WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -After capturing Philadelphia in September 1777, British General William Howe (1729-1814) camped a large contingent of his troops at nearby Germantown.

Detailed explanation-2: -Howe was responsible for the campaign to capture Philadelphia, having already captured New York in 1776. He successfully took Philadelphia in September 1777 and led the bombardment of Fort Mifflin and Fort Mercer later that year to open a supply line to the occupied city.

Detailed explanation-3: -The British had captured Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, following General George Washington’s defeats at the Battle of Brandywine and the Battle of the Clouds.

Detailed explanation-4: -Lethargic Maj. Gen. William Howe, commander of British forces in America, made his move on Philadelphia in September 1777 thinking that, perhaps, the capture of the rebel capital would end the war.

Detailed explanation-5: -Fact #2: The British chose a roundabout way to attack the capital in the summer of 1777. In 1776, British General William Howe captured the city of New York, and in the following year set his sights on the American capital of Philadelphia.