Exploros | Turning Points in the Revolutionary War

Turning Points in the Revolutionary War

Students examine events in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey that marked turning points in the Revolutionary War: the battle of Trenton, the winter at Valley Forge, and the battles of Saratoga. Then they will explain the significance of each event.

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Overview

In this experience, students examine events in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey that marked turning points in the Revolutionary War: the battle of Trenton, the winter at Valley Forge, and the battles of Saratoga. Then they will explain the significance of each event.

Objective:

Describe the war in the Middle Colonies, including how the battles at Trenton and Saratoga and the winter at Valley Forge marked turning points in the war.

Key events in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey marked a turning point in the Revolutionary War: the battle of Trenton, the winter at Valley Forge, and the battles of Saratoga. In this experience, you will explain the significance of each event.

Objective:

Describe the war in the Middle Colonies, including how the battles at Trenton and Saratoga and the winter at Valley Forge marked turning points in the war.

people in small boats struggling to row through the water

1. Washington Crossing the Delaware, by Emanuel Leutze

some men on horseback being saluted by an armed soldier while others sit around a campfire in the snow

2. Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge, John Ward Dunsmore

an outdoor meeting of men in different uniforms

3. Surrender of General Burgoyne, John Trumbull

When Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, the colonists had already fought several battles against the British in Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill, Massachusetts. While the Americans surprised the British with their determination and strength, these early battles ended in British victories. In August of 1776, the colonists would suffer another defeat in the Battle of Brooklyn, the first major battle after the Declaration of Independence. By the end of the year, the British had taken New York, as a huge fleet of their ships filled New York Harbor.

Washington crossing the Delaware River the night before the Battle of Trenton, New Jersey
General George Washington and young French officer
The British General John Burgoyne surrendering his sword to the American General Horatio Gates, after the second Battle of Saratoga, New York

Although each scene was painted many years after the war, they show important details about each event. Choose one of these paintings and study the details.

Now imagine you are an American soldier in the scene. How do you think you would feel?

Post your answer

Discuss some of the students’ responses with the class. Tell students they’ll be learning more about these events in this lesson.

When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene.