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The year is 1776. The
Revolutionary War is heating up, and both sides want and need New York City.
Whoever has control of New York City has control of a major harbor. The
harbor is important for many reasons:
- to get supplies and
troops from other countries.
- it's in the center of the colonies, and therefore troops and supplies
need to go through the area.
- messengers need to get through this area to give secrets to each
commander.
The scene is set for a major
battle near or in New York City. General George Washington was in charge
of the Patriot troops. General William Howe was in charge of the
Loyalists. Click on the sites below to hear what each General had
to say!
On August 22, 1776, the
fighting began on Long Island at Jamaica Pass. Howe defeated Lee
for a major Patriot victory. The British lost 63 men and the
Patriots lost almost 1,000!
On August 26th, General Lee
retreated (went backwards) to Brooklyn Heights. Most war critics
agree that if Howe had attacked the Patriots again at this point, the
British would have really destroyed the Patriot army and probably have
won the war.
Meanwhile, General Washington
managed to sneak his troops to safety across the river during the
night. Because of Washington's skill and courage and the hope
and inspiration that he gave to his troops, the Patriot army got out
of the "trap" set by Howe and went on, of course, to win the
war.
So
the Patriots lost the battle, but won the war!
Copyright © 2001-08
Oswego City School District
Elementary Test Prep
Center
Studyzone.org
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