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 …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