Page 63 - ASM Book 9/2020

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OArticles of Confederation Led to U.S. Constitution
n November 15, the Continental Congress adopted the Articles of Confederation – the forerunner to the Constitution of the United States of America.
After the Declaration of Independence was approved, members of Congress realized that a national government was needed. After months of debate, the Articles of Confederation were approved.
The Articles created a loose confederation of 13 sovereign states with a weak national government. The new government did not have an executive branch or a court system, and congress had limited powers.
Over time, the Articles proved to be unsatisfactory, which led to the
establishment of our current federal government, under authority of the Constitution of the United States.
Washington Established Winter Quarters
The Continental Army ended 1777 with a pivotal victory at Saratoga after losing battles at Brandywine, Paoli and Germantown.
Philadelphia was now in British hands and Congress had moved to York, Pennsylvania.
On December 19, 1777, General Washington marched his 12,000 hungry, sick and tired men into Valley Forge for winter camp. Valley Forge was located about 20 miles from Philadelphia. The site was picked because of its strategic location near Philadelphia, its defensible position, and the available firewood and water.
One of Washington’s first orders was for the men to build 12’ x 12’ log cabins with a chimney and 12 bunks. Trenches and earthen fortifications were also built around the camp to defend against possible Redcoat attacks.
It soon became apparent to Washington that it would a miserable winter. Many soldiers were already without shoes, coats and blankets. Also, he knew the prospect of being resupplied was very slim. He was distressed knowing that large numbers of soldiers would get sick and die from the bitter winter, diseases and lack of adequate food. Unfortunately, conditions grew worse than he expected.
Part of the problem was that many local farmers withheld food and grain from the army and sold it instead to the British for higher prices paid in gold and silver. Congress was also unable to provide a steady flow of money for army supplies. Lastly, many states did not have the resources to help soldiers from their states.
An estimated 2,000 men died that winter at Valley Forge.
On December 23, 1777, Washington reported to Congress that his soldiers had to “occupy a cold bleak hill and sleep under frost and Snow without Cloaths or Blankets.”