DBQ: The Revolutionary Revolution

The bitter wind stings when it hits the Patriots nearly naked bodies. There clothes are torn from fighting and they don’t have new uniforms. They are stumbling onto the ground. Dying from illness and starvation. Still they go on. They keep fighting to venture for independence from Great Britain. The Revolution has not gone well for the Patriots in the first two years. In the summer of 1775, the patriots were forced to withdraw from Boston and go to New York City. Later that year, they were not able to stop the British from invading Philadelphia. When their enlistments were up soldiers started leaving while George Washington was begging them to stay. Some were even just deserting the Continental Army. The soldiers that did stay had harsh living conditions. Not enough food. Worn out clothing. Houses built with mud and wood. Even though it was hard, some stayed for the sole purpose of providing a better country for the next generation. If I was alive at the time and if I was asked if I would stay or quit, I would definitely stay. 90% of soldiers survived the harsh winter of 1777. We were getting supplies from the Congress and soldiers from other countries. Inspiring people such as Thomas Paine would also convince me. In between December of 1777 and June of 1778, 1,800-2,500 soldiers out if the 9200 men died of illness, as show in the table in Document A. …show more content…
That is about 10 percent of the population. That means you had a 90 percent chance of living through the winter. That is a huge percentage. Why were men so scared to get sick? If they went home they still had the potential threat of getting sick and affecting the whole family. Men were needed at that time. Soldiers were deserting. Enlistments expired. Nine-month men’s nine months were up and they were going home. Why leave if there is a small chance of you getting ill and dying. Yes there are other threats, but illness was one of the largest cause of death back then. George Washington and his soldiers are fatigue and weak. It says in Document C, “Yet they still show a spirit of Alacrity (cheerful willingness) and Contentment not to be expected from so young Troops. I am sick-disconnected-and out of humor.” The soldiers at Valley Forge wanted to move on and fight, but they weren't strong enough. They needed healthier soldiers to carry on their mission. As shown in the painting by William Henry Powell on Document B, the Congressional Committee are supporting the Continental Army with supplies to move forward with war. The Congressmen are providing them with food and better clothing. Martha Washington, the wife of George Washington, was sewing new socks and other pieces of clothing for the soldiers whenever she could. That is one thing that made her a famous first lady. Also countries like France and Spain were sending troops to help the fight on the side of America. Why quit when you are getting so much help and that close to defeating the British. You and the rest of the soldiers will be cured and able to fight alongside the help of the stronger men. “THESE are the times that try men’s souls.” Thomas Paine wrote that famous