Example 1777 World Events

Washington Winters in

TOC

By the beginning of February, 1777 at his quarters at Morristown, General Washington grew anxious as to the intentions of the British who were now snug and comfortable in their quarters in New York and the surrounding area. The British were not his only problem. Holding the army together to fight another day was more difficult due to the self- interest of his Generals, Congress, and the individual colonies. Congress had seen the British military evolve from a force to defeat the French and Indians into an occupation force imposed on the colonies. They were now fearful of being dominated by a strong military. After the Declaration of Independence Washington irritated most of the colonies by not considering them sovereign, but a part of a greater nation, to be called “The United States.” Never understood by the British, but accepted by his own forces, was his battle strategy of Hit and Run. His frequent tactical withdrawals never allowed the enemy to destroy his army in battle. This saved lives and vital resources. Although seemingly defeated, American forces often just faded away, recouping their losses, and then returned to fight another day.