USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -So Washington’s challenge is to keep his volunteer, untrained, and often defeated army of 14, 000 together through the winter of 1777-8 so that he can take advantage of his new French allies offer.

Detailed explanation-2: -While rain, snow, and cold temperatures afflicted the army, the situation was made far worse by the lack of shelter, blankets, winter coats, and even shoes. It has been estimated that a third of Washington’s army at Valley Forge lacked viable footwear.

Detailed explanation-3: -The rebel capital, Philadelphia, fell into British hands. By the time the army marched into Valley Forge on December 19, they were suffering not only from cold, hunger, and fatigue, but from low morale in the wake of the disastrous Philadelphia Campaign.

Detailed explanation-4: -Washington ordered his soldiers to build wooden huts for themselves, twelve by twelve feet each, and then search the countryside for straw to use as bedding. He hoped this would keep them warm since there were not enough blankets for everyone.