Findings; sense of congress

(a) Findings The Congress finds as follows: (1) The Philadelphia Campaign of 1777–1778, involving events in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware, was among the most significant set of events in the American Revolution. It convinced France to ally with the American cause and resulted in the development of the continental army into a professionally disciplined force. (2) Along with the American victory at the nearby battle of Saratoga, which occurred concurrently, the continental army’s ability to fight throughout the Philadelphia campaign, helped convince France that the American side could win the war. The French officially entered the war as American allies in February 1778. (3) Following the French entry into the war, the British retreated from Philadelphia in June 1778 to avoid a potential confrontation with the French navy. The continental army was then able to follow and engaged British forces at the Battle of Monmouth. (4) The Philadelphia campaign included tactical losses for the American side, most notably America’s first September 11th at the Battle of Brandywine, but the survival of the American force was a testament to General Washington’s strategy and the subsequent winter encampment at Valley Forge allowed the army to be trained by Barron Von Steuben, transforming it into a more professional and disciplined fighting force. Simultaneously the Philadelphia campaign highlighted weaknesses and missteps by British commanders, particularly General William Howe, and contributed to the understanding that the British military could be defeated. (5) The people of the United States can benefit from gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Philadelphia Campaign and the entire early period of the American war for independence. (b) Sense of Congress It is the sense of Congress that the 250th anniversary of the Philadelphia Campaign should be officially recognized.