Answer

Canada and the US the first centuries

The Factors which Led to the Near Starvation of Washington’s Army

General Washington’s army almost starved to death at Valley Forge in the State of Philadelphia in the Winter of 1778 due to several factors. The army was fleeing from the advancing British troops after a series of defeats which culminated in the loss of the city of Philadelphia to the colonial masters. The loss of the city of Philadelphia was a big blow to the army as it was the seat of political power and the largest city in the colonies controlled by Britain. 

            The army arrived at Valley Forge tired, beaten, sick and hungry after losing a series of battles and was therefore demoralized. The army faced shortages of almost everything including clothing, money, medicine and food.  The living conditions in the camp were deplorable exposing the army to the biting cold weather. Shortage of money made it difficult for the army to buy food from the neighboring areas, buy sufficient clothing and improve the living conditions in the camp.

            These conditions affected the morale and led to a large number of men deserting the army and over 2,000 soldiers dying from diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, influenza and typhus. Lack of supplies such as clothing and footwear saw about 2,898 men declared unfit for service because they walked barefoot and were basically naked. Farmers in neighboring areas were also to blame for they preferred to sell their produce to the British army who paid well.

            Conclusively, the morale of Washington’s army was at an all-time low due to losses suffered at the hands of the more experienced and well trained British army. Due to shortages of money, clothing, medicines and food, General Washington was practically unable to improve the living conditions in the camp, provide sufficient food and medicines which led to a large number of deaths and desertions during the winter period.

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