Washington's Army

Describe Washington's leadership and the Black regiments, including the 1st Rhode Island.

Warm-up, learn, try it together, practice, then a quick check. About 15 minutes.

What children learn in Level 22

Congress chose George Washington of Virginia to command the Continental Army. He had fought in the French and Indian War, and people trusted him.
His army was short of food, clothing, and pay. It lost many battles early on. But on a freezing night in December 1776, Washington took his soldiers across the Delaware River and won a surprise victory at Trenton.
In the winter of 1777 to 1778, the army camped at Valley Forge. Many soldiers fell sick and many died, but those who stayed drilled until they were stronger than ever.
Black soldiers served throughout the war. About 5,000 fought on the Patriot side. The 1st Rhode Island Regiment, with many Black and American Indian soldiers, became known for its courage. Rhode Island promised freedom to enslaved men who joined.
In Georgia, Austin Dabney, a Black soldier, fought at the Battle of Kettle Creek and later received land from the state. Yet slavery went on. Washington himself enslaved people, and he arranged in his will to free those he held.

Georgia Standards of Excellence in Social Studies:

SS4H1.b — Describe the influence of key individuals and groups during the American Revolution: King George III, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Benedict Arnold, Patrick Henry, John Adams, Paul Revere, and Black regiments.