Sierra Leahy

How the Winter of Changed Affected the American Revolution

It was the fall of 1777 when General George Washington moved his soldiers to New Jersey.

Shortly after, their base was taken over by the British army of General William Howe, requiring them to

find a new camp site. There they found Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Although they didn’t know this at

the time, they would soon be fighting for their lives against more than just the battles of the American

Revolution. Today, this event in history is called the Winter of Change. America would not have earned

their freedom if it wasn't for the soldiers' perseverance during the Winter of Change.

Because of the army having to suddenly relocate due to the British taking over Philadelphia, they

arrived at Valley Forge unaware of how the weather would persist, and unprepared for the low

temperatures and harsh snowfall conditions. They began to build over 2,000 log huts, with the building

materials being collected from the region's abundant forests (Hickman). Although the design of the log

huts was far from ideal, it provided the soldiers with acceptable resources and protection that fit their

livelihood. With using the materials around them, they exemplified resourcefulness that would be used in

future situations when wars and revolutions occured. Continental Army Private, Joseph Plumb Martin,

wrote that the Valley Forge encampment left them in a “truly forlorn condition. No clothing, no

provisions, and as disheartened as need be,” ("Winter at Valley Forge"). As this has been stated and

agreed with by different historians, many can see that Valley Forge was not the most ideal site, however,

the army made it work. When Benjamin Franklin recruited Baron von Steuben to the American cause, due

to his experience training soldiers in the Seven Years’ War, Washington quickly noticed his positive effect

on the soldiers. The army had significantly improved since the last battle, from “ragtag and wearied

recruits to an ordered and disciplined fighting force” (battlefields.org).

Focused more on preparing for war, the army’s materials and resources ran very short, which in

turn made many soldiers incapable of battling in some of the war. In the end, over 2,000 soldiers died

from lack of protection and sustainable materials ("Winter at Valley Forge"). Through this, many can see
that modern army’s have learned from this event, and other events previous to this one, that it is better to

be safe than sorry when it comes to preparing and collecting materials for battles, and preparing for

unexpected conditions and events. was not accounted for during the preparation of relocating their base.

Observing the illnesses and conditions at the site, Baron von Stueben relocated the bathrooms and

kitchens to opposite ends of the camp to ensure better sanitization (Hickman). Because of this, George

Washington designated Baron von Stueben as the unofficial Inspector General of the Valley Forge

encampment. To make von Stueben’s job less stressful, Washington recruited Frenchman Marquis de

Lafayette to accompany him in training the soldiers. As he worked with them, he became popular and

well known for his dedication to Washington and the American Cause ("Winter at Valley Forge").

After all of their practices and training with von Stueben and Lafayette, Washington believed the

army was ready to go into battle. The army decided to intercept the British at the Battle of Monmouth.

Despite the hot weather, the soldiers showed their improvement through the practice and training as they

battled (Hickman). To train for this battle before, Baron von Stueben selected 100 men as a “model

company” and instructed them through the drill, maneuver, and simplified manual of arms (Hickman).

However, without Washington's steady leadership and perseverance, they would not have been able to

defeat the British in any of the battles, which could have resulted in a mass desertion of Valley Forge

soldiers. This would come to benefit them even more during their next battle, the Battle of Yorktown, in

September of 1781, in which they would be victorious. When the ending of the Winter of Change

commenced, it was greatly affected by the news of America’s alliance with France, which was announced

in May of 1778. Just a few weeks later, the army departed from their camp at Valley Forge. When the

British heard of the alliance between America and France, they decided to evacuate Philadelphia and

return to New York, which, in turn, prompted Washington to leave Valley Forge in pursuit on June 19,

1778.

Through this, we can see how without the perseverance of the American Soldiers during the

American Revolution, and specifically the Winter of Change, America would not have earned it’s

freedom. First, being unaware of the severity of the coming weather. Then, the lack of sustainable
materials, along with losing over 2,000 soldiers (“Winter at Valley Forge” and Hickman). Finally, pushing

themselves through repetitive training and practice so they could become powerful and fearsome soldiers.

Without the Winter of Change in Valley Forge, and the bravery shown through the American soldiers,

America would have never earned its freedom.

Works Cited:
1. “Winter at Valley Forge”. American Battlefield Trust. November 5, 2021. battlefields.org
2. Hickman, Kennedy. “American Revolution: Winter at Valley Forge”. January 29, 2020.
Thought Co. November 5, 2021. thoughtco.com