The Americans were up against one of the biggest military threats in the world during the Revolutionary War. Britain had a highly trained army, navy and experienced commander. The Americans fought hard for their independence; the thought of independence was a powerful motivation to continue the fight. They also had some experience from the Seven Years War. The first years of the war were disappointing on the American side; Washington started off with 28,000 men and dropped down to less than 3,000 because the soldiers gave up and went home. Then, Washington successfully launched surprise attacks on the British on January 3, 1777. Motivation for the Americans increased again at Saratoga when the Americans blocked and forced General John
