Embedded Files
#43 - Winter at Valley Forge
Instructional Goal: Students will describe the hardships faced by the Continental Army at Valley Forge and explain how those struggles transformed the military into a disciplined fighting force.
Essential Questions
Essential Questions
1- Related to Self: Could you stay committed to a goal if you were hungry, cold, and uncomfortable every single day?
2- Related to Society: Why is it sometimes necessary for a group of people to go through a "test of survival" to become stronger and more united?
Vocabulary Words
Vocabulary Words
Hardship: A condition that is very difficult to endure (like extreme cold or hunger).
Rations: A fixed amount of food allowed for each person during a time of shortage.
Discipline: The practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior.
Transformation: A complete change in the form or character of something.
Primary Source: Excerpt from the Diary of Albigence Waldo, Surgeon at Valley Forge (December 14, 1777)
"Poor food—hard lodging—cold weather—fatigue—nasty cloaths—nasty cookery—vomit half my time...
The Army are [sic] now Billited in Wigwams—but stay—I am out of the way—they are some of them Billited in Houses—some in Huts... I can't endure it."
Persuasive Writing: Based on the image and the text, write a one-sentence "tweet" or "telegram" from one of these soldiers to his family back home.
"What's Worse?" — Survival vs. Modern Life
"What's Worse?" — Survival vs. Modern Life
1- The Clothing Challenge:
Modern: You have to wear the exact same outfit (unwashed) for 3 months straight, but you have warm boots.
Valley Forge: You have a warm coat, but you have to walk through snow and mud completely barefoot until your feet bleed and turn numb.
2- The Food Challenge:
Modern: You can only eat plain white rice and drink lukewarm water for every meal for the next 90 days.
Valley Forge: You eat "Firecake" (burnt flour and water paste) and "Nasty Cookery" that makes you vomit half the time because the water is contaminated and the meat is rotten.
3- The Shelter Challenge:
Modern: You have to live in a warm room with 5 other people, no bed, and no phone/internet for the entire winter.
Valley Forge: You live in a 14x16 foot log hut with 5 other sick, shivering men, a smoky fireplace that stings your eyes, and no door—only a hanging blanket to stop the freezing wind.
Video Supplement
Start at 25:00 - Valley Forge
Valley Forge: A Test of Survival
Valley Forge: A Test of Survival
Terrible Conditions: The soldiers lived through a freezing winter with almost no food, many wearing rags for clothes or even walking barefoot in the snow, causing thousands to die from sickness.
Getting Stronger: Even though things were miserable, the army used the time to practice and train, turning from a messy group of farmers into a tough, professional team ready to fight.
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