Valley Forge

"These are the times that try men's souls." Thomas Paine

The Continental Army had suffered many defeats. The British had captured Philadelphia and the continental army could not get it back. Washington had no place to settle his troops. He finally decided on taking them to Valley Forge, located 20 miles outside Philadelphia. He could keep an eye on the British while he decided what to do next. Although no battles were fought, many men died. The continental army remained camped at Valley Forge for 6 months during winter. Men had no food, medicine or clothes and had to sleep in small log cabins. They were hungry, sick and cold and anxious to go back to their families.

George Washington worried that when their stay at Valley Forge ended, he might no longer have an army. Most of his men were farmers with families, not soldiers. However, he was determined to keep his army together. The war was not about territory, it was about freedom. The army knew it, but were unhappy with their series of defeats. They were cold, hungry and dying while the British were warm and happy at Philadelphia.
Washington needed soldiers who would not just fight effectively but would also show the idea of freedom. Washington needed that people at home would also be strong so they could provide food, clothing, information and morale.

Martha Washington was a wonderful help for Washington's plans. His soldiers were having severe problems. They were starving and freezing since they used thin clothes and rags in their feet. Martha helped them by donating as much food as she could and sewing more adequate clothes.
Even though she was tiny, she was organized and powerful. Martha managed to convince other women to help her. Soldiers who survived called her "Lady Washington" since they knew that without her they wouldn't have managed to survive. Baron Von Steuben also help the army become more professional. He taught  them how to march, fight and follow orders. Troops continued to receive help and when they marched away, Washington knew his army had become better and that he had archived his goal.