The Soul of All America (December 1777 – May 1780)

France and Spain join the war against Britain, continuing the series of wars between the European Empires for the prize of North America. The weary Continental Army settles in Valley Forge for the winter, where they suffer from a lack of supplies, brutal winter storms and outbreaks of deadly diseases like typhus and influenza. The fight for independence hangs by a thread.

The Continental Army settles down in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, for the winter, where they face harsh conditions and dwindling supplies. Hundreds of soldiers desert, either returning home or surrendering to the British in nearby Philadelphia. Morale among the Patriots is low, and there is discussion of mutiny or demanding that Washington step down as commander.

A solar eclipse plunges the colonies into darkness in June 1778 as the Continental Army mobilizes from Valley Forge to attack British supply chains. The two armies clash near Monmouth Court House in New Jersey in brutal summer heat. At the end of the battle, both sides are bloodied, yet both claim victory. The Battle of Monmouth will be the last major engagement of the war in the North.

In June 1779, Spain joins France in the war against England. As empire with colonies in America, Spain does not support American independence. However, they see opportunity to attack their British enemies. Meanwhile, privateer John Paul Jones leads daring raids on British supply ships and is hailed a hero by the French court.

Looking towards the South, General Clinton aims to take the Carolinas. Charleston is one of the largest cities in the United States. The British surround and lay siege on the city as thousands of enslaved men, women and children flee to the British lines. After a month of constant bombardment, the city surrenders, which will become the biggest defeat of the Revolution.

Securing resources for the American Revolution was top of mind for both sides. In the United States, funding the war effort meant borrowing money. This created an entire class of lenders with an interest in establishing a strong government to ensure they’d get repaid. The British had the funds, but how long should they pour money into a war with no end in sight?

When the British realize they won’t win in New England, they change their tactics. Instead of trying to keep all 13 colonies, they would focus on the most valuable – that meant those in the South. Southern colonies were part of an economic system that generated power and wealth for Britain. Plus, the British assumed there were more Loyalists in those areas who would come to their aid.

Washington’s Continental Army emerges from the harsh winter at Valley Forge to fight the British Army in the inconclusive Battle of Monmouth. But the alliance with France changes the war and moves it to other theaters. Navies battle off England’s coast and in the Caribbean, while armies advance into Indian Country and the southern states. Together, the British Army and Navy capture Charleston.