"These are the times that try men's souls."
- Thomas Paine, "The American Crisis", 1777

The loose Confederation of united colonies wrangled over state vs. national powers while desperately trying to fund a revolution. Raw recruits in the Continental Army and Navy became battle-weary veterans as military losses mounted. Five months after the Declaration of Independence, the fate of America would rest on a single risky plan.

Benjamin Franklin sailed to France to seek help from this enemy of England, realizing that the outcome of the Revolution could depend as much on his success as that of General Washington. The General continued to struggle with inexperienced soldiers, disgruntled generals, a fractured Congress, and a predominantly neutral citizenship.

By the end of 1777, the British capture of Philadelphia was offset by a stunning American victory on the Hudson River at Saratoga! Soon after, however, the battered Continentals limped into winter headquarters at Valley Forge.