Valley Forge Flashcards
(4 cards)
1
Q
Why was valley forge a problem for Washington
A
- 14,000 strong army was forced into his through terrible winter
- had barely any clothes or provisions
- grew very ill
- 1/5 soldiers had no shoes, no clean water, more than 3000 died, small pox rife
- weakened position
2
Q
Who helped at valley forge
A
- von Steuben
3
Q
Who was von Steuben
A
- Prussian military officer
- famed for expertise in military training
- played a pivotal role in training the continental army during the American war of independence, particularly at valley forge in the winter of 1777-1778.
4
Q
What did he do
A
- implemented rigorous system of military drill and discipline
- taught basic formations and arms fighting
- revitalised the army and instilled discipline
- improved sanitisation to combat the issue of disease
- wrote the Steuben drill manual
- would train 100 officers, who then train more
- European battle tactics helped to boost morale and confidence in fighting
