In a time of change and rebellion against the power of the Queen, a small, relatively underdeveloped country fought to obtain its independence. A smaller and less equipped force, the Continental Army began its conquest to relieve its people once and for all from tyranny and allow them to be governed according to new principles and foundations found in what was called the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War in many ways marked the beginning of this conquest, a global fight for freedom and justice. While the much better equipped English army remained in idle comfort, a band of Continental volunteers survived a grueling winter under the command of General George Washington and, under the strict drills of Baron Von Steuben, proved themselves to be a more hardened and resolute fighting force than Britain ever imagined. The events that took place at Valley Forge and the individuals who survived the grueling winter of 1777-1778 successfully transitioned from civilian to soldier, were educated to leader, and created a combat-ready force that stood launched into a victorious campaign against the British forces. It was December 1777 and General George Washington's army of 12,000 men had just suffered defeat in the city of Philadelphia against British General Howe. To the Continental Army's credit, Howe's execution of his battle plan was called a perfect tactic and the relatively untrained Continentals could do little to defend against it. The men had made a tactical march of approximately 20 miles from Philadelphia to the open grounds of Valley Forge. The area was chosen for its obvious ability to observe British movements and battle formations as well as its ability to create a network of defensive and retreat positions. ...... middle of paper ...... "Myth and truth at Valley Forge." American History 40, no. 5:42-73. Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed April 23, 2010). Freedman, Russell. 2008. Washington at Valley Forge. New York: Vacation Home. Historic Valley Forge. http://www.ushistory.org/valleyforge (accessed April 21, 2010)Lengel, Edward. General George Washington: A Military Life. Westminster: Random House, 2005. http://site.ebrary.com/lib/apus/Doc?id=10081799&ppg=342 (accessed May 18, 2010) Shy, John. “The Road to Valley Forge: How Washington Built the Army That Won the Revolution.” The Journal of Military History. 69, no. 2 (April 1, 2005): 549-551. http://www.proquest.com. ezproxy2.apus.edu/ (accessed May 15, 2010). Zellers-Frederick, A. “Valley Forge, Pennsylvania Military History,” May 1, 2010, 76-77.5 http://www.proquest.com. .ezproxy2.apus.edu/ (accessed April 23, 2010).