CommonLit | Valley Forge and the American Revolution

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"George Washington" by NCinDC is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

Valley Forge and the American RevolutionBy Barbara Radner

2005

Throughout the 1760s, many factors led citizens of the thirteen colonies in the present-day United States tobecome upset with the British government. They felt that they were being taxed unfairly and prevented fromliving their lives as they wished. Ultimately, the citizens of the colonies went to war with Great Britain to fightfor their independence. The Revolutionary War lasted from 1775 to 1783. As you read, take notes on thereasons for the American army’s improvement during the Revolutionary War.

The United States today has been a country formore than 200 years, but in 1777 many peopledid not think it would become a country. GeorgeWashington was a great leader who was leadingthe army. The army was fighting forindependence.

That winter was a time of challenge. GeorgeWashington and his army were living in a camp atValley Forge.1 That was a good location. It wasnear trees so they could get wood to make firesto keep warm, and they could see far from a hill.That way, they could see if the other army wascoming to fight them.

That other army was the British. They had many more guns and supplies than Washington’s army.Washington’s army had little food. They had some blankets, but many of the solders did not even haveshoes or coats.

George Washington kept encouraging the soldiers. He told them to be brave, that they were fightingfor freedom. Some days it was so cold and snowy he himself worried. But he did not tell the soldiersthat. He was very brave.

The soldiers were not well trained. Many had been farmers before, so they did not know much aboutfighting. Washington used the time at Valley Forge to train them. He got help.

A soldier from Germany came to Valley Forge. He was named [Baron] von Steuben, and he wanted tohelp. He organized a group of 120 leaders and showed them how to fight well. He showed the soldiershow to fight with guns. He showed them how to win a battle with the British. They trained othersoldiers. Soon, the army was much better prepared. When spring came, some soldiers had died. Theothers were ready to fight. They fought for their freedom. George Washington led them to win the war.And the soldier who helped them, von Steuben, helped them to that victory.

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1. Valley Forge was the location of a military camp near Philadelphia.

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"Valley Forge and the American Revolution", © 2005, Barbara Radner. Reprinted with permission, all rights reserved.

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Text-Dependent QuestionsDirections: For the following questions, choose the best answer or respond in complete sentences.

1. PART A: Which of the following best identifies the central idea of this text?A. George Washington’s bravery during the American Revolution led the new

nation to select him as its first president.B. George Washington and Baron von Steuben played an important role in helping

America gain its independence.C. Baron von Steuben was most interested in increasing his own power.D. America’s success during the war was not guaranteed; many soldiers even left

the army when they realized how unprepared they were to fight the British.

2. PART B: Which phrase from the text best supports the answer to Part A?A. “Washington’s army had little food. They had some blankets, but many of the

solders did not even have shoes or coats.” (Paragraph 3)B. “Some days it was so cold and snowy he himself worried. But he did not tell the

soldiers that. He was very brave.” (Paragraph 4)C. “He showed them how to win a battle with the British. They trained other

soldiers.” (Paragraph 6)D. “George Washington led them to win the war. And the soldier who helped them,

von Steuben, helped them to that victory.” (Paragraph 6)

3. How does the following phrase in paragraph 4 help develop the central idea of thepassage: “Some days it was so cold and snowy he himself worried. But he did not tellthe soldiers that. He was very brave.”?

A. It shows that Washington was an extremely brave and strong leader even whentimes were challenging.

B. It proves that Washington does not earn the praise he received during the war,because he did not believe in his army.

C. It shows that Washington was a weak leader and he needed von Steuben to takeover for him.

D. It advances the idea that Washington had the skills needed to become the firstpresident of the United States.

4. What is the author’s main purpose in writing the article?A. To help readers consider what would have happened to America if they lost the

Revolutionary War.B. To describe all of the advantages that American had in their fight against the

British.C. To teach readers about the American army during the Revolutionary War, and to

explain a few of the reasons why they were able to win the war.D. To show readers that George Washington was the bravest and most respectable

of the Founding Fathers.

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[RI.3]5. How does the author describe the relationship between George Washington’sleadership and the quality of the American army? Cite evidence from the text in yourresponse.

A. Answers will vary; students should recognize that the author sets forthWashington’s steady guidance as a major contributing factor to the success ofthe American army in the Revolutionary War. Early in the text, he is described as“a great leader” (Paragraph 1), even despite the uncertain state of his cause. Theauthor notes that he may properly be celebrated for his bravery, which ensuredthat morale was kept up among the soldiers and that they did not lose sight oftheir ultimate aim: “Some days it was so cold and snowy he himself worried. Buthe did not tell the soldiers that” (Paragraph 4). Further, besides smartly using“the time at Valley Forge to train” (Paragraph 5) his soldiers, demonstrating ashrewd awareness of the state of his army, Washington was actually able tosecure meaningful, outside help for his soldiers. His recruitment of von Steuben,the officer who “showed them how to win a battle with the British” (Paragraph6), was an integral aspect of his betterment of the army. Finally, it is stated that“George Washington led them to win the war” (Paragraph 6), underlining thevastness and importance of his contribution to the war effort.

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Discussion QuestionsDirections: Brainstorm your answers to the following questions in the space provided. Be prepared toshare your original ideas in a class discussion.

1. Why do you think the Americans disliked the British government and wished to beindependent? Why do you think the British government did not agree to grant theAmericans independence without a fight?

2. Based on the text and your knowledge of historical events, what other factors—besides theones discussed in the text—might have helped America win the Revolutionary War? Whatgenerally makes nations successful in war?

3. Why does the author mention that Washington and his troops spent time at Valley Forge?Do you think it is important to remember the specific sites of different battles and otherhistorically significant events?

4. Why does the author mention that Washington and his troops spent time at Valley Forge?Do you think it is important to remember the specific sites of different battles and otherhistorically significant events?

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