Retreat, Retreat, Retreat

Americans under General Washington make a miraculous escape from what seems certain defeat on Long Island, with a daring nighttime withdrawal. After this, the British are able to take New York without a further fight.

Making full use of their military superiority, the British pursue Washington's battered army further and further north on Manhattan Island. With luck, they will trap him against the river separating the island from the mainland.

Washington is able to slow them down, mid-island, inspiring the troops with his coolness under fire. But his troops and officers are still green, and Washington is forced to retreat again. It's not a good start.


	British Advance The British land their entire army near the bottom of Manhattan (WHITE #1), securing the city for an occupation that will last the entire war. They then push north to fight the Americans at Harlem Heights (#2), where Washington is able to stop their advance, for a time. He loses 3,000 troops covering his escape from Manhattan, with the main body of his army.



	British Surprised Washington heads north to get cross the Hudson River, then turns south (ORANGE line). The British are back in New York, for the winter, but leave outposts in New Jersey. Washington hopes an attack on one of these isolated positions can provide a quick morale boost for his ragged army. Circling back to re-cross the Delaware River, Washington launches a surprise attack on the British at Trenton. It's the day after Christmas, the British are completely surprised, and the Americans have their first clear win.


	Smashing American Victory After inconclusive fighting through the following summer, The British decide to cut off New England from the rest of the colonies. Forces are supposed to converge from three directions, but the plan goes awry. Only the main British force from the north sticks to the plan, chopping its way through semi-wilderness while losing strength. It is finally surrounded and forced to surrender to American forces gathered at Saratoga. It's a stunning American victory, and the French sign an alliance soon afterwards.