Why Was the Battle of Germantown Fought?
The Historical Background – Howe Had Defeated Washington At Brandywine And Occupied the City of Philadelphia The Battle of Germantown was fought, as part of the larger struggle to control the colonial capital of Philadelphia. Several weeks earlier, on September 11, 1777, Howe had decisively defeated Washington at the Battle of Brandywine, located in Chester County (today, part of suburban Philadelphia). After the defeat, Washington was forced to retreat, in order to preserve the Continental Army, and live to fight another day. Washington retreated into what is now central Montgomery County. This meant, however, that Howe could now capture Philadelphia, without firing a shot. The Continental Congress fled to avoid capture, and Howe occupied the city in late September. Howe’s Strategy – Divide the Royal Army, Moving Troops To Germantown To Engage With Washington’s Army With no American army to contest the city, Howe decided to take a large part of the Royal Army to Germantown, five miles
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