The Battle of Germantown

Battle of Germantown

Opportunity Strikes?

In October 1777, the Patriot effort was once again on "life support." The British had taken over Philadelphia after the Battle of Brandywine Creek, and the Americans were desperate for a victory. When George Washington heard that British General Sir William Howe was splitting up his troops, putting 9,000 men in the small town of Germantown, he saw an opportunity for an American strike. Washington knew there were four roads leading to Germantown, so he planned a four-pointed strike with his men approaching the city in all directions for a surprise attack.

Learn more about the Battle of Brandywine Creek

The Plan

The night of October 3, Washington divided his men up and ordered them to attack the city from multiple directions at dawn. General John Sullivan led the main force going in from the front, General Nathanael Greene led forces going from the side, and a militia under William Smallwood planned to go in from the right and from behind. Washington's plan was strategic and well-intentioned, but it had one flaw: planning a four-way attack requires precise communication and timing.

Unexpected Obstacles

The morning of the attack, Sullivan's group made first contact with the British and moved in towards the center of the army. However, an unforeseen variable came into play: a heavy fog set in, making it hard for parts of the army to see each other. One of Sullivan's groups, led by Anthony Wayne, was separated due to the fog. As the men started to run low on ammunition, Wayne's group heard the decreasing fire and thought that they had been cut off, withdrawing from the fight. Meanwhile, Greene's troops arrived on the scene, but one group from the squadron also got separated in the fog. Looking for the rest of the army, the group stumbled upon the group from Wayne's army and mistook them for the British enemy. Both groups began firing on each other, causing even more confusion. Finally, both units fled.

Is the Tide Beginning to Turn?

The Battle of Germantown was yet another British victory with staggering consequences for the Continental Army: 700 men were killed, and 400 were captured. Luckily, the darkness at night and the army's weaponry helped them retreat from Germantown. While the Americans were still searching for their big victory, eyes were turning to the United States from across the sea: countries in Europe, including the French, began to notice the army's dedication and perseverance. Furthermore, Howe's attack on Philadelphia left units under Burgoyne vulnerable in New York state, which led to the monumental Patriot victory at Saratoga just a few days later. Following the battle, Washington withdrew his army to winter quarters at Valley Forge.
In October 1777, things were looking bad for the American Patriots. The British had taken Philadelphia, and the Americans needed a win. George Washington heard that British General Howe had split his army, leaving 9,000 soldiers in Germantown. Washington saw a chance to strike. Since there were four roads into the town, he planned a surprise attack from all sides.

The Attack Plan

On the night of October 3, Washington split his army to attack Germantown at dawn. General Sullivan would lead the main group from the front. General Greene would attack from the side, and militia under William Smallwood would come from the right and behind. The plan was smart, but it needed perfect timing and clear communication.

Things Go Wrong

Sullivan’s group reached the British first. But thick fog rolled in, and parts of the army lost sight of each other. A group led by Anthony Wayne got separated and ran out of ammo. They thought they were surrounded and pulled back. Greene’s forces also had a group get lost in the fog. They accidentally ran into Wayne’s men, mistook them for British soldiers, and started shooting at each other. Both groups then retreated.

What Came Next?

The British won the Battle of Germantown. About 700 American soldiers died, and 400 were captured. Still, the fog and their weapons helped the rest of the army escape. Even though it was a loss, other countries like France began to admire the Americans' determination. Meanwhile, British forces in New York were left weak, which helped the Patriots win a huge victory at Saratoga soon after. Washington then moved his army to Valley Forge for the winter.
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