disease, possibly exacerbated by malnutrition.