Battle of Brandywine Creek

1. Battle of Brandywine Creek • British Victory, 1777, that led to the capture • of Philadelphia.

2. Washington’s Defense • Set up defenses behind earth hills across the Brandywine Creek, between the British and Philadelphia.

5. Howe Outflanks

6. Notes • Howe wanted to take Philadelphia to get revenge from Boston • He decided to abandon Burgoyne whose army was in northern New York • Burgoyne was unaware that Howe went south. He continues to move south as well • Washington knows Howe’s plan because English ships appeared in the Chesapeake

7. More Notes • Washington sets his defense on the Brandywine Creek to defend Philadelphia • Americans discovered that their new French guns didn’t work • The British have new riffles that are very accurate • British colonel Ferguson has Washington in his sites but decides not to shoot

8. More Notes • Howe attacks Washington head on, but also sent half of his army north in a loop • After eight hours of fighting, the Americans discover they were surrounded • Washington is forced to retreat and give up Philadelphia • There were over 1000 American casualties