Valley Forge in Pennsylvania Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Valley Forge in Pennsylvania - Research Paper Example Valley Forge in Pennsylvania was the site of the military camp of the American Continental Army over the winter of 1777–1778 Valley Forge is among the historical places that marked the American Revolution. Moreover, George Washington and his army spent a harsh winter at Valley Forge in the year 1777 -1778. Furthermore, during this period many of the Continental army perished due to starvation, lack of proper clothing to protect them from the cold and infectious diseases (Webstar 1305). Consequently, the Continental army was reduced to almost half its initial population. However, the conditions at the camp improved when congress sent food at the camp and hygiene standards were elevated. Moreover, the soldiers were drilled and when spring arrived, they were ready and eager to face the British army in the battle field. To this end, the continental army eventually fought with the British army even though they were at draw military wise. The Continental Army left the battle field in high spirits and confidence compared to the previous wars. The subsequent sections will elaborate on the reasons as to why General Washington’s Continental army decided to camp at Valley Forge. Moreover, the challenges they encountered during the encampment at Valley Forge will be discussed comprehensively. Furthermore, the drilling of soldiers by Steuben Baron that took place while they were at Valley Forge will be intricately discussed. Finally, the aftermath of the training process will be summarily discussed. Reasons for Camping at Valley Forge In the 18th century of 1777 George Washington, the general of continental army, moved with his army to the south of New Jersey. His objective was to defend Philadelphia city from the advancing forces of William Howe. Consequently, the two armies clashed at Brandywine on the 11th of September (Hickman 1). As a result, Washington’s army was defeated and flee the city. Washington’s army struck again at Germantown on 4th of October in order to regain initiative but was decisively defeated. Subsequently, with the cold weather approaching Washington moved his army to a winter encampment. To this end, he chose Valley Forge, 20 mile s from Northwest city of Philadelphia. Evidently, the site would easily be defendable from surprise attacks. In addition, provision of food from local farmers would be easy. Challenges at Valley Forge In as much as Washington chose the best place for his soldiers to camp, they still encountered serious problems like lack of food and clothing. The soldiers had little to eat apart from fried dough called fire cakes. Furthermore, the soldiers wore tattered cloths and their accommodation was hastily built. The accommodation consisted of canvas walls and dirt floors that were smoky and cold. Furthermore, the cabins were ideal sites for the spreading of diseases that subjected the soldiers to bouts of cold (Miller 9). In addition, the local farmers were hesitant to give their food in exchange to the almost worthless soldiers. On the contrary, the farmers traded their produce with the British; located miles away Philadelphia; for liquid cash. Furthermore, the local farmers even continued t o hoard food as they waited to earn higher profits in the spring season. Consequently, there were prevalent desertions and deaths from diseases and hunger. This led to a reduction of the continental army to almost one-half of the initial size (Miller 9). In addition, Washington was privately annoyed with the lack of strong commitment from his supposedly patriot fighters. Washington’s Leadership Qualities Questioned Washington’s leadership integrity and qualities were cast openly in doubt by his fellow army officers as well as part of the

Historical essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 2

Historical - Essay Example ample, many businesses flourished in the 1920s as subsequent governments adopted the pro-business stance leading to the growth of industries in the manufacturing, aviation, automobile and chemical sectors. In fact, automobile production per year increased threefold, leading to more than 50% of American households owning cars (Foner 610). In my opinion, true American entrepreneurship was born in the 1920s. That is, American entrepreneurship where tenacity, grit, street smarts, education, ambition and opportunity could lead to success on a far wider scale than ever imagined before in a capitalistic system. Many of the entrepreneurs found today have partly modelled their success in accordance to some of the entrepreneurs found in the 1920s. For example, the Prohibition era provided an opportunity for many individuals to become rich. For those who owned establishments such as speakeasies or those responsible for bootlegging, a lot of money was made. The period also witnessed massive rural to urban migration as farmers form the Southern states migrated to cities such as Los Angeles to work in textile and automobile industries, while others found employment opportunities in Hollywood. Indeed, everyone wanted a piece of the American dream (Foner 613). Even though there was far more rampant public corruption in the 1920s as gangs and criminals bribed city officials, the ability to spot an opportunity and utilize it to its maximum, is a trait that is seen today, as companies and multinationals try to exploit every little opportunity for profit. In the 1920s, liquor and prostitution based businesses reaped millions of profits in dollars. However, it was not just illegal business that flourished, even legal ones such as multinationals gained footholds in international markets, marking a shift from Internationalism to Isolationism (Foner 618). The celebrity culture present today also has its roots in the 1920s. As more people began to adopt more lax economic principles,