Battle of Germantown (American Revolution)

Why did Washington decide to attack the British in Germantown?

• British General Howe's camp in Germantown was poorly defended.  

• General Washington wanted to continue his success after winning the Battle of the Brandywine.

• General Washington was adamant that the British would not capture Philadelphia.

General Washington planned a devious attack on the British troops Germantown. What are three things that made it complicated?

• The continental army would create a massive diversion in Center City, Philadelphia, to pull British attention elsewhere.

• It was a three-pronged attack that relied heavily on a dusk ambush. There was also a thunderstorm.

• It was a four-pronged attack that involved a 15+ mile hike at night -- with cannons -- to get into position. Oh yeah, plus fog.

Massive confusion and stress broke out at Cliveden house, a mansion in Germantown where the British took cover. This was because...

• Some of the continental army that had pushed ahead to Center City doubled back because they were worried about being sandwiched by British troops.

• Because of the fog, some American troops ended up firing on each other.

• The continental army was running low on ammunition and had to cut back on firing.

One flank of the colonial army was stationed in the Wissahickon and faced off with British and Hessian (German) forces across the creek and valley. The outcome of this battle was similar to the overall Battle of Germantown in that...

• Washington and the continental army emerged victorious in their defeat of the British.

• The Wissahickon flank of the continental army had to retreat.

• A truce was established between the two armies.

What is one surprising take-away for General Washington from the outcome of the Battle of Germantown?