Valley Forge Dbq

“For success, attitude is equally as important as ability.” (Walter Scott). Valley Forge was a fort for the patriots to stay as they fought in the revolutionary war. Britain sent many soldiers and the some of the colonists adapted scarlet fever. Those colonists did not know that their own soldiers would fight those British soldiers. In 1775, George Washington took control and made an army of patriots called the Continental Army. A year later the Declaration of Independence was written. This gave the colonists something extra to fight for. Located near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Valley Forge housed many sick soldiers. The conditions were poor and many soldiers were miserable, but a great deal still kept their positive attitudes. If I

were a soldier at Valley Forge, I would have re-enlisted, because of the motivation, good leaders, and they needed more confident soldiers.
I would re-enlist for the sake of the great motivation that has been given.

The congressmen stayed to help us be in better conditions (Powell 149). These congressmen gave us motivation to re-enlist and fight for freedom from Britain. One patriot author, Thomas Paine, wrote an essay called The American Crisis to help turn people toward the patriot side of the war. “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country…” (Paine 153). A summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will only help if it is effortless. Nobody wants to be the summer soldier and quit when times get rough. Therefore, you want to be the one who stands for what is right, even when it is agonizing. Even with all the harsh conditions, the soldiers were still cheerful (Waldo 151). If other soldiers are able to keep their spirits up at that time, it would motivate you to do the same. “...but he who stands it now, deserves the love…” (Pain 153). Being in the service of your country will earn you the love of the colonist. That love is enough motivation to stay and fight for what is right just like the leaders of the

army.
Leadership was important and a great reason to re-enlist.

George Washington was a great leader throughout the war. Washington was willing to stay and fight even though he was going through all the same hardships as we were. (Powell 149). If the leader of the army is battling through the harsh conditions, then his soldiers should stay too. Washington was setting an example for his soldiers, hoping that they will re-enlist. Furthermore, many soldiers were sick, and Washington diligently tried to access help (Powell 149). Not only did he stay and fight, Washington cared about our health. As a matter of fact, he was successful. “Congressmen stayed several weeks and was helpful in getting more food and clothing to the soldiers.” (Powell 149). These congressmen were being supportive to the army by staying and acquiring food and clothing for the soldiers. Lastly, Washington wanted his soldiers to stay positive. “General Washington had essays from American Crisis read aloud to his soldiers.” (Paine 153). This wonderful leader, George Washington, really tried to get his soldiers in the right attitude. Washington stayed throughout the rough times, got soldiers the help needed, and cared about how to soldiers felt and

thought.
During this Revolutionary War, many soldiers were either quitting or dying. The Continental Army was running short of healthy soldiers. Dr. Waldo was a doctor caring for the sick during these hard times. “...begins to grow sickly from the continued fatigue…” (Waldo, 151). Many soldiers were getting sick, tired, and were starving. Soldiers need to stay to fight for those who are sick and can not fight. There were 1800 to 2500 people died because of sickness (Busch, 147). Sickness was killing off these soldiers, and the army was suffering greatly. More soldiers were needed to replace the sick. By February, 1778, 4,000 soldiers either died or quit (Busch 147). People who quit left their country to fight with small numbered army. Healthy soldiers need to re-enlist and fight with pride for their country. “I am sick- discontent- and out of humor… I can’t endure it . . .” (Waldo, 151) Discouraged and doubtful, soldiers are giving up. We need to re-enlist, not only for our country, but for the soldiers who have passed on. Those soldiers should not die in vain, but die fighting for our freedom right by our side
On the other hand, some people say that you should not re-enlist. This point of view makes sense because your life is on the line. However, you should re-enlist because there is no point in living under brutal rule and cruel laws. Therefore, re-enlisting is a higher quality of choice than quitting.
In conclusion, all these considerable reasons point to re-enlisting. Not only is it the right thing to do, re-enlisting will benefit the colonist and America. If I were a soldier at Valley Forge, I would re-enlist because of the remarkable motivation that has been offered, the admirable leaders, and the Continental Army lacks productive, healthy soldiers. If fighting for freedom means dealing with disturbing, difficult times, it will be well worth it when is all over.